Culinary Corner



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Culinary Corner

Every day, we bring you another informative conversation between Alan and a congress member from our listening area. One day, as The Roundtable crew was listening to Congressional Corner, we had an epiphany: Not only do we have a bevy of tremendous congressman in our area, we also have an overabundance of outstanding chefs. And thus, the Culinary Corner segment was born. On this web-page we'll post the recipes and links to the audio segments after they air.

Attention Chefs and Restaurateurs: Would you like your establishment to be featured in a series of Culinary Corner recipes? If that appeals to you (and your restaurant is located in the WAMC listening area) please contact Sarah LaDuke.

Culinary Corner can be heard every Wednesday.


November 12, 2008

Jill Rontey joins Ric Orlando, of New World Home Cooking and they make a spicy seafood stew. Listen

Callalo Soup

Callaloo is the name of a leafy green vegetable that is a staple of West Indian cooking, and also of the soup made from that green. Since callaloo, the vegetable, is not commercially available in most North American markets (though it does grow wild ), I like to substitute kale and spinach. The results are delicious and you couldn't ask for a healthier dish. Kale is one of the best cancer-fighting foods and spinach is packed with nutrients. Another ingredient, okra, is full of pectin and potassium, which is a great healer. Cooking the okra for a long time until the seeds turn pink makes them digestible.

Most Caribbean recipes use salt pork as a seasoning. I've omitted the pork but captured its essential saltiness by using clam stock. The Scotch bonnet pepper gives this soup a nice round heat. When I prepared Callaloo on the Today Show, the peppers I picked up in Manhattan were particularly fresh and very hot. I certainly pleased the palate of chile-fancier Al Roker, even though it was 8:45 AM!

Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 large Spanish onions, diced
  • 1 medium Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded if you wish to reduce the spiciness, minced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 cups okra, stemmed and cut into 1/4-inch rings
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 quart (32 ounces) good-quality bottled clam juice (without MSG!)
  • 1 pound kale, leaves pulled off the stems, rinsed and torn into pieces
  • 1 pound spinach, well rinsed and coarsely chopped
  • 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked over to remove shells


  • In a 3- to 5-quart heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook to soften, but do not brown them.

    Add the Scotch bonnet, garlic, okra and thyme. Turn up the heat until the ingredients sizzle.

    Add 1 quart water and the clam juice and bring to the boil. Let boil hard for 5 minutes.

    Add the kale and spinach, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium.

    Cook for at least 40 minutes up to 1 hour, or until the okra seeds start to turn pink.

    Add the crabmeat and cook for 5 minutes.

    The soup reheats well; in fact, it gets better and better as it ages.



    October 22, 2008

    Jill Rontey joins Chef Jennifer Clair of Home Cooking New York in making a creamy and spicy red lentil soup with coconut milk. Listen

    Indian-Spiced Red Lentil Soup
    Serves 4 to 6

    Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 2 large carrots, cut into ½-inch half moons
  • 1 cup split red lentils
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 15-ounce can coconut milk
  • Coarse salt
  • Fresh lime juice, as needed
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, shredded


  • 1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

    2. Add the onion, ginger, and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

    3. Add the curry powder and cayenne and cook until very fragrant, about 1 minute.

    4. Add the carrots, lentils, broth, and coconut milk and bring the soup to a boil.

    5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.

    6. Stir vigorously with a whisk to break up the lentils, then season to taste with salt and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.

    7. Add the spinach leaves just before serving and stir until wilted. Serve hot or warm.




    October 15, 2008

    Alan and Ballon are back at The Castle Street Café in Great Barrington! In today's Culinary Corner they make Shrimp in Lemongrass Broth. Listen

    Shrimp in Lemon Grass Broth
    Serves 4

    Of all the food items grown in the garden, nothing's as different as growing your own lemongrass. If you buy lemongrass in the supermarket, it is dry and woody, almost like bamboo. Fresh lemongrass, however, is green and verdant, with a very powerful bouquet and flavor. The tops of the leaves are green like scallions, and full of flavor. The best way to use lemongrass is to make a broth, steeping the lemongrass in stock, sort of like tea. With the weather getting cooler, hot broth is that much more appealing. The following recipe is the model of eastern simplicity; a few vegetables and fish in a pungent clear broth. Bon Appetite! - Chef Ballon

    Ingredients

  • 3 cups fish or chicken stock
  • 1 Spanish onion thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
  • pinch crushed hot red pepper flakes
  • 1 bunch scallion minced
  • 1 red pepper julienne
  • 1/2 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 lb sea shrimp


  • In a small soup pot, brown the onions and ginger, add the stock and lemongrass, pepper flakes, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then lower flame very low, cover, and let steep 30 minutes.

    Strain the broth, reserve the liquid, and discard the cooked lemongrass broth.

    Place the broth in another small sauce pot, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer for 5 minutes.

    Ladle into 4 bowls, and serve immediately. Garnish with a piece of lemongrass.




    October 8, 2008

    Sarah joins Jo Jones at Terrapin Restaurant to make Lemongrass Beurre Blanc with Steamed Mussels served with mustard greens and leeks. Listen

    Lemongrass Beurre Blanc with Steamed Mussels
    We are waiting for the text of this recipe. As soon as we get it, you will! Thank you for your patience.


    October 1, 2008

    Jill Rontey joins Chef Jennifer Clair of Home Cooking New York in making a decadent chocolate torte. Listen

    Dark Chocolate Torte
    Serves 8 to 10 - This rich torte will sink significantly as it cools.

    Ingredients

  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
  • 10 ounces good-quality bittersweet chocolate, such as Vahlrona, Ghiradelli, or
  • Scharffenberger, chopped
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Whipped cream, crème fraiche, or vanilla ice cream, for serving
  • Fresh red fruit (raspberries, strawberries), for serving

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter a 9-inch springform pan or pie plate.

    2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering (not boiling) water. Stir with a rubber spatula until smooth. (Alternately, the butter and chocolate can be melted in the microwave: Place the chocolate and butter pieces in a glass bowl and cook on high for 2 minutes; stir the melted butter and chocolate until smooth.)

    3. Allow the chocolate-butter mixture to cool until just warm to the touch. Stir in the egg yolks and vanilla, and set aside.

    4. In a large bowl, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently sprinkle the flour and sugar over the whites, and beat until smooth and glossy, about 10 seconds (do not overbeat or the whites will dry out). Using a rubber spatula, add one-third of the egg white mixture to the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Gently fold in remaining whites until no white streaks remain. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.

