Monday, November 29, 2004
Isaac Newton in the Kitchen
Maybe a little pastry experimentation is called for. Check out this article at the New York Times: Isaac Newton in the Kitchen
Friday, November 26, 2004
Copia Wine Museum
The new-ish wine museum up in Napa is actually quite fun. It's not the exploratorium or anything, but the rather modern building houses some interesting exhibits on winemaking, food, a winetasting bar -- even stuff froom Julia Child's Kitchen. By far though, the best part is the sniffable Edible Grden, which is planted with various herbs and fruits and flavors that you find in wines. They've conveniently separated out the gardens into zones, so you can find things that go with big reds like cabernets, or whites like chardonnay.
If you're already up in Napa and tooling around the wineries and shopping outlets it's definitely a nice place for a break.
http://copia.org
If you're already up in Napa and tooling around the wineries and shopping outlets it's definitely a nice place for a break.
http://copia.org
That Orange-brined Smoked Turkey
We had this one again (fourth time) for Thanksgiving -- but we keep doing it because it works! I found the recipe in the Chronicle and have been transferring it from place to place less I lose the tattered, ornage-stained clipping it originally came from!
From Jeff Starr, Stags' Leap Winery. This turkey is moist and tender with a subtle blend of citrusy and spicy flavors. It is perfect as is, sans gravy, but a rich gravy recipe is included for those who find Thanksgiving dinner incomplete without it. The turkey is easy to brine and smoke, but the recipe should be carefully read before beginning.
INGREDIENTS:
-- 1 gallon orange juice
-- 2 cups rice wine vinegar
-- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
-- 1 cup dark brown sugar
-- 6 garlic cloves, crushed
-- 1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger
-- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
-- 2 bunches cilantro, chopped
-- 12 whole star anise
-- 2 cinnamon sticks, crushed
-- 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
-- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
-- 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
-- 1 cup kosher salt + salt to taste
-- 1 turkey (12 to 15 pounds), giblets removed, liver and neck reserved
-- About 2 pounds wine-barrel or orange-wood chips (grapevine cuttings or hickory chips may be substituted)
-- Olive oil as needed
-- Pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS: Combine the orange juice, rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, green onions, cilantro, star anise, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, cloves, peppercorns and salt in a stock pot or large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes. Let cool. (May be prepared 1 day ahead; refrigerate in a nonmetal container.)
Thoroughly rinse and dry the turkey inside and out. Place in a large plastic, glass or earthenware container that is not much wider than the diameter of the turkey and deep enough so that the brine will cover the bird completely. Pour in the brine; make sure it covers the turkey. Cover and refrigerate for 3 days. If the brine doesn't completely cover the bird, turn the bird every 12 hours.
About 4 hours before serving, soak wood chips (wine-barrel chips or orange wood imparts a good flavor) in water for at least 30 minutes.
Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry; truss and place on a roasting rack. Rub with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Place a drip pan on the fire grate of a kettle-type grill. Place 20 or 30 briquets on either side of drip pan. Light and let burn until coated with white ash, about 30 minutes.
Place the turkey in the center of the grill over the drip pan. Place small handfuls of wet wood chips on the briquets. Cover kettle with the lid. Partially open lid and kettle vents. Try not to remove the lid too often, which will lower the temperature, but check approximately every 45 minutes and replenish briquets as needed, adding about 10 each time and also additional smoking wood.
Should the briquets begin to burn too hot or flare up (turkey skin will blacken) gently damp down the fire with a small plant mister, taking care not to blow briquet dust into the drip pan. (If turkey skin gets too dark, cover with foil.) Maintain about an inch of water at all times in the drip pan. Carefully add water if drippings appear to be boiling away.
Smoke the turkey for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast (not touching bone) reaches 165-170 degrees.
Carefully transfer the turkey to a carving platter and let rest for about 15 minutes before carving. Suggested wines: 1993 Stags' Leap Winery Petite Syrah, 1994 Franciscan Oakville Estate Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay, 1993 Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon.
Serves 12 to 15.
Note No. 1: The smoking process (using subtle smoking woods such as oak wine-barrel chips, not a wood as assertive as mesquite) is the key to enhancing the citrus flavor of the brined turkey. Be sure to add a few soaked wood chips whenever the smoke stops coming out of the kettle vents.
Note No. 2: Just like an oven- roasted turkey, this one produces wonderful pan juices -- better, even, because of their haunting smoke flavor. You can use them to enhance the gravy or later on with leftovers.
Take care during the smoking process to keep the pan juices clean and clear of charcoal dust (a deeper pan makes this easier). If a little dust lands on the juices, it will settle with the fat on top; collect the clear, clean juices with a bulb baster or a fat-separator cup.
Take care when removing drip pan; it will be awkward to handle and extremely hot.
