Thursday, January 27, 2011

BF's Shellfish and Andouille Gumbo

Serves over rice or with cornbread on the side.

Ingredients:
1/2 pound andouille sausage, cut into thin rounds
2 small ribs celery, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely diced
1 large Spanish onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup flour
6 to 8 cups shrimp stock
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 T honey
freshly chopped cilantro leaves, for garnish
freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Seafood:
1/4 cup canola oil
12 scallops
12 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails on
18 shucked oysters
6 ounces lump crabmeat

Crispy Okra:
canola oil
1/2 pound okra, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients for shrimp stock:
3 cups raw shrimp shells and tails
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 small carrot, coarsely chopped
1/2 medium celery stalk
6 cups water
1 cup white wine
1 medium fresh tomato, or 1/2 cup canned plum tomatoes
1 bay leaf

Preparing the shrimp stock:
In a large saucepan over high heat, heat the oil until amost smoking and saute the shrimp shells and tails, onion, carrot and celery for 5 minutes, stirring. Add the water, wine, tomato and bay leaf. Reduce to medium, partly cover, and simmer 40 minutes.

Strain though cheesecloth or a fine strainer.

* * * * * * *

Preparing the gumbo base:
Heat a medium skillet over high heat. Add the andouille and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels. Do not drain. In the same pan, cook the celery, carrots, onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft.

Melt the butter over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Gradually add the flour, stirring occasionally. Cook the mixture (roux) until it's a light-caramel color, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the onion mixture and cook for about 3 minutes, without stirring.

Bring the stock to a boil in a large saucepan. Whisk in about 6 cups of the stock into the roux mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, add the andouille sausage and continue simmering for about 20 minutes, add more stock if the mixture is too thick. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

* * * * * *

Preparing the seafood:
Heat 2 tablespoon of the oil in a large saute pan, over high heat until almost smoking. Season the scallops with salt and pepper and sear the scallops, on one side, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Wipe out the skillet and add the remaining olive oil. Heat over medium-high until almost smoking. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and cook until just pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the scallops.

Add the scallops, shrimp, oysters and crab to the sauce and continue cooking until oysters are plump and cooked.

* * * * * * *

Preparing the crispy okra:
Heat 2-inches of canola oil in a high sided saute pan over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.

Place the cornmeal in a shallow baking dish and season with salt and pepper.

Season the okra with salt and pepper and toss in the cornmeal. Fry the okra, in batches, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon to the baking sheet and season with salt.

* * * * * *

Serving the gumbo:
Divide the seafood among 4 shallow bowls, ladle in some of the sauce and sausage and add the honey and garnish with the fried okra and chopped parsley and cilantro.

Serves 6

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The Best Seafood Gumbo

Store gumbo in the refrigerator for up to three days and then reheat gently before serving. As with many stews and braises, gumbo tastes better the second day. You can also freeze it for up to eight months. Simply transfer to freezer-safe containers.

Ingredients:
1-1/2 lb. medium shrimp (41 to 50 or 51 to 60 per lb.) or 2 lb. if using head-on shrimp
2 cups chopped white onion (about 1 large onion; reserve the skin)
1 cup chopped celery (about 2 medium stalks; reserve the trimmings)
1/4 cup plus 6 T vegetable oil
1 lb. fresh or thawed frozen okra, sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup chopped green bell pepper (about 1 medium pepper)
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 lb. fresh or pasteurized lump crabmeat (about 1-1/2 cups), picked over for shells, or 4 to 6 gumbo crabs (about 1 lb. total), thawed (see note at right)
1 T dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoon kosher salt; more to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; more to taste
1 cup fresh shucked oysters (halved if large)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (about 8)
Louisiana-style hot sauce, to taste
1/4 cup hot cooked white rice per serving

Note: Gumbo crabs are small blue crabs that have been cleaned and halved or quartered. They are served in the shell, and you pick out the meat as you eat the gumbo. They’re available frozen, usually in 1-pound packages. Ask your fishmonger to get you some if you can’t find them in your grocery. Fresh or pasteurized lump crabmeat is a reasonable alternative. Do not use shredded or imitation crabmeat.


Preparing the shrimp stock:
Remove the shrimp heads, if necessary. Peel and devein the shrimp and refrigerate the shrimp until needed. Combine the shrimp peels and heads and the reserved onion skin and celery trimmings in a 6- to 8-quart pot. Cover with 9 cups of cold water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a vigorous simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Strain and reserve. You should have about 2 quarts.