    5. Bake until a knife inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. If using a springform pan, run a knife along the edges of the pan to loosen the cake, and cool for 30 minutes before completely removing the ring from the pan. If using a pie plate, simply serve the torte from the dish. Serve the torte with whipped cream and berries on the side. (This torte can be prepared one day ahead, and covered with plastic wrap and chilled in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.)


    September 17, 2008

    Alan and Ballon are back at The Castle Street Café in Great Barrington! In today's Culinary Corner they make Salmon with Toasted Macadamia Nuts, Braised Pears, and Pear Sauce . Listen

    Salmon with Toasted Macadamia Nuts, Braised Pears, and Pear Sauce

    Ingredients:

  • 4 6-8 oz salmon Filets
  • 1/2 cup toasted Macadamia Nuts, finely ground
  • 8 Ripe pears
  • 1 teaspoon mined fresh ginger
  • 1 cup spinach


  • Preheat an oven to 400.

    Press the toasted nuts into one side of the salmon filets, and set aside.

    Peel 4 of the pears, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, and then cool in ice water. Drain well.

    Puree the cooked pears in a blender with ½ teaspoon ginger.

    Place the nut coated salmon filets in the oven, and bake about 8 minutes at 400.

    Slice the remaining 4 pears unpeeled, and lightly sauté in a little oil with the remaining ½ teaspoon ginger, until soft.

    Add the spinach to the sauté pan, and lightly wilt.

    Place some of the pear puree on the bottom of 4 plates, put the cooked salmon in the center, and top with the cooked pear and spinach mix. Serve immediately.




    September 10, 2008

    In homage to her parents, Terrapin Restaurant's Pastry Chef, Derin Tanyol, has mastered Turkish dessert, Baklava. Listen

    Baklava

    Yields one hotel pan (18 x 11 inches); divide recipe in half for 9 x 13 baking pan. Some trimming of filo dough will be necessary to fit pan.

    Ingredients:
  • Filo dough, 16 oz. box + 6 sheets
  • 1 pound 5 oz. walnuts, finely chopped
  • 11 oz. sugar
  • 2-1/2 t. cinnamon
  • 2-1/4 T rosewater
  • 12 oz. butter, melted
  • Spray bottle of water
  • Honey


  • Mix chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and rosewater in a large bowl. Set aside.

    Brush baking pan with some of the melted butter. The 12 oz. melted butter will be used up, layer by layer, by the time the last layer of filo is used up; brush accordingly.

    Begin building your baklava layer by layer. The first 6 and last 6 layers of the baklava will not have any of the nut mixture in it, as it will poke through the filo dough. Place one layer of dough in the buttered pan. Brush it with more butter. Lay another piece of dough on top of the first; spray liberally with water. Repeat, alternating butter and water, for 6 layers. Then start adding nut mixture to one layer, followed by a layer of buttered dough and a layer of watered dough. You will do 4 or 5 layers of nut mixture, being sure to spread nut mixture all the way to edges of pan. Finish with 6 layers brushed alternately with butter/water.

    The last layer, i.e the top of your baklava, will be brushed with the last of the butter after you have cut the baklava. Cut the baklava with a sharp knife into however many portions you desire. It is important to cut the baklava before baking; if you do so after it comes out of the oven, the filo dough will shard.

    Bake 15 minutes at 375, until filo dough puffs and round slightly. Lower heat to 350 and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until light brown. Drizzle with honey while still hot.


    September 3, 2008

    Making his debut in our Culinary Corner it's Chef/Owner of Terrapin Restaurant - Josh Kroner! It's prime tomato season in the Hudson Valley so Josh took the opportunity to teach Sarah LaDuke how to make Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho. Listen

    Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho
    There's nothing like being a chef in the Hudson Valley at this time of year. With all the great local ingredients available from our favorite farms such as Migliorelli Farm, Sky Farms, Brittany Hollow to name a few, the Terrapin menu becomes that much more robust with local fresh flavors.

    One of my favorite vendors is Irving Mink. He brings us tomatoes with love. On many occasions, he will pull out a ripe red tomato from the delivery just to introduce it to me.

    "Look," Mink says, "Look how gorgeous this one is, so red, so great."

    So the next time you stop in, try the Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho, a seasonal addition to the menu, or make it at home with tomatoes from your garden and enjoy.
    - Josh Kroner

    Ingredients:
    • 5 slices White Bread
    • 5 pounds Heirloom Tomatoes, cored, seeded & chopped
    • 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, chopped
    • 1/2 cup Poblano Chile, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
    • 1 teaspoon Raw Garlic, chopped
    • 1/4 cup Roasted Garlic
    • 1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar
    • 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
    • To Taste Salt, pepper, honey
    • Garnish
      • Diced, peeled tomatoes
      • Diced yellow peppers
      • Diced poblanos
      • Chopped scallions
      • Crème fraîche

    In a blender combine all ingredients except oil, salt, pepper and honey. You will need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your blender. Fill the blender no more than half full. Divide the oil into the amount of batches you will need to do.

    Puree until smooth, then add the oil to the blender while it is running to create an emulsification. Combine batches in a large pot or plastic container.

    In the container, season the soup to taste. Depending on the sweetness of the tomatoes and your personal taste, you may choose to add a little honey or leave it out completely.

    For the garnish, you are looking to add a little texture to the dish. Add one or two tablespoons of chopped vegetables to each bowl and a dollop of crème fraîche. Serve with a piece of crusty French bread.


    August 20, 2008

    Alan Chartock joins William Merelle in the kitchen of Rouge Restaurant and Bistro in West Stockbridge, MA. Listen

    Apple Tart

    We are waiting for the text of this recipe. As soon as we get it, you will! Thank you for your patience.




    August 13, 2008

    Joe joins Suzanne at JT Baker's in Greenwich, NY to make White Chocolate Key Lime Cheesecake. Listen

    White Cocolate Key Lime* Cheesecake
    Yield: 1- 9" cheesecake

    Ingredients:
  • 1-1/2 cream cheese
  • 6oz sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 6oz White Chocolate
  • 3 oz Butter (unsalted)
  • 1-1/4 oz Key Lime Juice* (Suzanne does not recommend regular lime juice, as the flavor is significantly different. Look for authentic Key lime juice in a local grocery/ specialty* store)
  • Directions:

    1) Soften cream cheese in mixing bowl with paddle. Scrape sides of bowl often, to insure no lumps.
    2) Once soft and no lumps, add sugar and cream on low speed until smooth and creamy.
    3) Add eggs slowly and scrape often, making sure incorporated thoroughly.
    4) (While mixing) Melt butter and white chocolate together over a hot water bath. Keep heat low to ensure chocolate does not burn.
    5) Add melted chocolate and butter to mix at low speed, blending to incorporate.
    6) Add key lime juice blend in until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix.
    7) Pour into prepared 9" pan (crust recipe follows)
    8) Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Check for doneness, there should be a slight jiggle in the center.
    9) Cool in a warm place, when cooled run a knife along edges of pan to loosen cheesecake. Remove spring-form pan sides. Once completely cooled refrigerate.
    10) When cool from refrigerator, top with sour cream topping to cover any cracks that formed during baking or cooling process.