Orange Marinated Brined Smoked Turkey
From Jeff Starr, Stags' Leap Winery. This turkey is moist and tender with a subtle blend of citrusy and spicy flavors. It is perfect as is, sans gravy, but a rich gravy recipe is included for those who find Thanksgiving dinner incomplete without it. The turkey is easy to brine and smoke, but the recipe should be carefully read before beginning.
INGREDIENTS:
-- 1 gallon orange juice
-- 2 cups rice wine vinegar
-- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
-- 1 cup dark brown sugar
-- 6 garlic cloves, crushed
-- 1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger
-- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
-- 2 bunches cilantro, chopped
-- 12 whole star anise
-- 2 cinnamon sticks, crushed
-- 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
-- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
-- 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
-- 1 cup kosher salt + salt to taste
-- 1 turkey (12 to 15 pounds), giblets removed, liver and neck reserved
-- About 2 pounds wine-barrel or orange-wood chips (grapevine cuttings or hickory chips may be substituted)
-- Olive oil as needed
-- Pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS: Combine the orange juice, rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, green onions, cilantro, star anise, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, cloves, peppercorns and salt in a stock pot or large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes. Let cool. (May be prepared 1 day ahead; refrigerate in a nonmetal container.)
Thoroughly rinse and dry the turkey inside and out. Place in a large plastic, glass or earthenware container that is not much wider than the diameter of the turkey and deep enough so that the brine will cover the bird completely. Pour in the brine; make sure it covers the turkey. Cover and refrigerate for 3 days. If the brine doesn't completely cover the bird, turn the bird every 12 hours.
About 4 hours before serving, soak wood chips (wine-barrel chips or orange wood imparts a good flavor) in water for at least 30 minutes.
Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry; truss and place on a roasting rack. Rub with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Place a drip pan on the fire grate of a kettle-type grill. Place 20 or 30 briquets on either side of drip pan. Light and let burn until coated with white ash, about 30 minutes.
Place the turkey in the center of the grill over the drip pan. Place small handfuls of wet wood chips on the briquets. Cover kettle with the lid. Partially open lid and kettle vents. Try not to remove the lid too often, which will lower the temperature, but check approximately every 45 minutes and replenish briquets as needed, adding about 10 each time and also additional smoking wood.
Should the briquets begin to burn too hot or flare up (turkey skin will blacken) gently damp down the fire with a small plant mister, taking care not to blow briquet dust into the drip pan. (If turkey skin gets too dark, cover with foil.) Maintain about an inch of water at all times in the drip pan. Carefully add water if drippings appear to be boiling away.
Smoke the turkey for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast (not touching bone) reaches 165-170 degrees.
Carefully transfer the turkey to a carving platter and let rest for about 15 minutes before carving. Suggested wines: 1993 Stags' Leap Winery Petite Syrah, 1994 Franciscan Oakville Estate Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay, 1993 Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon.
Serves 12 to 15.
Note No. 1: The smoking process (using subtle smoking woods such as oak wine-barrel chips, not a wood as assertive as mesquite) is the key to enhancing the citrus flavor of the brined turkey. Be sure to add a few soaked wood chips whenever the smoke stops coming out of the kettle vents.
Note No. 2: Just like an oven- roasted turkey, this one produces wonderful pan juices -- better, even, because of their haunting smoke flavor. You can use them to enhance the gravy or later on with leftovers.
Take care during the smoking process to keep the pan juices clean and clear of charcoal dust (a deeper pan makes this easier). If a little dust lands on the juices, it will settle with the fat on top; collect the clear, clean juices with a bulb baster or a fat-separator cup.
Take care when removing drip pan; it will be awkward to handle and extremely hot.
Gravy to go with...
RICH GRAVY for that Orange -Brined Smoked Turkey
From chef Jeff Starr, Stags' Leap Winery. This gravy makes a fine accompaniment for the Focaccia Dressing. It starts with a wonderful stock and finishes with a rich flavor. The stock may be made up to 3 days before using; store in the refrigerator. Freeze for longer storage.
INGREDIENTS:
-- 6 turkey wings, disjointed and cut into 3-inch segments (or substitute 2 pounds chicken wings)
-- 1 turkey neck, reserved from the brined bird
-- 3 medium carrots, coarsely chopped
-- 3 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
-- 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
-- 3 small leeks, coarsely chopped
-- 6 tablespoons olive oil
-- 1 1/2 cups Petite Syrah or other dry red wine
-- 5 quarts water
-- 1 bunch thyme
-- 36 peppercorns
-- 2 large bay leaves
-- 1 turkey liver, reserved from the brined bird
-- 1 cup (8 ounces) butter
-- 2 medium onions, minced
-- 4 garlic cloves, minced
-- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon flour
-- Pan drippings from the smoked turkey, if available
-- Salt and pepper to taste
-- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
-- Lemon juice to taste
INSTRUCTIONS: To make the stock: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a roasting pan, thoroughly toss wings, neck, carrots, celery and coarsely chopped onions and leeks with the olive oil. Roast, stirring occasionally, until the turkey wings are deep golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes.