Preparing the okra:
In a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan, heat 1/4 cup of the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the okra in two batches until it becomes lightly browned on the edges, 3 to 5 minutes per batch (fry undisturbed for the first minute or two until browning begins and then stir once or twice to flip most pieces and brown evenly). With a slotted spoon, transfer each batch of okra to a plate or platter lined with a paper towel.

Preparing the roux:
Heat the remaining 6 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat in a 6-quart Dutch oven. Once it’s hot, add the flour and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until the roux reaches the color of caramel, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and stir until the roux deepens to a chocolate-brown, 1 to 3 minutes. Add the celery and bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp stock, okra, tomatoes, gumbo crabs (if using), thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Adjust the heat to medium-low or low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes.

Serve the gumbo:
Five minutes before serving, add the shrimp, fresh or pasteurized lump crabmeat (if using), oysters, and scallions. Add hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve in large soup bowls over 1/4 cup cooked rice per serving. Pass additional hot sauce at the table.

Serves 6 to 8; yields about 3 quarts

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Friday, January 21, 2011

Iggy's Spinach and Cheddar Cheese Souffle

Ingredients:
3 T unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the dish
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
3 T all purpose flour
1 cup scalded milk
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
pinch of cayenne pepper
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 extra large egg yolks, at room temperature
1/2 cup grated aged cheddar cheese, lightly packed
1 package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
5 extra large egg whites, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar


Preparing the souffle:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter the inside of one 6-to-8-cup soufflé dish (6 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches in diameter x 3 1/2 inches deep) and sprinkle evenly with parmesan.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. With a wooden spoon, stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Off the heat, whisk in the hot milk, nutmeg, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, for one minute, until smooth and thick.

Off the heat, but while still hot, mix in the egg yolks. Stir in the Cheddar, the Parmesan, and the spinach, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

[You can make the souffle up to 2 hours ahead to this point, keeping covered at room temperature, then proceed with the rest of the recipe right before baking.]

Put the egg whites, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on low speed for one minute, on medium speed for one minute, then finally on high speed until firm, glossy peaks are formed.

Whisk one-quarter of the egg whites into the cheese sauce to lighten, and then fold in the rest. Pour into the prepared soufflé dish, then smooth the top. Draw a large circle on top with the spatula and place in the middle of the oven. Turn the temperature down to 375 degrees F. Bake, undisturbed, for 30 to 35 minutes until puffed and brown. Serve immediately.

Serves 2 to 3

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Iggy's Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients for soup:
3 to 4 pounds butternut squash, peeled and seeded
2 yellow onions
2 McIntosh apples, peeled and cored
3 T extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 cups homemade chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon good curry powder

Condiments: Scallions, trimmed and sliced diagonally, shredded coconut, lightly toasted, salted cashews, toasted and chopped, raisins, banana, diced

Preparing the soup:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Cut the butternut squash, onions, and apples into 1-inch cubes. Place them on a sheet pan and toss with the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 35 to 45 minutes, until very tender.

Heat the chicken stock until it's simmering. When the vegetables are done, place them in batches in a food mill fitted with the medium blade. Process and pour back into the pot. [Alternatively, you can also place the roasted vegetables in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add some of the chicken stock and purée.]

When all of the vegetables are processed, place them all in another pot and add enough chicken stock to make a thick soup. Add the curry powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Be sure you use enough salt and pepper to bring out the curry flavor.

Serve hot with condiments on top of each serving.

Serves 4 to 6

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Iggy's Maple Frosted Pumpkin Cupcakes

Ingredients for cupcakes:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 extra large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (8 ounces) canned pumpkin purée, not pie filling
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup coarsely chopped Heath bars, for serving (2 1.4-ounce bars)

* * * * * * *

Ingredients for maple frosting:
6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3 T unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon Boyajian Natural Maple Flavor
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

Preparing the frosting:
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese and butter on low speed until smooth. Stir in the maple flavoring and vanilla extract. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

* * * * * * *

Preparing the cupcakes:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush or spray the top of 10 muffin tins with vegetable oil and line them with 10 paper liners.

Into a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. In a larger bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the flour mixture and stir until combined.

Divide the batter among the prepared tins, using a level 2 1/4-inch ice cream scoop, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.

Spread the cupcakes with the maple frosting and sprinkle with the chopped toffee bits.

Makes 10 cupcakes

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Monday, January 17, 2011

Marak Gar'A Hamra Wa Batat Helwa [Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Stew]

This dish goes well with roast chicken.

Ingredients:
2 ounces unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, chopped finely
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 cinnamon stick
pinch of cayenne pepper or 1/2 teaspoon harissa, or to taste
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1/8 teaspoon ground saffron threads
1 1/2 pounds butternut squash or other firm winter squash, peeled and cubed
1 pound and 2 ounces sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup raisins
1 T honey
cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

Preparing the pumpkin and sweet potato stew:
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the onion and cook gently, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon stick and cayenne pepper or harissa. Stir over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Pour in the stock, add the saffron, then increase the heat to medium and bring to a boil.