    Recipe for single 9" cheesecake crust

  • 1-1/2 cups ground graham cracker
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 6 Tbsp. Melted butter
  • Directions:

    1) Blend together ground graham crackers, sugar, and cinnamon.
    2) Add butter in small amounts until crumbs hold together.
    3) Press into bottom of a 9" spring form (or cheesecake) pan.
    4) Bake at 350degrees F for 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
    5) Cool before using.
    Sour Cream Topping Recipe

  • 1-8oz Package cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 Tbsp. Sugar
  • 1 Tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Directions:

    1) Blend cream cheese until smooth and no lumps.
    2) Add sugar, beating, scraping sides often, and insuring no lumps.
    3) Add in sour cream and vanilla until incorporated.
    Smooth over top of cooled cheesecake, refrigerate any leftovers.


    July 30, 2008

    Alan Chartock joins William Merelle in the kitchen of Rouge Restaurant and Bistro in West Stockbridge, MA. Listen

    Calamari with Squid Ink

    We are waiting for the text of this recipe. As soon as we get it, you will! Thank you for your patience.



    July 24, 2008

    Joe joins Jason at JT Baker's in Greenwich, NY. Listen

    Bouillabaisse

    Ingredients:
    • 4 Large Scallops
    • 12 oz. Favorite fish cut into 3oz pieces
    • 40 washed mussels
    • 1 cup white wine
    • 4 pinches bonito flake
    • 2 tbsp. Butter
    • salt to taste
    • pepper to taste


    July 16, 2008

    Alan Chartock joins William Merelle in the kitchen of Rouge Restaurant and Bistro in West Stockbridge, MA. Listen

    Chicken Pineapple Skewers

    We are waiting for the text of this recipe. As soon as we get it, you will! Thank you for your patience.



    July 9, 2008

    Chef Heidi Hoyt welcomes Sarah LaDuke into the kitchen of Black Diamond Caterers - this time to make a zesty red pepper Cole Slaw. Listen

    Red Pepper Cole Slaw

    Ingredients:

  • 2 Red Bell Peppers, cut into 2 inch strips and the strips sliced into matchsticks
  • 3 Red Bell Peppers, charred and peeled, diced (see note below)
  • 1/2 Head Cabbage, medium to large size, sliced thin
  • 1/2 Large Spanish Onion, small dice
  • 2 TB Cracked Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 Cup Hellmann's Mayo
  • 1/3 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice


  • Mix all ingredients well.

    Wrap and refrigerate for several hours before serving. The extra time allows the flavors to blend.

    Note: To make roasted red peppers, place washed whole peppers on open flame gas stove burners and turn with tongs as each side becomes black. If you don't have a gas stove, use a grill or the oven broiler. The key is to blacken the skin evenly on all sides and tops and bottoms. Once the peppers are completely charred place them in bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to sit for 30 minutes until cool. Using a paring knife, gently remove the stem, the seeds and the char. Leave tiny bits of char to add flavor. Peppers can be prepared a day in advance.

    July 2, 2008

    Joe joins Jason at JT Baker's in Greenwich, NY. Listen

    Tataki Beef and Seitan Appetizer

    Serves approx. 4 people

    Marinade:
    • 1 cup key lime juice
    • ½ cup sherry
    • 1cup soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger
    Main ingredients
    • 8 oz. Flank steak
    • 4 oz. Seitan cut into 1oz pieces
    Other Ingredients:
    • Soy emulsion
    • 2 softly poached eggs
    • ¼ cup soy sauce
    • 1Tbsp. red miso paste
    • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
    • 2 cups vegetable oil


    June 25, 2008

    Alan Chartock joins William Merelle in the kitchen of Rouge Restaurant and Bistro in West Stockbridge, MA. Listen

    Ginger Soup

    We are waiting for the text of this recipe. As soon as we get it, you will! Thank you for your patience.


    June 18, 2008

    Once again, we're welcomed into the kitchen of Black Diamond Caterers! Associate Producer, Sarah LaDuke and Heidi Hoyt make a Yellow Fin Tuna on Cucumber hors d'oeuvre that is as gorgeous as it is delicious! Listen

    Yellow Fin Tuna on Cucumber
    Serve as a party food or hors d'oeuvre!

    Ingredients:

  • 1 Sushi grade, Yellowfin Tuna steak, 1 ½ inches thick
  • 1/2 Cup Cracked Black Pepper, also known as Butcher's Pepper
  • 1/4 Cup Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter
  • Quality Tamari
  • 1 English Cucumber, sliced ¼ inch thick


  • 1. Remove any dark area from Tuna Steak

    2. Cut steak "bars" that are 1 ½ inch squared

    3. Roll each tuna bar in the cracked pepper and then sprinkle each side of each bar with the salt

    4. In a large sauté pan add the oil and butter and place over medium high heat.

    5. When the pan is very hot, quickly add the tuna bars and using tongs turn the tuna bars every 20 seconds until each side is seared. Remove from pan quickly and allow tuna to cool.

    6. When cool slice each tuna bar with a very sharp knife into ¼ inch slices and lay pieces out on a sheet pan. If seared properly the tuna will be very rare with a thin cooked surface.

    7. Just before serving sprinkle liberally with Tamari.

    8. Arrange cucumber slices on serving platter and top with a tuna slice.


    June 11, 2008

    So, you want a Fillet mignon with mushrooms and red pepper panini? We've got what you're looking for! Dan Leader, owner and head baker of Bread Alone in Boiceville, Woodstock and Rhinebeck, NY joins Julia Tayolor. Listen

    Fillet Mignon Panini

    Ingredients:
  • 2 chibatta rolls
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 lb. filet mignon, cut into 1/3" slices
  • 3 tablespoons red pepper-garlic mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup baby arugula, washed and dried


  • Red Pepper-Garlic Mayo Ingredients:
  • 1/4 Cup drained roasted red peppers from a jar
  • 1 small garlic clove, put through a garlic press
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 Cup mayonnaise

  • Combine the peppers, garlic, lemon juice and cayenne pepper in a blender and puree until smooth. Scrape the mixture into a small bowl and stir in a the mayo until well combined. This will keep, tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3 days.