Remove pan from oven, discard half of the fat, and transfer the contents of the pan to a stock pot. Place the roasting pan over 2 burners on the stove top; deglaze with the wine, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Transfer the liquid to the stock pot.
Add 5 quarts water, the thyme, peppercorns and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and skim off foam that collects on top. Continue to simmer, uncovered and without boiling, for 2 hours.
Strain the stock, pressing well on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Boil the liquid in a large saucepan until it reduces to 7 cups. Chill, then remove the fat.
To make the gravy: Saute the liver in 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until it is just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove liver.
Add remaining butter. When it has melted, add minced onion and garlic; saute, stirring frequently, until the onion is golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
Stir in the flour. Reduce heat to low. Cook the flour, stirring frequently, until it is deep golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Do not let it burn.
Slowly whisk in 6 cups of the stock. Bring mixture to a boil, again reduce heat to low and simmer the gravy, skimming occasionally, for 5 minutes.
While the gravy is simmering, mince the liver. Thin the gravy, if desired, with up to 1 cup of the remaining stock. Stir in some of the pan drippings, if you have them, from the turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the parsley and the liver. Stir in lemon juice to taste. Yields about 6 cups.
PER 1/4 CUP: 85 calories, 24 g protein, 3 g carbohydrate, 8 g fat (5 g saturated), 40 mg cholesterol, 67 mg sodium, 0 g fiber.
From chef Jeff Starr, Stags' Leap Winery. This gravy makes a fine accompaniment for the Focaccia Dressing. It starts with a wonderful stock and finishes with a rich flavor. The stock may be made up to 3 days before using; store in the refrigerator. Freeze for longer storage.
INGREDIENTS:
-- 6 turkey wings, disjointed and cut into 3-inch segments (or substitute 2 pounds chicken wings)
-- 1 turkey neck, reserved from the brined bird
-- 3 medium carrots, coarsely chopped
-- 3 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
-- 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
-- 3 small leeks, coarsely chopped
-- 6 tablespoons olive oil
-- 1 1/2 cups Petite Syrah or other dry red wine
-- 5 quarts water
-- 1 bunch thyme
-- 36 peppercorns
-- 2 large bay leaves
-- 1 turkey liver, reserved from the brined bird
-- 1 cup (8 ounces) butter
-- 2 medium onions, minced
-- 4 garlic cloves, minced
-- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon flour
-- Pan drippings from the smoked turkey, if available
-- Salt and pepper to taste
-- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
-- Lemon juice to taste
INSTRUCTIONS: To make the stock: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a roasting pan, thoroughly toss wings, neck, carrots, celery and coarsely chopped onions and leeks with the olive oil. Roast, stirring occasionally, until the turkey wings are deep golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes.
Remove pan from oven, discard half of the fat, and transfer the contents of the pan to a stock pot. Place the roasting pan over 2 burners on the stove top; deglaze with the wine, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Transfer the liquid to the stock pot.
Add 5 quarts water, the thyme, peppercorns and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and skim off foam that collects on top. Continue to simmer, uncovered and without boiling, for 2 hours.
Strain the stock, pressing well on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Boil the liquid in a large saucepan until it reduces to 7 cups. Chill, then remove the fat.
To make the gravy: Saute the liver in 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until it is just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove liver.
Add remaining butter. When it has melted, add minced onion and garlic; saute, stirring frequently, until the onion is golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
Stir in the flour. Reduce heat to low. Cook the flour, stirring frequently, until it is deep golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Do not let it burn.
Slowly whisk in 6 cups of the stock. Bring mixture to a boil, again reduce heat to low and simmer the gravy, skimming occasionally, for 5 minutes.
While the gravy is simmering, mince the liver. Thin the gravy, if desired, with up to 1 cup of the remaining stock. Stir in some of the pan drippings, if you have them, from the turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the parsley and the liver. Stir in lemon juice to taste. Yields about 6 cups.
PER 1/4 CUP: 85 calories, 24 g protein, 3 g carbohydrate, 8 g fat (5 g saturated), 40 mg cholesterol, 67 mg sodium, 0 g fiber.
Focaccia Chanterelle and Sage Dressing
I usually keep this one on the menu because it's vegetarian and tastes pretty good with the gravy!
From chef Jeff Starr, Stags' Leap Winery. This is a dry dressing, where the bread cubes retain their shape. It is good with the turkey gravy poured over it. Should you prefer a moister dressing, toss the mixture with about 1/2 cup chicken broth before transfering it to the baking pan.
