Tag: cup chicken broth

Fondant Potatoes – A Creamy Crusty Blast from the Past

Every once in a while I get a food wish that instantly takes
me back to culinary school. Things like aspic (not happening), larding a
tenderloin (not happening), and pulled sugar (sort of already happened) always
transport me back to those demos where the instructors fully admitted that we’d
probably never use these skills, but since they were considered “classic
techniques,” we’d have to spend time covering them anyway. Sure, makes perfect
sense.

This fabulous fondant potato technique is a prime example.
Made them a few times in school and loved them. Made them a few times at a
hotel early in my career and loved them. Haven’t made them since, and not
exactly sure why. They taste amazing, and as I try to make clear in the video,
the texture this method provides is unlike anything you get by just roasting.
The way the crusty, crunchy edges outside, works with the uniquely rich and
creamy inside is truly a magical thing.

I just think that we’re so used to the usual rotation of
potato side dishes; fried, roasted, mashed, etc., that it’s hard to push
ourselves to do a potato recipe that has multiple steps. In fairness, the
multiple steps are super easy, but still. Anyway, if you’ve never experienced the
old world awesomeness that is the fondant potato, I hope this video inspires
you to try. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 6 fondant potatoes:

2 tbsp vegetable oil

3 large russet potatoes (other varieties will not work as
well)

salt and pepper to taste

a knob of butter (a 2 or 3 tablespoon size chunk)

4 thyme sprigs

1/2 cup chicken broth or stock, more if needed

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Fish Stew – Sexy Is As Sexy Does

You often hear people describe food as “sexy,” but I’ve
always believed it’s really more the occasion and company that makes a meal
sexy. Put your Valentine across a candlelit table, pour a couple glasses of
wine, and no matter what you serve up, sexiness will ensue.

Having said that, it certainly doesn’t hurt to hedge your
bets and serve up a naturally sensuous dish like this simple, but
sophisticated fish stew. This is great for you less than confident cooks, since
your timing doesn’t need to be that precise. Did I mention there’d be wine
around?

You can actually do everything ahead, up until adding the
fish if you want. Since the pieces will cook in between 5 and 10 minutes, when
you’re ready to eat, simply bring the mixture to a boil, add the fish, and
simmer until done. You can also hold the stew over very low heat for a good
15-20 minutes without major problems, in case, well, you know.

By the way, make sure you check and see if your dining
partner likes fish and wine, as this would be a horrible choice if they don’t.
If they do, you’re in business. Almost any type of fish or shellfish will work
in this, as well as any small, cute potatoes. Just don’t forget to peel the middles, as it’s kind of a big deal. I hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 4 portions:
2 tbsp butter

1 large leek, chopped

1/2 cup sliced shallots

1/2 tsp salt, more to taste

3/4 cup white wine

1 1/4 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup sliced fennel root

1 pound small red potatoes

cayenne to taste

1/2 cup cream

1 pound boneless fish filets

1 tbsp chopped tarragon

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Mushroom Ricotta Bruschetta – This Was Anything But Flat

Please do not take this post’s brevity for any kind of lack
of enthusiasm or excitement over this very handsome mushroom and ricotta
bruschetta. Time’s a little short today, as my car’s left-front tire was fatally
injured last night in a brutal pothole attack.

Everyone else is fine, but I didn’t want to delay the
uploading of this fine recipe until I had time to do a proper blog post. So
basically, I’m phoning this one in. Of course, my biggest fear isn’t that
you’ll be disappointed…it’s that you won’t notice that big a difference.

Anyway, this was super tasty, and very simple to make. I
show making the ricotta bruschetta part first, but as I mention, you’ll
obviously want to have your mushrooms cooking while you prepare the bases. I
hope you give this delicious, and very versatile dish a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 4 Mushroom Ricotta Bruschetta

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 egg

zest of one lemon

1/2 tsp salt

black pepper to taste
red chili flakes to taste

4 thick slices of lightly toasted bread

1 tbsp olive oil

For the mushrooms:

2 tbsp butter, divided (half to sauté, half to stir in at
end)

1 tbsp olive oil

16 large white mushrooms

1/4 cup green onions and/or 3-4 cloves of garlic

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup marsala wine

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tsp lemon juice

2 tbsp chopped Italian parsley