    1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium- high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their liquid and are very soft, about 7 minutes.

    2. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to cool.

    3. Heat panini press according to the manufacture's instructions. Brush the filet pieces with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Lay them on the panini press, pull the top down and grill until seared on the outside but rare on the inside, 3 to 4 minutes.

    4. While the steak is cooking, split the rolls in half and spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mayo on the bottom of each slice of bread. Arrange the mushrooms on top of the mayo. Arrange the arugula on top of the mushrooms. Lay the steak slices on top of the arugula.

    5. Top each sandwich with the remaining roll halves. Put the sandwiches on the press, pull the top down and cook until they are browned and crisp, 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the machine. Carefully remove from the press and serve immediately.


    May 28, 2008

    Alan Chartock joins William Merelle in the kitchen of Rouge Restaurant and Bistro in West Stockbridge, MA. The extraordinary cuisine that William and his wife, Maggie, provide makes Rouge one of Alan's favorite restaurants! Listen

    Shrimp Salad with Walnut Dressing

    We are waiting for the text of this recipe. As soon as we get it, you will! Thank you for your patience.










    May 21, 2008

    Spaghetti Squash Bisque is the soup du jour in today's Culinary Corner. Joe joins Jason at JT Baker's in Greenwich, NY.
    Listen

    Spaghetti Squash Bisque

    Ingredients:
  • 1 large spaghetti squash (approx. 1-2 lbs.)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 Rough cut shallots - carmalize a little and sweat until translucent
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt & White Pepper - to taste
  • Dry White Wine - to taste
  • 3 cups water


  • 1. Braise squash and water together at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until fork tender

    2. Blend squash (keeping the squash liquid that resulting from braising) and shallots together adding water to allow movement

    3. Once smooth, put it into a pot on medium heat and add cream, wine, and salt and pepper

    4. Stir often, seasoning to taste, until warm. (Remember not to add seasoning slowly so as not to overseason.)

    5. Finish with white truffle oil (about 3 or 4 drops per bowl)

    May 14, 2008

    Dan Leader, owner and head baker of Bread Alone in Boiceville, Woodstock and Rhinebeck, NY teaches Julia how to make a Nutella French Toast Panini that is - by his own admission - "To-die-for delicious!" Listen

    Nutella French Toast Panini

    Ingredients:

  • 4 1" thick slices of brioche
  • 1/4 cup Nutella
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup half-and-half milk
  • 2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


  • 1. Heat a panini or sandwich press according to the manufacturer's instructions.

    2. Spread 2 pieces of bread with the Nutella. Top each piece with another piece of bread.

    3. Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, confectioner's sugar and vanilla in a shallow bowl.

    4. Place one of the sandwiches in the bowl and then turn it to completely coat it with the egg mixture. Transfer to a platter.

    5. Let it stand for a few seconds.

    6. Put the sandwiches on the press, pull the top down and cook until they are golden and crisp, 4 to 6 minutes, depending on your machine.

    7. Carefully remove from the press, dust with confectioner's sugar, and serve immediately.


    May 7, 2008

    Once again, we're welcomed into the kitchen of Black Diamond Caterers! Associate Producer, Sarah LaDuke and Heidi Hoyt make Truffle Curls. /wamc/media/Culinary Corner/Shrimp Salad.jpg Listen

    Truffle Curls
    Make your own melt-in-your mouth truffles with a twist of making them into curls!

    Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small bits
  • 3 TB unsalted butter, cut into bits
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup liquor such as Grand Marnier or Kahlua
  • Two kinds of quality cocoas


  • 1. Place chocolate and butter into a bowl.

    2. Bring cream to a boil and pour over chocolate. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.

    3. Gently whisk the mixture until absolutely all the chocolate is melted.

    4. Add the Liquor and mix again.

    5. Pour mixture into a shallow, rectangular, plastic or glass container.

    6. Place plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the mixture and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.

    7. Using a teaspoon held sideways slowly scrape a truffle out of the pan until it is about 2 inches long and curled. Set onto a cookie sheet pan. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

    8. Place truffle curls in freezer for 15 minutes.

    9. Place the two cocoas in separate shallow bowls. Place each truffle in one of the cocoas being sure douse each truffle very well in the cocoa. The truffles should be half of one cocoa and half the other.

    10. Arrange on a platter mixing the cocoas and keep well chilled.


    April 30, 2008

    Roundtable Super-Producer Andy Clegg joins Sean Dunleavy, Chef/Owner of The Rattlesnake Café in Bennington, VT to make Aztec Shrimp. Listen

    Aztec Shrimp
    Recipe adjusted to make 2 adult portions.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 Pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 Cup Virgin First Cold Press Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Stick of Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 Spanish Onion
  • 1 Clove Garlic
  • 1 Can Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes in juice.
  • 1 Tablespoon Nonpareilles Capers
  • 6 Stuffed Olives
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Pinch each Fresh Pepper, Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 Bunch Cilantro


  • 1. Begin by putting the olive oil in a medium sauce pan over high heat until the oil is hot. Add sliced Spanish onion, reduce to low heat, stir occasionally to prevent onion from burning or sticking to the pan.

    2. In a separate sauce pan melt butter over medium heat. Once butter is melted add shrimp to the pan. Sautée shrimp until bright orange/pink on one side (about 2 minutes) add finely chopped garlic to the pan then flip the shrimp. Sauté until color matches the first side (bright orange/pink).

    3. Add tomatoes. Crush larger chunks of tomato to bite sized bits. Add Capers, Sugar, Salt, and Spices. Allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes or until sauce is evenly heated.

    4. Add sautéed onions from other pan. Stir. Adjust seasoning to taste. Allow to simmer one more minute.

    5. Remove shrimp from the pan assuring each plate has an equal number of shrimp. (If you are on a date be sure to give your date at least one extra shrimp!) Cover shrimp with sauce and lightly dust with chopped cilantro.

    ***


    This dish is best served over steamed rice and veggies, but also holds up well over pasta.

    This dish pairs well with almost any style of wine. Sean's personal favorite with this dish is a 2004 Peter Lehmann Shiraz (Australia $17). Enjoy!

    To simplify and reduce dirty dishes you can make the entire recipe in the same pan as the sautéed onions, just wait for the onions to turn light brown before continuing with the recipe.


