Breakfast today

My radish sprouts needed thinning this morning, so I was inspired to make some savory toast for breakfast. 

Pumpernickel bread, with avocado, tomatoes, and chives and radish sprouts from the garden. Turkey sausage and coffee with honey and cinnamon rounded  out this tasty meal. 

Leftover goodness

From a dinner party, featuring Jason's smoked meats to a soft taco platter- delicious smoked chicken was the centerpiece of two memorable meals. 

Here, with homemade coleslaw, tomatoes from the garden, avocados and soft tacos from San Antonio courtesy of Mom and Dad. 

Memorial Day 2013 at Arrington Vineyards

For a delicious vineyard picnic with friends this Memorial Day Weekend, I tried a new recipe, adapted from Cook's Illustrated Kitchens The Science of Good Cooking.

Picnic Chicken is a dish best served with plenty of napkins and some refreshing beverage accompaniments- there is a nice slow burn afterwards.

This recipe worked well for me, and got rave reviews!

Spice Rubbed Picnic Chicken

3 T packed brown sugar
1 T chipotle chili pepper (or 2 T chili powder)
2 T paprika (I used 1 T each paprika and smoked paprika)
1 T salt
2 tsp pepper
1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
 Approx 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp onion powder, to taste.

5 lbs bone in chicken pieces with skin. (If breast pieces are large, cut into 2- 3 pieces)

1. Combine spices into a bowl.
2. Cut 2-3 slits into skin (not meat) of chicken. Rub spice mixture onto chicken to coat, and gently rub under skin as well, leaving skin intact.

3. Transfer chicken to a baking sheet with wire rack, skin side up.
Cover loosely with aluminum foil, and allow to brine in refrigerator for 6- 24 hrs.

4. Roast on middle rack in oven at 425 until smallest pieces are 140 degrees, 15-20 min.
Increase oven temp to 500 degrees, continue to roast until skin is crisp and brown, and breast pieces register 160 degrees. Remove pieces as they finish cooking, continue to roast until thighs/drumsticks register 175 degrees, about 5 min longer.

5. Let cool completely on wire rack before serving or refrigerating. Bring back to room temperature before serving.

 

 

As a side, I also made some sautéed asparagus. This can be served room temperature as well, and keeps without refrigeration, so it was a good seasonal, healthy and convenient picnic side.

 

After trimming the asparagus of its tough ends, I sautéed for about 12-15 minutes over medium-high heat in olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

 

 

 

Cook only until a fork just pierces the spears and they are bright green, with slight caramelizing (you may want to remove thinner pieces as they are done, so they don't overcook).

 

 

 

Creamy Tomato Dill Soup

Another great cold weather soup- classic tomato soup.
This one uses a 32 oz jar of yellow and red tomatoes--canned in the peak of summer freshness, and opened on a gloomy snowy December Sunday for the perfect hot lunch!

Use 1-2 tbsp tomato paste to thicken and sweeten. (1 tsp sugar if you prefer your soup slightly sweet)
Salt, freshly ground pepper and dill (or basil or chervil or tarragon- your preference)
Let the tomatoes simmer for a while, until bubbling and thickened. Add 1/2 container low fat ricotta cheese and blend with immersion blender until desired consistency.
Stir and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy with a grilled cheese- classic!

Asian Chicken Stew

A simple poached chicken, chop and drop vegetable soup in a spicy broth -perfect for winter vegetables from the CSA.

Poach chicken in a water broth with whole garlic cloves, lemon slices, soy sauce, chili peppers, black peppercorns, and fresh ginger. Good basic poached chicken recipe can be found at http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/basic-poached-chicken

While chicken poaches, cut up vegetables.
As pictured-
napa cabbage
bok choi
icicle radishes
carrots
snow peas
mushrooms

Once chicken is done, remove from poaching liquid and shred or dice, set aside.

Strain poaching liquid into pot and discard solids; add homemade or canned low sodium chicken broth to poaching liquid. Add soy sauce, more ginger and sri racha hot sauce to taste. Drop in chopped vegetables (start with toughest ones like carrots, cabbages, and radishes; lastly add mushrooms and snow peas which need minimal cooking) and cook until tenderness desired.
Add shredded or diced chicken.