Presenting: Ravioli di Ricotta con Burro Bruno e Salvia

Ravioli di Ricotta con Burro Bruno e Salvia

I might have fibbed a little when I published my #WeekdaySupper dish. I noted that the ingredients used to compose it are ones that should be already on hand. Well, I must admit, I had to purchase the ricotta specifically for the dish. When I went to do so, the smallest container I could find was about 2 cups so I had a lot leftover. I didn't want the extra ricotta to go to waste so I used it for ravioli filling.

The Challenge

Practice my photography and plating.

The Source

I used the pasta dough from page 102 to 104 of Cook Like A Rock Star by Anne Burrell with Suzanne Lenzer; the filling from epicurious and the sauce from page 20 of Fabio's Italian Kitchen by Fabio Viviani with Melanie Rehak.

Ingredients

For the filling:
1 pound fresh ricotta, drained if wet
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest (from about 1/2 a lemon)
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for garnish
1 large egg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the pasta dough:
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
4 large eggs
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons water
kosher salt

For the sauce:
1 stick unsalted butter
12 to 14 sage leaves, chopped plus more for garnish
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Prepare the filling. Combine the first five ingredients in a large bowl, then season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside in the refrigerator until the pasta dough has been rolled.

2. Prepare the pasta dough. Use the pasta dough ingredients and steps 1 and 2 of my other ravioli dish.

3. Make the ravioli. If you have a ravioli mold, use it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't, follow step 4 in this dish.

4. Cook the dish. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Combine the butter and sage in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Melt the butter and continue to cook until it turns brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drop the ravioli in the boiling water and once they float to the surface, remove with a slotted spoon and add to the butter sauce until combined. Plate the ravioli in warmed bowls, spoon some sauce over and garnish with grated parmesan.

Successful?

I've learned through experience that the key to a good brown butter sauce is to season it well. My daughter is rather picky and she even enjoyed it. One other note I'd like to make is that I have been able to resolve my issues with the ravioli mold that I had earlier in the year. I discovered that the pasta dough I used previously was too dry and needed more wet ingredients.

Back to Basics: How to Truss a Chicken for Roasting for a We Got You Covered #SundaySupper

This entry on my website is different from all the other posts I've completed for #SundaySupper because it's not a finished dish. This week's theme is We Got You Covered, and many of my other colleagues have decided to prepare food with delicious toppings but I thought I'd use another angle. I have decided to "cover" a basic cooking technique used when roasting a chicken.

If you google truss a chicken, there are thousands of results on how to do so, but I have found that the reasons for taking this extra step aren't as clear. As I looked, I found reasons such as keeping the, ahem, chicken's dignity, making the bird easier to turn, and cooking evenly.

The importance of evenly cooking your chicken is the first reason I was told to truss because the breast needs to be cooked to a temperature of 165° Fahrenheit, but the wings, thighs and drumsticks are fully cooked at 175° Fahrenheit. Trussing the bird will ensure to fully cook the dark meat while not overcooking the breast meat. In addition, I've also noted anecdotally that trussing the chicken will make for a juicier bird.

You will need a 36" to 48" piece of kitchen twine which, for some strange reason, I've been unable to purchase at the supermarket, but the meat and seafood department have always just given me some when I've requested it.

So, exactly how do you truss your chickens?

1. With the breast side down, tuck the wing tips behind the back.

2. Turn the chicken over and place the twine underneath the narrowest part of the drumsticks, so that when you lift the twine up, the length of the twine should be about equal on each side.

3. Place the twine over each leg bone and then underneath the opposite side. Pull tight.

4. Wrap the twine along each side, passing it through the drumstick-thigh joint and enclosing the wings.

5. Tie the twine where the neck used to be.

6. Roast per your recipe.

Before you truss, be sure to season the inside of the cavity and the outside of the bird with some type of fat (olive oil, butter, etc.) to encourage a golden brown skin.