INGREDIENTS:
-- 8 tablespoons butter + butter as needed
-- 1 large onion, finely diced
-- 1 large carrot, finely diced
-- 1 celery rib, finely diced
-- 6 garlic cloves, minced
-- 8 ounces chanterelles or other fresh, wild or cultivated mushrooms, cleaned, cut into long thin strips
-- 3/4 cup dry white wine
-- 1 pound focaccia, cut into 1-inch cubes, toasted
-- 1 small bunch sage, leaves only, finely chopped
-- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter in a large saute pan over medium heat; add onion, carrot, celery, garlic and mushrooms. Saute, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add the wine; simmer for 5 minutes.
Transfer mixture to a large bowl and toss with focaccia, sage, salt and pepper. Transfer to a lightly buttered baking pan that will hold dressing to a depth of about 2 inches. Cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes.
Remove foil; brush top of dressing lightly with melted butter. Continue to bake until top is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
Serves 12.
FOCACCIA/ CHANTERELLES AND SAGE DRESSING
From chef Jeff Starr, Stags' Leap Winery. This is a dry dressing, where the bread cubes retain their shape. It is good with the turkey gravy poured over it. Should you prefer a moister dressing, toss the mixture with about 1/2 cup chicken broth before transfering it to the baking pan.
INGREDIENTS:
-- 8 tablespoons butter + butter as needed
-- 1 large onion, finely diced
-- 1 large carrot, finely diced
-- 1 celery rib, finely diced
-- 6 garlic cloves, minced
-- 8 ounces chanterelles or other fresh, wild or cultivated mushrooms, cleaned, cut into long thin strips
-- 3/4 cup dry white wine
-- 1 pound focaccia, cut into 1-inch cubes, toasted
-- 1 small bunch sage, leaves only, finely chopped
-- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter in a large saute pan over medium heat; add onion, carrot, celery, garlic and mushrooms. Saute, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add the wine; simmer for 5 minutes.
Transfer mixture to a large bowl and toss with focaccia, sage, salt and pepper. Transfer to a lightly buttered baking pan that will hold dressing to a depth of about 2 inches. Cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes.
Remove foil; brush top of dressing lightly with melted butter. Continue to bake until top is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
Serves 12.
Sausage Stuffing
Like most people, we split the Thansgiving day cooking duties, but I thought I'd note the contributions we made to the eat-a-thon, starting with the easiest one. This recipe is a total no-brainer, but is very yummy -- I'm sure all that sausage and butter doesn't hurt!
1 bunch diced celery
1 stick melted butter
2 lbs bulk sausage
2 large loaves bread
sage (to taste)
1/2 lb raisins
a little water
Brown onions and celery in frying pan, drain and set aside. Brown the sausage in the same pan and drain and set aside. Combine all ingredients in a bowl together and knead lightly with hands adding a little water if needed. Either stuff and bake, or put into baking dish and bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
Recipe can be halved.
Sausage Stuffing
1 diced onion1 bunch diced celery
1 stick melted butter
2 lbs bulk sausage
2 large loaves bread
sage (to taste)
1/2 lb raisins
a little water
Brown onions and celery in frying pan, drain and set aside. Brown the sausage in the same pan and drain and set aside. Combine all ingredients in a bowl together and knead lightly with hands adding a little water if needed. Either stuff and bake, or put into baking dish and bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
Recipe can be halved.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
David Rosengarten's website
I took a quick look at DavidRosengarten.com which I wound up at from a search for a good book about pairing food and wine. I think "Taste" is the one recommended to me by a friend, so I may order it soon.
Chicken Liver Pate
We had a yummy simple pate (From Saveur Magazine 11/04) on our picnic last weekend. It's much easier to make than one might imagine and the results make it well worth the
minimal effort.
This recipe (from Saveur 12/97) is my next experiment though!
At the famed Lyon bouchon popularly called Les Fedes, this mousse --a sort of elegant variation on pate -- is served with a hearty tomato sauce, though crayfish sauce is also traditional.
Preheat oven to 325°.
Combine in a food processor:
minimal effort.
This recipe (from Saveur 12/97) is my next experiment though!
At the famed Lyon bouchon popularly called Les Fedes, this mousse --a sort of elegant variation on pate -- is served with a hearty tomato sauce, though crayfish sauce is also traditional.
Preheat oven to 325°.
Combine in a food processor:
- 6 chicken livers
- 2 tbsp. flour
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cream
- and a pinch nutmeg
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and puree.
Divide liver mixture between 4 buttered 3'' ramekins. Place ramekins in a baking pan, place pan in oven, then add enough hot water to come three- quarters of the way up sides of ramekins.
Bake until mixture is firm, 25 minutes. Loosen sides with a paring knife, unmold, and serve warm with crayfish sauce (see Poulet aux crevisses recipe).
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