Add the pumpkin, sweet potato, raisins and honey and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender. Remove the cinnamon stick, transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top.

Seres 4 to 6

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Ma'Quoda [Fried Potato Cakes]

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds boiling potatoes
2 garlic cloves, unpeeled
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 T Italian parsley, finely chopped
2 T cilantro, finely chopped
2 small eggs
oil, for frying (canola, peanut, etc.)

Preparing the potatoe cakes:
Peel the potatoes, cut into thick slices and place in a saucepan with water to cover. Add the garlic cloves and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender, then drain and return to medium heat to dry the potatoes, shaking the pan occassionally until the excess moisture evaporates. Squeeze the pulp from the garlic cloves into the potatoes, then mash. Add the cumin, ground coriander, paprika and cayenne pepper. Mix lightly and set aside to cool.

Add the parsley, cilantro and one egg to the mashed potatoes and season to taste. Mix well without overworking. Divide into eight portions.

Lightly moisten hands and shape each portion into a smooth cake, about 1/2 inch thick and about 3 1/4 inches in diameter. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Beat the remaining egg in a shallow dish.

In a frying pan, add about 1/4 inch of oil and place over medium-high heat. When hot, dip the potato cakes one at a time into the beaten egg to coat completely and fry for 2 to 3 minutes each side or until golden and heated through. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Makes 8

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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Veal, Chicken & Shrimp With Mushrooms Over Pasta

Ingredients:
4 (4-ounce) thinly sliced veal cutlets (scaloppini)
4 (4-ounce) thinly sliced chicken tenderloins
2 ounces all purpose flour
1/2 cup olive oil
12 shiitake mushrooms cleaned and stems discarded, then sliced
6 ounces oyster mushrooms, trimmed
3 ounces porcini mushrooms chopped
4 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
salt and fresh ground black pepper
3 T brandy
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 stick butter
chopped parsley leaves, for garnish

Preparing the veal, chicken, shrimp with mushrooms:
Pound the veal and chicken into 1/4-inch thick slices, between sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper. Add the flour to a large shallow dish. Dredge the veal and chicken in the flour.

Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium to low heat. Add veal and chicken and brown on 1 side only. Add all of the mushrooms and saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the oil from the pan, add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the brandy and carefully ignite it with a long kitchen match to burn off the alcohol. Stir in the heavy cream and butter and let the sauce reduce for 3 to 4 minutes. Ready to serve.

Arrange 1 piece of veal, 1 piece of chicken and 1 shrimp on each serving plate. Top with some mushrooms and sauce and garnish with parsley. Served over pasta.

Serves 4

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Friday, January 14, 2011

The Sidecar, Another Way

Ingredients for the Sidecar:
1/2 cup sugar
1 lime, zested
1 lime wedge
10 ounces cognac
4 ounces Triple Sec liqueur (Cointreau)
4 ounces sweet and sour mix
4 ounces Limoncello
2 ounces lime juice

ice

Preparing the cocktail:
Chill 4 martini glasses. In a small shallow dish combine the sugar and the lime zest. Run the lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip in the sugar and zest mixture.

In a cocktail shaker mix the cognac, Triple Sec, sweet and sour mix, Limoncello, and lime juice over ice. Shake to chill.

Pour the Sidecars into the glasses and serve immediately.

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G's Carbonara

Ingredients for the carbonara:
1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed, rubber band left on
1 pound linguini

1 cup basil aioli, recipe follows
1 cup shaved pecorino
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 T butter
4 to 6 large eggs
salt and freshly ground black pepper

* * * * * * *

Ingredients for the basil aioli:
1 clove garlic, minced
2 large egg yolks*
2 teaspoons mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Preparing the aioli:
Combine the garlic, egg yolks, mustard, lemon juice, basil, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a food processor and run the machine to mix. With the machine running slowly drizzle in the vegetable and olive oil. Basil Aioli can be kept, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Makes about 1 cup

* * * * * * * * *

Preparing the carbonara:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 3 minutes. Transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water and let sit until cool, about 5 minutes. Remove from the water, remove the rubber band, and cut into 1-inch pieces.

Meanwhile, add the pasta to the large pot of salted water used to cook the asparagus and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta into a large bowl. Add the basil aioli, cut asparagus, shaved cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and place on a long, rectangular serving dish.

Place the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fry the eggs to your liking. Place the eggs on top of the pasta and serve immediately.

Serves 4 to 6

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