Other Sunday Supper Participants

And finally, please check out this week's other Sunday Supper contributors:



Covered Appetizers and Entreés

• Slow Cooker Cheesy Party Mix from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Personal Steak Pot Pies from The Foodie Army Wife
• Slowcooker Bean and Ham Soup from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Butternut Squash & Cheddar Potatoes Au Gratin from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Salmon en Croute from Curious Cuisiniere
• Excellent Beef Stew from Noshing With The Nolands
• Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy from Food Lust People Love
• Pigs in a Blanket (Cabbage Rolls) from Cindy's Recipes and Writings

Covered Desserts

• Banana Coffee Cake with Chocolate Chip Streusel from Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Streusel Topped Apple Pie from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Dark Chocolate Cake Batter Truffles from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Chocolate Satin Pie from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Banana Butterscotch Muffin-Cake from What Smells So Good?
• Chocolate Banoffee Pie from Happy Baking Days
• 1 Easy Chocolate Macaron Recipe, 3 Japanese Wine Fillings from NinjaBaking.com
• Chocolate Covered "Party Popcorn" from Ruffles & Truffles
• Caramel Apple Bundt Cake from Pies and Plots

Not Sure What To Do? We Got You Covered

• Cilantro Turkey Salad with Farro and Mango from Shockingly Delicious covering turkey leftovers
• Back to Basics: How to Truss a Chicken for Roasting from Crazy Foodie Stunts covering a cooking technique
• Peppermint Whip Cream from Peanut Butter and Peppers covering a vegan and dairy-free dessert topping
• Gluten Free Lego Cookies from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks covering a gluten-free dessert
• Mexican Coffee Bun from The Urban Mrs covering a dessert with an uncommon ingredient
• Cranberry Walnut Crumble Bars from Magnolia Days covering an idea for fresh cranberries
• Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars from Alida's Kitchen covering a quick and easy cheesecake fix
• Prosciutto covered Rosemary Pork from Family Foodie covering a holiday meal on a budget
• Homemade Yellow Cake Mix from Treats & Trinkets covering a cake mix without the chemicals from store-bought ones
• Waffled Cranberry Cream Cheese Turkey Sandwiches from Neighborfood covering turkey leftovers
• Apple Cider Doughnuts from The Texan New Yorker covering a dish made at home so you don't need to wait in long lines for it

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Unsure of What's Next for #SundaySupper? We Got You Covered

No need to be left out in the cold; We Got You Covered

For those of you reading this in the United States, I hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends and food.

I'm pleasantly surprised this week because I wasn't expecting as many participants as we received due to the holiday. Apparently, they've got me covered which is the theme of this week's #SundaySupper event. There is food covered by some tasty toppings in addition to covering other topics, such as turkey leftovers, budget friendly holiday meals and homemade dishes so chemicals that are in store-bought foods can be avoided.

I'd also like to thank Heather of Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks (her link is below) and her spouse, Frank, for the picture above. Heather posed for the picture and Frank operated the camera.

This week's Sunday Supper Participants

Please join me in checking out this week's Sunday Supper contributors:



Covered Appetizers and Entreés

• Slow Cooker Cheesy Party Mix from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Personal Steak Pot Pies from The Foodie Army Wife
• Slowcooker Bean and Ham Soup from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Butternut Squash & Cheddar Potatoes Au Gratin from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Salmon en Croute from Curious Cuisiniere
• Excellent Beef Stew from Noshing With The Nolands
• Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy from Food Lust People Love
• Pigs in a Blanket (Cabbage Rolls) from Cindy's Recipes and Writings

Covered Desserts

• Banana Coffee Cake with Chocolate Chip Streusel from Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Streusel Topped Apple Pie from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Dark Chocolate Cake Batter Truffles from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Chocolate Satin Pie from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Banana Butterscotch Muffin-Cake from What Smells So Good?
• Chocolate Banoffee Pie from Happy Baking Days
• 1 Easy Chocolate Macaron Recipe, 3 Japanese Wine Fillings from NinjaBaking.com
• Chocolate Covered "Party Popcorn" from Ruffles & Truffles
• Caramel Apple Bundt Cake from Pies and Plots