    April 23, 2008

    Special LIVE Culinary Corner on The Roundtable's Science Day! Jason Baker joins Joe and David in Studio A to talk about recipes featuring maltodextrin. Listen


    April 16, 2008

    Alan and Ballon are back at The Castle Street Café in Great Barrington! In today's Culinary Corner they make macaroons. Listen

    Macaroons

    We are waiting for the text of this recipe. As soon as we get it, you will! Thank you for your patience.


    April 9, 2008

    Julia joins Dan Leader, owner and head baker of Bread Alone in Boiceville, Woodstock and Rhinebeck, NY. This time they make a classic French panini - the Croque-Monsieur which is featured in Dan's newest book, Panini Express. Listen

    Croque Monsieur

    Ingredients:

  • 2 six inch length baguette
  • Grain mustard
  • 3 slices Emmenthaler cheese
  • 6 cornichons chopped
  • 4 slices of ham
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened


  • 1. Heat a panini or sandwich press according to the manufacturer's instructions.

    2. Spread each piece of bread on one side with 1.5 teaspoons of butter. (If using a baguette, skip this step).

    3. Put the bread, buttered side down, on a cutting board. Spread 1.5 teaspoons of mustard on two slices.

    4. Top each one with some cheese.

    5. Sprinkle the chopped cornichons on top of the cheese.

    6. Arrange the ham on top of the cornichons.

    7. Top each sandwich with a remaining bread slice, buttered side up.

    8. Put the sandwiches on the press, pull the top down and cook until they are browned and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your machine.

    April 2, 2008

    This week we're back in the kitchen of Black Diamond Caterers! Associate Producer, Sarah LaDuke and Heidi Hoyt make Classic Scones.
    Listen

    Classic Scones
    Serve with English Clotted Cream or Double Cream and a nice Fruit Preserve

    Ingredients:
  • 1 1/4 pounds (approximately 5 Cups, sifted into measuring cup, not packed)good all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 TB baking powder
  • 1 Tsp Kosher Salt
  • 5 oz butter, unsalted, at room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3 eggs, large


  • 1. Place the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.

    2. Mix the heavy cream and eggs together until mixed well and set aside.

    3. Using fingers or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until completely blended.

    4. Add the heavy cream mixture and mix with a spoon until the dough barely pulls together.

    5. Dust counter area with flour and turn out dough onto counter. Scrape out bowl and gather all the pieces of dough together into a rough ball shape.

    6. Dust hands with flour and press on dough until it is disk shaped. Fold the dough onto itself. Gather all the pieces together and repeat the folding the dough onto itself. Repeat two more times. Do not over handle by kneading the dough. This will make a tough scone.

    7. Using hands, flatten dough until the dough is 2 inches thick.

    8. Using a round 2 inch cookie cutter, cut out scones and place on thick, baking sheet pan.

    9. Place pan on top rack of oven and bake at 375F for 7 minutes. Turn pan and bake another 2 minutes.

    Cool and serve.

    March 26, 2008

    Sweet and savory? Fruit and cheese? What could be better!? Joe joins Jason at JT Baker's in Greenwich, NY to make this Pear Salad.
    Listen

    Hot Pear Salad

    Ingredients:
  • 2 Whole Bosc pears- cored/ peeled/ segmented into 8 pieces
  • ½ cup whole walnuts
  • 4 oz. soft goat cheese (we recommend using Sweet Spring Farm)
  • 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. wildflower or clover honey (We recommend Blacks, Fowler, or Betterbee)
  • 2 Tbsp. white wine
  • 1tbsp unsalted butter
  • salt, black pepper, and toasted ground fennel seed - to taste


  • **Steps to come!**

    March 19, 2008

    Senior Producer Andy Clegg joins Amy Chamberlain at The Perfect Wife Restaurant and Tavern in Manchester, VT to make a tasty Romesco Sauce.
    Listen

    Romesco Sauce for Shrimp

    Ingredients:
  • 1 cup slivered or sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1 cup french bread, sliced and toasted
  • 4 teaspoons chopped garlic
  • 3 roasted red peppers, drained
  • 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil


  • Combine all but olive oil together. Pulse in Cuisinart until almost smooth. Slowly add the oil, scraping down the sides occasionally. Check seasoning.

    March 5, 2008

    Who better than two fun guys to share with us how to make a Mushroom soup? Alan and Ballon are back at The Castle Street Café in Great Barrington! Listen

    Mushroom Soup

    We are waiting for the text of this recipe. As soon as we get it, you will! Thank you for your patience.


    February 27, 2008

    Julia joins Dan Leader, owner and head baker of Bread Alone in Boiceville, Woodstock and Rhinebeck, NY. They make a fantastic focaccia bread - it's easy as 1-2-3! We have the recipe here, but you can also find it - and many other delicious recipes - in Dan's book Local Breads. Listen


    Focaccia

    Equipment
    1 rimmed baking sheet

    Ingredients U.S. Weight Metric Weight Baker's % Volume
    Water, tempid (70-78°) 10.6 ounces 300 grams 60 1 ¼ cup
    Instant yeast 0.2 ounces 5 grams 1 1 tsp
    Unbleached all-purpose flour 17.6 ounces 500 grams 100 3 ¼ cup
    Extra- virgin olive oil 2.1 ounces 60 grams 12 1 ½ tsp
    Sea salt 0.4 ounces 10 grams 2 1 ½ tsp
    Toppings -
    Ingredients U.S. Weight Metric Weight Volume
    Red, seedless grapes, washed 7.1 ounces 200 grams 1 ½ cup
    Fresh rosemary, coarsely chopped 0.2 ounces 6 grams 2 tsp
    Coarse sea salt 0.2 ounces 5 grams 1 tsp


    Mix the dough. Pour the water into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a standard mixer. Add the yeast, flour, olive oil, and salt and stir just long enough to blend into the dough.

    Knead the dough. By hand: Lightly flour the countertop and turn out the dough. Flour your hands and knead with smooth, steady strokes until it is supple, smooth and very elastic, 12 to 15 minutes.
    By machine: With the dough hook, mix the dough on medium speed (4 on a KitchenAid mixer) until it is supple, smooth, and very elastic, 9 to 10 minutes.

    Ferment the dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled, clear 2- quart container with a lid. With masking tape, mark the container at the level the dough will reach when it has doubled in volume. Cover and leave it to rise at room temperature (70 to 75°) until it doubles and inflates into a dome, 1 to 1 ½ hours.

