Ingredients

• 3 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 oz. pancetta, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and minced
• 2 small celery ribs, minced
• 1/2 med. onion, minced
• 1 1/3 lb. coarsely ground beef skirt steak or ground chuck
• 3/4 c. chicken or beef stock
• 2/3 c. dry white wine
• 2 tbl. tomato paste
• 1 1/2 c whole milk

Preparation

Heat olive oil and pancetta in a large saucepan over medium-low heat and cook until pancetta releases its fat but is not browned, about 8 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add carrot, celery and onion. Cook, stirring until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and brown. Stir in stock, wine, and tomato paste. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, partially covered and skimming occasionally and add milk 2 tbl. at a time from time to time as the sauce simmers. Cook until the sauce is the consistency of a thick soup, about 2 hours. Remove from the heat and let cool. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 h. Skim the fat off the top before reheating. Serve over wide noodles.

Ingredients

• 3 thick slices applewood smoked bacon, cut crosswise into matchstick-size strips
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1/2 small butternut squash, peeled, halved, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger root
• 5 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 cups arborio rice
• 2 cups shredded roasted duck, chicken or turkey, optional
• 1/2 cup finely grated aged cheese, such as manchego, smoked aged gouda, Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley or a combination

Preparation

1. Place bacon in a Dutch oven; cook until the fat is rendered and the strips are crisp, 7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels. Add the onion and squash to the bacon fat; cook, stirring often, until tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute.

2. Meanwhile, heat the broth, wine, salt and pepper in a saucepan to a simmer. Stir rice into squash mixture; cook, stirring, over medium heat to coat the grains of rice with the fat, 1 minute. Stir in 2 cups of the broth mixture; cook over medium-high heat until the broth comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to keep the broth at a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 8 minutes. Add another 1/2 cup of the broth. Simmer gently, stirring until it is absorbed, 5 minutes. Continue simmering and adding broth, 1/2 cup at a time, until the rice is just tender but not hard in the interior, 12-15 minutes.

3. Stir in the shredded duck or chicken, cheese and chives. Serve in wide bowls; sprinkle each serving with the bacon and more cheese, if desired.

Source: Chicago Tribune

Ingredients

• 4 (3/4-inch-thick) center-cut pork chops (about 2 lb total)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 oz small shallots (about 8), quartered and peeled, leaving root ends intact
• 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

Preparation

Pat pork dry and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook pork (in 2 batches if necessary) along with shallots, turning pork over once and stirring shallots occasionally, until pork is browned and shallots are golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes total. Transfer pork with tongs to a plate and add vinegar, sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to shallots in skillet. Cook, stirring until sugar is dissolved and liquid is thickened slightly, about 1 minute.

Reduce heat to moderate, then return pork along with any juices accumulated on plate to skillet and turn 2 or 3 times to coat with sauce. Cook, turning over once, until pork is just cooked through, about 3 minutes total. Transfer pork to a platter and boil sauce until thickened and syrupy, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour sauce over pork.

Gourmet, March 2006

[N.B.: This is the chile relleno recipe as well; just make the batter, omitting the cayenne pepper and Old Bay.]

Ingredients

For the fries:

• 1 gallon safflower oil
• 4 large Russet potatoes
• Kosher salt

For the batter:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Dash Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 bottle brown beer, cold
• 1 1/2 pounds firm-fleshed whitefish (tilapia, pollock, cod), cut into 1-ounce strips
• Cornstarch, for dredging

Preparation

Heat oven to 200 degrees F.

Heat the safflower oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven over high heat until it reaches 320 degrees.

Using a V-slicer with a wide blade, slice the potatoes with the skin on. Place in a large bowl with cold water.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Whisk in the beer until the batter is completely smooth and free of any lumps. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Note: The batter can be made up to 1 hour ahead of time.

Drain potatoes thoroughly, removing any excess water. When oil reaches 320 degrees, submerge the potatoes in the oil. Working in small batches, fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they are pale and floppy. Remove from oil, drain, and cool to room temperature.

Increase the temperature of the oil to 375 degrees. Re-immerse fries and cook until crisp and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and drain on roasting rack. Season with kosher salt while hot and hold in the oven.

Allow oil to return to 350 degrees. Lightly dredge fish strips in cornstarch. Working in small batches, dip the fish into batter and immerse into hot oil. When the batter is set, turn the pieces of fish over and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain the fish on the roasting rack. Serve with malt vinegar.

Alton Brown, FoodNetwork.com

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 beef rump roast, about 3 pounds, or 1 chuck roast, about 4 pounds
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• Freshly ground pepper

Preparation

1. Place half of the onions in a slow cooker; top with roast. Top roast with remaining onions, broth, garlic, bay leaves, coffee, soy sauce, oregano and pepper to taste.

2. Cover; cook on low until beef is tender, 6-8 hours, turning roast once or twice. Slice beef; serve with broth and onions.

Chicago Tribune

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 6 (5- to 6-ounce) salmon fillets (about 2 pounds)
• 2 cups chickpeas from two (15-ounce) cans, drained, rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (scant) Niçoise olives or other small black olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon salt-packed capers, rinsed, or drained capers in brine
• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn if large

Preparation

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in each of 2 heavy large skillets. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Add 3 fillets to each skillet and cook until almost cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Cool slightly.