Not Sure What To Do? We Got You Covered

• Cilantro Turkey Salad with Farro and Mango from Shockingly Delicious covering turkey leftovers
• Back to Basics: How to Truss a Chicken for Roasting from Crazy Foodie Stunts covering a cooking technique
• Peppermint Whip Cream from Peanut Butter and Peppers covering a vegan and dairy-free dessert topping
• Gluten Free Lego Cookies from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks covering a gluten-free dessert
• Mexican Coffee Bun from The Urban Mrs covering a dessert with an uncommon ingredient
• Cranberry Walnut Crumble Bars from Magnolia Days covering an idea for fresh cranberries
• Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars from Alida's Kitchen covering a quick and easy cheesecake fix
• Prosciutto covered Rosemary Pork from Family Foodie covering a holiday meal on a budget
• Homemade Yellow Cake Mix from Treats & Trinkets covering a cake mix without the chemicals from store-bought ones
• Waffled Cranberry Cream Cheese Turkey Sandwiches from Neighborfood covering turkey leftovers
• Apple Cider Doughnuts from The Texan New Yorker covering a dish made at home so you don't need to wait in long lines for it

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Spaghetti Ubriachi for a Thanksgiving #WeekdaySupper

Spaghetti Ubriachi

Earlier this year, the team at Sunday Supper Movement expanded their reach by introducing #WeekdaySupper. The concept is very similar to my Light Stunt series: quick and easy meals that can be prepared after returning home from a long day at the office. A different member of the Movement publishes a dish each weekday, Monday through Friday.

The Challenge

There are several motivations for this dish. First, I wanted to update a similar dish I profiled in the summer of 2012 with an easier method. Second, these ingredients are staples and it wouldn't be a stretch to already have them on hand especially this week. Third, this is a good way to use leftover wine and finally, I recently accepted the position of moderator within the Sunday Supper team, but hadn't participated in a Weekday event and needed to so I could advise other members, should the need arise.

The Source

Adapted from page 80 of Fabio's Italian Kitchen by Fabio Viviani with Melanie Rehak.

Ingredients

2 quarts water
1 750-mililiter bottle red wine
1 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt, as needed
1 pound dried spaghetti (Do not use fresh pasta)
1/2 pound pancetta, diced (I substituted bacon)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shelled walnuts, chopped
Freshly grated parmesan, for garnish
Fresh Italian parsley, chopped for garnish

Method

1. Combine the water, sugar, salt and wine in a large stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat. Drop the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente (normally about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions). Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid then drain in a colander and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the pancetta to render it's fat. Add the reserved spaghetti with the reserved boiling fluid, 1 tablespoon at a time until the fluid has been absorbed and the pasta is al dente. Remove from heat, then toss with the ricotta and walnuts. Serve in warmed bowls garnished with parmesan and parsley.

Successful?

I probably should point out that spaghetti ubriachi is Italian for drunken spaghetti. Yes, this dish was well balanced in flavor, but then again, it's difficult to screw up wine, cheese, pasta and bacon.

Oh, and please don't forget to check out this week's other WeekdaySupper participants:

• Monday, November 25th: Ham & Cheese Calzones by The Foodie Army Wife
• Wednesday, November 27th: Chicken Chile Verde Quesadillas by La Cocina de Leslie
• Thursday, November 28th: Roast Beef Rice Noodle Salad by Magnolia Days
• Friday, November 29th: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Turkey by Foxes Love Lemons

Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Balsamic Brown Butter for a Squashin' Winter #SundaySupper

Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Balsamic Brown Butter

Thank you for your patience with my hiatus.

About a year ago, I moved to my current residence where I published my first dish from my new home. At the time, I hadn't worked out the best place to take pictures of my food which resulted in a shoddy pictures, even by my low standards. So when the team at #SundaySupper Movement tackled winter squash dishes this week (hosted by Heather of girlichef), I welcomed the opportunity to reshoot and update my pumpkin gnocchi dish.