    Shape the focaccia and add the toppings. Very lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Uncover the dough and gently overturn it into the baking sheet. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Oil your hands and press the dough with your fingers, gently stretching it toward the edges of the baking sheet without tearing it. If it springs back from the edges of the sheet, let it rest for 5 minutes, uncovered, and try again. Fully stretches, it will be about ½ inch thick. Use your hands to coat the dough with olive oil and dimple it all over with the pads fo your fingers. Press the grapes into the dough, 1 to 1 ½ inches apart, and sprinkle the chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt evenly over it. Cover the focaccia with plastic wrap.

    Proof the focaccia. Let the focaccia rise at room temperature (70 to 75°) for 30 to 45 minutes, until the dough puffs up around the grapes and your fingerprint springs back slowly when you press a finger into the dough.

    Prepare the oven. About 15 minutes before baking, place a rack in the middle position and heat the oven to 375°. Bake the focaccia. Uncover the focaccia. Slide the baking sheet into the oven rack. Bake the focaccia until the grapes are wrinkled, staining the dough with their juices, and the crust is honey gold, 20 to 30 minutes.

    Cool the focaccia and store the focaccia. Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack. Cool the focaccia briefly, about 5 minutes. Slip the metal spatula under the edges all around the pan to release it and slide it onto a cutting board. Cut the focaccia into thin, finger- length rectangles for snacks or fat rectangles for a meal. It is best eaten the day it is baked but will stay moist stored at room temperature in a resealable plastic bag for 1 day.

    Variation: Individual focaccias with cherry tomatoes

    Makes 6 flatbreads (5.1 ounces/ 146 grams each)
    Prepare the tomatoes. Wash and dry 1 ½ cups whole cherry tomatoes and set aside with 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt.

    Shape the focaccias. Grease 2 baking sheets with olive oil. Lightly dust the counter with flur, uncover the dough and turn it out. With a bench scraper or chef's knife, cut the dough into 6 equal pieces. Pat or use a rolling pin to roll each piece into a round, about 6 inches across and ½ inch thick. Arrange three on each baking sheet, at least 2 inches apart. Use your hands or a pastry brush to coat the dough lightly with olive oil. Dimple the dough all over with the pads of your fingers. Press the cherry tomatoes into the dough and sprinkle it with coarse sea salt. Cover the baking sheets with plastic wrap. Proof the focaccias. Let the focaccia rise at room temperature (70 to 75°) for 20 to 30 minutes, until the dough puffs up around the tomatoes and your fingerprint springs back slowly when you press a finger in the dough.

    February 20, 2008

    Associate Producer, Sarah LaDuke, steps into the Corner with Heidi Hoyt of Black Diamond Caterers to make a Hearty Bolognese Sauce. Listen

    Hearty Bolognese Sauce
    Serve on any quality pasta topped with Parmesan or Romano Cheese

    Ingredients:
  • 1/2 pound Lean Burger
  • 1/2 pound Loose Ground Sausage
  • 1 large Spanish Onion, diced
  • 10 cloves Garlic, crushed and minced
  • 1/4 pound Marguerite Pepperoni, whole, diced into ½ inch chunks
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, if you like spicier this amount can be doubled
  • 2 28 oz. Cans quality Whole Peeled Tomatoes, such as Muir Glen
  • 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream


  • 1. Place Burger, sausage, onion and garlic in a heavy bottom pot.

    2. Sauté until meats are cooked through and completely broken up.

    3. Add pepperoni, salt, red pepper flakes and tomatoes.

    4. Bring to a simmer, turn heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes stirring frequently.

    5. Remove from heat and add heavy cream. Adjust salt.


    February 6, 2008

    Alan and Ballon are back at The Castle Street Café in Great Barrington! This time they make Sautéed Shrimp and Spring Vegetables - in under an hour! Listen

    Sautéed Shrimp and Spring Vegetables

    We are waiting for the text of this recipe. As soon as we get it, you will! Thank you for your patience.


    January 30, 2008

    Julia joins Eric Mann in the kitchen of The Bear Café in Woodstock to make a summery Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi. Listen

    Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi
    (with tomatillo salsa and grilled pineapple)
    Serves 4-6 people

    Ingredients:
  • 4-6 4 oz. portions of Mahi Mahi filet (or other fish such as Red Snapper, Grouper or Halibut)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper


  • Pan sear or grill filets on both sides until cooked through. Filets can be marked and finished in a 350° oven as well.

    Tomatillo sauce:
  • 3 cups cleaned and quartered tomatillos
  • 1 small white onion, quartered
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1 pinch cumin powder
  • 1 jalapeno seeded
  • Salt and pepper


  • Blanch onion and garlic cloves in a small saucepan of boiling water until garlic cloves are soft.
    Remove onion and garlic with softened with spoon.
    Allow to cool.

    Pineapple salsa:
  • 1 pineapple
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded, chopped
  • 1 bunch scallions
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 T. olive oil


  • Slice pineapple into ¼ inch slices.
    Grill on both sides in a cast iron skillet quill pan (the kind with the raised grill bars) or grill the pineapple on an outdoor BBQ grill.
    Pineapple should be partially cooked, 2 minutes per side.
    Allow pineapple and scallions to cool.
    Dice pineapple into ¼ inch cubes.
    Chop scallions.
    Combine all ingredients and check seasoning.

    Assembly:
    Sauce the plates:
    About 4 oz. tomatillo sauce in the center of the plate.
    Place filet of fish on sauce and put one large spoon of pineapple salsa on each filet
    Garnish with cilantro sprigs

    Black beans or refried black beans make a good starch for this dish.


    January 23, 2008

    Andy Clegg and Ric Orlando of New World Home Cooking in Saugerties's make Chocolate and Goat Cheese Truffles. Listen


    New World Home Cooking Co.’s
    Chocolate and Goat Cheese Truffles
    Serves 4-6

    Ingredients:
  • 6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 6 oz. fresh unsalted goat cheese
  • 2 tbls. confectioner's sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/8 tsp. lemon extract
  • 1. In a stainless bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, melt the chocolate, stirring until it is smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and let the chocolate cool slightly.

    2. In a bowl, whisk together the goat cheese, the confectioner's sugar, the vanilla and the lemon extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.

    3. Whisk in the chocolate until the mixture is combined well.

    4. Chill the mixture covered with wax paper for 1 hour, or until it is firm.

    5. Form heaping teaspoons of the mixture into balls Divide into 3 bowls. Roll one bowl of truffles in cocoa powder, one in pure ancho chile powder and one in cinnamon.

    6. Chill the truffles on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper for 30 minutes, or until they are firm. The truffles keep in an airtight container, chilled, for 3 days.

    Makes about 24 truffles.