Heat remaining 4 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.Add chickpeas and all remaining ingredients except basil. Stir until warm. Season with salt and pepper. Divide chickpea mixture among 6 plates. Tear salmon into 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces; scatter over chickpeas. Garnish with basil leaves and serve.

Bon Appetit, May 2007

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. grated lemon rind
• 3 pinches ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 shot dark rum
• boiling water
• 1 tsp. butter

Preparation

Rinse mug with boiling water to heat. Place first five ingredients in the bottom of the mug, and add the rum. Fill the remainder of the mug with boiling water, and add the teaspoon of butter.

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Ingredients

For the juniper-ginger butter:

• 7 oz. (14 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup minced fresh ginger
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 Tbs. minced shallots
• 1 Tbs. ground juniper
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
• 1 Tbs. fresh thyme
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

For the brined turkey:

• 2-1/2 lb. kosher salt
• 1-1/2 lb. (3 cups plus 3 Tbs.) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup freshly ground black pepper
• 2-1/2 oz. fresh rosemary sprigs (about 2 large bunches), lightly crushed
• 2-1/2 oz. fresh thyme sprigs (about 2 large bunches), lightly crushed
• 14-lb. natural turkey (preferably fresh)

For the gravy:

• 1 cup lower-salt chicken broth
• 4 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 3 oz. (2/3 cup) all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

At least one day ahead, make the butter

Mix the butter ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate 4 Tbs. of the butter for the gravy and set the rest aside at room temperature for the turkey.

One day ahead, brine and prepare the turkey

In a plastic container or stockpot large enough to hold the turkey, mix all the brine ingredients (except the turkey) in 3 gallons of cold water, stirring until the salt and sugar are mostly dissolved. Discard the neck and the giblets and trim any excess skin or fat. Trim the tail, if desired. Rinse the turkey and submerge it in the brine for at least 4 hours and no more than 6 hours. If the turkey floats, weight it down with a couple of dinner plates.

Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Starting at the top of the breast, run your fingers between the breast and the skin to separate them, being careful not to rip the skin. Once you’re halfway down the breast, turn the turkey around and work from the bottom of the breast until you have loosened the skin from the breast, thighs, and as far down the legs as you can reach. Rub the juniper butter under the skin, covering the breast and as much of the legs as possible. Tuck the wings behind the breast and truss the turkey with twine, securing the legs to the body. Set the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan and refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 6 and up to 24 hours.

Roast the turkey

Position a rack in the bottom of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. If any brine has dripped from the turkey into the roasting pan, pour it out. Then pour 2 cups of warm water into the bottom of the pan and cover the entire roasting pan with foil. Roast undisturbed for 2 hours; remove the pan from the oven and remove the foil. Roast the uncovered turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of both thighs reads 165°F, 45 minutes to 1 hour longer.

Move the turkey to a cutting board, tent with foil to keep warm, and let rest for about 30 minutes.

Make the gravy

Strain the turkey drippings into a fat separator cup (or another clear, heatproof container). Let sit until the fat rises to the top and then separate exactly 2 cups of the turkey juice from the fat—don’t use more than that or the gravy will be too salty. Combine the 2 cups juice with the chicken broth and enough water to make 4-1/2 cups liquid.

In a medium saucepan, melt the reserved juniper-ginger butter and the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until foaming. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the liquid, bring just to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Whisking frequently, continue to cook about 5 minutes longer to meld the flavors. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Alfred Portale, Fine Cooking Magazine

Ingredients

For cassoulet:

• 3 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only)
• 4 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch-wide pieces
• 3 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch-wide pieces
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 2 parsley sprigs
• 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 (19-ounce) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 quart water

For garlic crumbs:

• 4 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs from a baguette
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Preparation

Make cassoulet:

Halve leeks lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces, then wash well and pat dry.

[To add 8 oz. bacon, slice, then fry until fat has rendered. Then add veggies and proceed with the recipe, omitting the 1/4 c. olive oil.]

Cook leeks, carrots, celery, and garlic in oil with herb sprigs, bay leaf, cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a large heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 15 minutes. Stir in beans, then water, and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender but not falling apart, about 30 minutes.

Make garlic crumbs while cassoulet simmers:

Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

Toss bread crumbs with oil, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a bowl until well coated. Spread in a baking pan and toast in oven, stirring once halfway through, until crisp and golden, 12 to 15 minutes.

Cool crumbs in pan, then return to bowl and stir in parsley.

Finish cassoulet:

Discard herb sprigs and bay leaf. Mash some of beans in pot with a potato masher or back of a spoon to thicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, sprinkle with garlic crumbs.

Gourmet, March 2008

Ingredients

• 4 5-ounce chicken breast halves [or white-fish fillets]
• 4 clementines, peeled, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 serrano chile, seeded, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh clementine juice (from about 6 clementines)

Preparation

Place chicken breast halves between 2 sheets plastic wrap or parchment paper, spacing apart. Using mallet, pound chicken to 1/4-inch thickness. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Mix clementines and next 8 ingredients in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Salsa can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover; let stand at room temperature.

Uncover chicken; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until slightly browned and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to platter. Add clementine juice to skillet; boil until reduced to 1/4 cup, stirring often, about 2 minutes. Drizzle sauce over chicken. Spoon salsa over and serve.

Bon Appetit, December 2009