The Challenge

Fix my sub-standard photography.

The Source

I substituted butternut squash for the pumpkin plus an egg for the olive oil and updated the brown butter sauce for more flavor using this Emeril Lagasse recipe, but omitted the herbs in the gnocchi dough and followed Willow's method ofWill Cook for Friends.

Ingredients

1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds) halved lengthwise, seeds and fibers removed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus more if needed
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1/4 cup minced shallots
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped plus more for garnish
Freshly grated parmesan cheese for garnish

Method

1. Roast the squash and make the dough: Preheat the oven to 375° Fahrenheit. Rub the olive oil into the flesh and season with salt and pepper. Place on a foil-lined sheet pan and roast in the oven until tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from the oven and rest until cool enough to handle. Scoop out the flesh into a large bowl and discard the skins. Too the squash, add and combine the egg, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Cover the mixture with the flour and work it into a dough using your hands. Once complete, cover with a damp towel and rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.

2. Make the gnocchi: Place the dough on a lightly floured flat surface and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 3/4-inch thick. Cut each rope crosswise into pieces 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch long. If not using immediately, freeze on a floured sheet tray.

3. Cook and finish the dish: Bring a well salted pot of at least 4 quarts to a boil over high heat. Add the gnocchi and boil until they float to the top. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until the foam subsides and the butter turns an amber color and releases a nutty aroma, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add the shallots, vinegar and sage, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine. Add the gnocchi and toss to combine. and heat through. Serve in warmed bowls and garnish with fresh sage and parmesan cheese.

Successful?

If I remember correctly, my dish from last year was one of the most balanced I had consumed in a long time, hitting all the notes, despite my problems documenting the occasion: sweet, savory, salty, and sour. This dish was no different but they key is the well seasoned brown butter. If you're interested in the prior photo I've published, you can view it here.

In other news, I can't speak highly enough of Isabel, the founder of the #SundaySupper Movement and Anne of Webicurean who I had the pleasure of meeting in person a couple of weeks ago over dinner when Isabel was in town on business. Anne and I are local. Mrs. Stuntman and our daughter also attended and left the meeting with a better understanding why this movement has attracted so many participants.

From, left to right, me, Isabel and Anne.

Other Sunday Supper Participants

And finally, please check out this week's other Sunday Supper contributors:



Breakfasts and Breads

• Maple Butternut Squash Donuts from Mess Makes Food
• Pumpkin Sweet Rolls from Basic N Delicious
• Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Nutmeg Icing from Killer Bunnies, Inc

Appetizers, Starters, and Condiments

• Butternut Squash and Couscous Patties-Indian Inspired from Soni's Food
• Pumpkin Hummus with Spiced Lamb from girlichef
• Quick Pumpkin Butter from Shockingly Delicious

Soups, Sandwiches, and Salads

• Black Bean and Butternut Squash Chili from Supper for a Steal
• Black Bean Pumpkin Soup from What Smells So Good?
• Butternut Squash and Bacon Grilled Cheese from Ruffles & Truffles
• Butternut Squash Soup from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Hearty Quinoa Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash from Citronlimette
• Roasted Buttercup Squash and Black Bean Soup (Dairy free) from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Roasted Butternut Squash and Vegetable Soup from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
• Roasted Squash and Mexican Black Bean Salad from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Roasted Squash and Sesame Noodle Salad from Jane's Adventures in Dinner

Main Dishes

• Butternut Squash and Spinach Quesadillas from The Dinner-Mom
• Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Balsamic Brown Butter from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Butternut Squash Lasagna from Hip Foodie Mom
• Butternut Squash-Sage Cream Sauce with Sausage Spaghetti from Daily Dish Recipes
• Carnival Squash with Maple Sausage Stuffing from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Chorizo-Stuffed Acorn Squash from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• Butternut Squash with Spicy Wild Rice and Queso Fresco from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Pumpkin Alfredo from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Pumpkin Enchiladas from La Cocina de Leslie
• Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon, Goat Cheese, and Pecans from The Weekend Gourmet
• Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprout Pizza from Curious Cuisiniere
• Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Messy Baker
• Spaghetti Squash in a Creamy Sausage Sauce from Cookin' Mimi
• Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi from Pescetarian Journal