    **Bonus recipe—this is GREAT with the truffles!**
    Lemon-Muscatel Sauce for Truffles
  • 24 oz muscatel or orange muscat wine
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • Reduce to 1 cup in a non-reactive pot. Thicken with a touch of arrowroot or cornstarch if desired. Add 1 tsp fresh lemon zest strips.

    Garnish:
  • peeled and seeded orange sections
  • roasted filberts
  • marjoram leaves
  • Coat a 9 inch plate with the lemon sauce.
    1. Set one each of the three truffles on each plate. Alternate with orange sections.

    2. Coat one roasted filbert in the lemon sauce and place in the center of the plate.

    3. Sprinkle a few marjoram or lemon thyme leaves onto the sauce.

    ©2007 Ric Orlando, New World 1411 Rt. 212 Saugerties

    January 16, 2008

    Eric Mann from The Bear Café in Woodstock, NY tells us how to make their most popular side-dish, Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts. Listen


    Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts


    Ingredients:
  • 25 Brussels Sprouts, manicured and pan-cooked
  • 4 oz. toasted and crushed hazelnuts
  • 2 small onions, diced and carmalized in unsalted whole butter
  • 2 teaspoons minced, toasted garlic


  • The secret to this dish is to brown the brussels sprouts in butter.
    Use a skillet or non-stick pan.
    Don't overcrowd the pan and don't stir the brussels sprouts.
    Cook them over medium-high heat until they are crispy and golden.
    Add remaining ingredients.
    The carmalized onions can be made in advance if necessary.
    Cook them until they are sweet, dark brown, and very soft.



    January 9, 2008

    In this week's CulCo, Jasper Alexander of Hattie's Restaurant shares his recipe for Maple-Cured Pork Tenderloin. Listen

    Maple-Cured Pork Tenderloin

    Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. Pork tenderloin
  • 5 cups cold water
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon all spice
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil



  • 1. Combine all ingredients and mix with a wisk until the salt and pepper dissolve

    2. Pour brine over pork making sure the tenderloins are completely covered or place everything in a zip lock bag

    3. Store pork in refrigerator for 24 hours

    4. Prior to cooking, remove pork from brine and thoroughly dry with paper towels.

    5. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Season pork with salt and peeper. Sear pork in an oven-proof pan for 2 minutes on each side. Place in the oven and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.


    January 2, 2008

    Ric Orlando of New World Home Cooking in Saugerties's is back, this time to teach us how to make Lomi Lomi Salmon. Listen

    New World Home Cooking Co.’s
    Lomi Lomi Salmon


    Serves 4 Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of Frozen or Fresh Wild Sockeye Salmon
  • Hawaiian Red Sea Salt
  • Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper
  • 1/2 Cup Scallions, finely diced from the top of plants
  • 2 Fresh Ripe tomatoes
  • 1/2 Red Onion, finely Diced
  • 4 table spoons Grated Ginger
  • 2 table spoons fresh Parsley
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Roasted Sesame Oil
  • 1 Cucumber


  • 1. Dice Salmon into small cubes and combine (raw) with salt and crushed red pepper in a bowl.

    2. Dice the onion, tomatoes and scallions into small pieces and add them into the salmon mixture.

    3. Grate the ginger into small pieces, and then add the ginger, parsley and a few drops of both the Olive and Roasted Sesame Oil.

    4. Vigorously mix all of the ingredients by hand, adding more oil if necessary.

    5. Using a vegetable peeler, cut slices from a cucumber lengthwise.

    6. Wrap small portions of the Salmon Mixture in the cucumber, sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds and serve.

    ©2007 Ric Orlando, New World 1411 Rt. 212 Saugerties

    December 26, 2007

    Julia joins Eric Mann in the kitchen of The Bear Café in Woodstock, NY to make Mozzarella in Coroza. Listen



    Mozzarella in Coroza

    Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs. fresh Mozzarella
  • 2 sweet red peppers,roasted and peeled
  • 2 small red onions
  • 4 portobella mushrooms
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 baguette, or french bread
  • 1/4 C. parmesan cheese
  • 1 lb. mixed field greens. These can be as pedestrian as store -bought Mesclun, to a mix of lettuces, fresh herbs, such as basil, fennel fronds, and/or edible flowers.
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • salt and pepper
  • 8 in. bamboo skewers


  • Method:
    Cut baguette into 1/4 incn slices and place on a cookie sheet. Toast under the broiler until golden. Gently rub each piece of bread with a garlic clove on both sides. Drizzle bread slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. (An alternative Method is to sprinkle bread with chopped, toasted garlic that has been fried in olive oil.) Set aside.

    Sautee mushrooms in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and cook until slightly browned. Remove from pan, let cool, and then cut them into quarters. Set aside.

    Cut onion into similarly sized pieces as the mushrooms, sautee briefly. They should be soft and skewerable.

    Cut roasted peppers into similarly sized pieces as onion.

    Cut cheese into thick slices then quarter or halve the slices.

    Make skewers. The idea is to alternate slices of cheese and vegetables between pieces of garlic bread so that you make a series of little sandwiches that are skewered together. place skewers on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 6-8 minutes until cheese just begins to melt.

    Serve skewers on little salads of greens. The best dressing for this is a little lemon juice and olive oil whisked together with a little salt and pepper.




    December 12, 2007

    Roundtable Producer, Andy Clegg shares Ric Orlando (of New World Home Cooking in Saugerties)'s recipe for Cajun Peppered Shrimp. Listen

    New World Home Cooking Co.’s
    Addictive Cajun Peppered Shrimp
    Serves 4

    These shrimp will certainly become a part of your party repertoire! They are so good that you will find yourself sopping up left over sauce with bread, rice or whatever there is available! Try this sauce with crabs, crawfish and lobster tails.

    Head on shrimp are the traditional thing but 21-25 (med-large) unpeeled shrimp work well, too. 25-30 medium-large (21-25) gulf shrimp, unpeeled

    The Seasoning paste:
  • 3/4 cup black peppercorns
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice


  • Heat lemon juice in a small pot til just hot.
    Add peppercorns and cover.
    Remove from heat and let the peppercorns soak for one hour or up to over night.

    In a blender, puree the peppercorn and mix with:
  • 1 tbls dry rosemary
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tbls fresh basil
  • 1 tbls dry oregano
  • 1 tsp dry savory
  • 1 tbls kosher salt
  • 1 tbls paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup fruity white wine


  • This should make a ruddy, muddy looking paste.
    If it is too dry you may add a bit more wine.

    The Sauce:
    In a heavy sauce pot:
  • 1 lbs unsalted butter
  • 1 cups shrimp or chicken stock (canned broth will be okay, just find a good one WITHOUT MSG! and add a touch of water.)


  • Bring the stock and butter up to heat melting the butter.
    When it begins to simmer, stir in the spice paste.
    Use a wooden spoon and stir gently for about 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes golden.
    Add all of the shrimp and stir gently.
    Let the shrimp cook in the sauce for 3-5 minutes or until just done.

    Ready to eat!

    Remove the shrimp from the sauce with a slotted spoon add pile them into a big rustic looking bowl.
    Ladle over about 1/3 to 1/2 the sauce and garnish with lemon wedges. Put the bowl in the center of the table and dig in.

    The best way to eat the shrimp is to pick one up whole and suck the sauce off of it.
    Then peel it and dunk back into the sauce.
    You should also dunk some baguette into the sauce or spoon it over rice.

    The remaining sauce should be refrigerated in a container that you can warm up later (not plastic). The butter will form a hard cap. As long as the cap is intact, the sauce will keep up to one month. Just reheat and use again.

    Drink a soft and fruit white with these shrimp. A Tocai or Pinot Gris will do the trick. Mill brook makes a great Tocai Friulano and it s made right here in the Hudson Valley. You also can*t loose with a cold crisp, simple beer like Dixie, Corona or Rolling Rock ponies served on ice.

    ©2007 Ric Orlando, New World 1411 Rt. 212 Saugerties

    December 5, 2007

    Jasper Alexander of Hattie's Restaurant in Saratoga is here again, this time he makes a very tasty Curried Sweet Potato Soup.
    Listen

    Curried Sweet Potato Soup

    Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cups chopped onions
  • 4 cups chopped sweet potatoes
  • 2/3 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 cup heavy cream


  • 1. Sauté carrots, onions and celery in olive oil over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook until vegetables begin to soften-about 5-10 minutes.

    2. Add sweet potatoes, herbs and curry powder and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the curry powder. (turn heat to low if necessary)

    3. Add orange juice, stock and maple syrup

    4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes or until vegetables are a very soft puree

    5. Puree in small batches in a food processor or with an immersion blender

    6. Finish with cream and salt and pepper to taste


    November 28, 2007

    Ric Orlando of New World Home Cooking in Saugerties tells Producer Andy Clegg how to make delicious Clams in Cream Soup.    Listen

    New World Home Cooking Co.’s
    Clams in Cream Soup

    This "soup" is so simple its almost silly...yet it is one of the most delicious essence of the sea lunches or first course on the planet. Serves 4 . 

  • Use 6 clams per person
  • 24 small littleneck clams, washed
  • 1 quart heavy cream
  • 1 cup good quality clam juice
  • 1 leek, washed and diced
  • 2 tbls fresh thyme, picked
  • 1 slice French bread per person


  • Put all ingredients except bread in a large skillet or low profile pot.

    Bring to a boil, cook for a few seconds, reduce heat to a low simmer and cover snugly.

    Simmer until clams are just opened, about 4-5 minutes.

    If some clams are slower to open than others, remove the opened ones to your serving bowls so that they don't overcook.

    Ladle clams and broth over slices of bread in bowls.

    Simple and spectacular!

    ©2007 Ric Orlando, New World 1411 Rt. 212 Saugerties

    November 21, 2007

    Jasper Alexander of Hattie's Restaurant in Saratoga returns to tell Joe how to bake the perfect pecan pie.
    Listen

    Pecan Pie

    Filling

    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 2/3 cup light corn syrup
    • 2 tablespoons dark rum
    • 1/2 stick butter
    • 3 large eggs lightly beaten
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups broken pecans
    • 1/2 cup pecan halves
    Crust
    • 1 1/2 cups flour
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 6 Tablespoons cold butter cut into small cubes
    • 1 1/2 Tablespoons vegetable shortening
    • 3 teaspoons cold water

    To make the crust:

    1. Combine flour, sugar and salt in a food processor

    2. Add butter & shortening in small pieces and pulse until it resembles course cornmeal

    3. Slowly add cold water until the flour just begins to clump. (you will need to add less water than you think)

    4. Stop the food processor and take some of the flour and squeeze it in your hand. If the flour stays together, you have enough water.

    5. Turn the dough on to a floured work surface and kneed together. careful not to over kneed.

    6. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for 1-2 hours
    7. Roll out dough...

    To make the filling:

    1. Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, rum, salt, vanilla and butter in a non reactive sauce pot. Slowly bring all ingredients to a simmer, whisking frequently, making sure the sugar is dissolved with out reducing the mixture.

    2. Remove sugar mixture from the heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.

    3. Combine chopped nuts and Eggs

    4. Pour into the pie shell and top with pecan halves.

    5. Place in oven at 350 degrees for approximately 35-45 minutes or until the center of the pie no longer wiggles and the nuts and crust are a golden brown.


    November 14, 2007

    Jasper Alexander of Hattie's Restaurant in Saratoga shares his recipe for Glazed Root Vegetables with Joe. Listen

    Glazed Root Vegetables

    Dice all vegetables about ½ inch thick

  • 2 cups turnips diced
  • 2 cups parsnips
  • 2 cups sweet potatoes
  • 2 cups potatoes
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary


  • 1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan or large sauté pan

    2. Bring to a boil and cook on high for 10 minutes

    3. Reduce heat to a steady simmer and continue to cook until the liquid becomes thicker and glaze like.


    November 7, 2007

    For our debut run, Ric Orlando of New World Home Cooking in Saugerties reveals the secrets of Puttanesca Fresca to producer Andy Clegg.    Listen


    New World Home Cooking Co.’s
    Puttanesca Fresca Sauce
    Whether fresca really means cold or raw doesn't really matter. In this case we mean that is an uncooked sauce and the sound of the word cruda is ruda.
    Just toss this room temperature sauce with freshly cooked hot pasta for a luscious celebration of summer tomatoes! This is a nice recipe for using the ends of sliced tomatoes or real delicious tomatoes that may have a crack or bruise. Just cut of the defective part and dice their best.

    Ingredients:
  • 4 cups coarsely diced ripe tomatoes
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced to a puree
  • 5 minced anchovies
  • 1/4 cups capers with some juice
  • 1/4 cups oil cured black olives, coarsely chopped
  • Generous grinding of black pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cups chopped parsley


  • Toss well and let stand at room temperature for one hour before mixing with hot pasta of your choice. Just cook the pasta and add the room temp sauce and toss well. Also try it as a garnish for oily fish like blue, mackerel or salmon on the grill

    ©2007 Ric Orlando, New World 1411 Rt. 212 Saugerties


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