Side Dishes

• Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Cranberries from Noshing With The Nolands
• Butternut Squash and Apple Crumble from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Butternut Squash Gratin with Sage Pesto & Gorgonzola from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Chorizo and Craisin Stuffed Acorn Squash from Family Foodie
• Parmesan-Roasted Acorn Squash from The Urban Mrs
• Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese from Big Bear's Wife
• Roasted Butternut Squash with Balsamic Vinegar Honey Butter from Food Lust People Love
• Roasted Butternut Squash with Wilted Kale, Mushrooms and Garlic from Take a Bite Out of Boca
• Skillet Buttercup Squash with Bacon from Magnolia Days
• Slow Cooker Squash and Apples from Mama's Blissful Bites
• Sweet N Spicy Baked Chipotle Butternut Squash Fries from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Twice Baked Pumpkin Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

Desserts

• Butternut Squash Cupcakes with Browned Butter Frosting from Treats & Trinkets
• Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars from Pies and Plots

Wine Pairing Recommendations for Squashin' Winter #SundaySupper from Enofylz Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET.  Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Light Stunt: Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

Now that we are a full month into autumn, I have noticed many of my food blogger colleagues have embraced the flavors of pumpkin. A quick look at my facebook news feed will reveal countless dishes that use the flavor. Me? I enjoy it. I can see the appeal and I even published my own pumpkin dish last year, but I am vehemently opposed to using canned pureé. My feeling is that if you're going to use pureé, make it fresh. Not sure how? My friend, Willow of Will Cook For Friends, wrote a beautiful demonstration a couple of years ago.

However, today I'm not here to discuss pumpkin. The change of seasons also brings a change of weather. In fact, you could also call this time of year the start of cold and flu season, so I present a comfort food classic from scratch and come full circle to close the month of October like I opened it: with a soup. I advise to leave the canned soup next to the canned pumpkin at the supermarket and make some ahead of time to freeze it so you have it when you need it. After all, do you really want to subject your body to all those un-natural chemicals in the can when your immune system is weak?

The Source

I poached my chicken using the method described on page 20 of the recipe guide of Top Chef University DVD set primarily because I didn't like the method Tyler Florence uses in his recipe I found on foodnetwork.com. I already had chicken stock on hand and I couldn't see using a whole chicken for 1 1/2 cup of shredded chicken meat.

Ingredients

2 quarts chicken stock
5 chicken thighs, skins removed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 celery ribs, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
4 fresh thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
8 ounces dried wide egg noodles (I used mini farfalle)
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Method

1. Poach the chicken: In a large stock pot (I used my 5-quart Dutch oven), combine the chicken thighs and chicken stock and bring to a simmer over medium heat, approximately 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the stock with a wooden spoon and shred into bite size pieces once cool enough to handle. Reserve both the stock and chicken, but set aside.

2. Finish the dish: In a separate stock pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mirepoix components along with the bay leaf, garlic and thyme and sweat for approximately 6 minutes. Stir in the reserved chicken stock and raise heat to boil. Reduce to a simmer and add the egg noodles and cook until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Fold in the reserved chicken, and continue to cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper, then spoon into warmed bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Successful?

Mrs. Stuntman fell asleep early the evening I prepared it, but brown bagged some leftovers the next day. She texted me during her lunch break to tell me how much she enjoyed it. On a side note, I re-injured the same toe I referred to in August but hope to be back with you soon. In the meantime, Happy Halloween!

Bloody Rice for a Halloween #SundaySupper

Bloody Rice

No, I didn't actually cook rice in blood, but 'fess up and admit that I provoked you to click on my link out of curiosity, huh?

This week's #SundaySupper event has taken on a Halloween theme and is being hosted by Kathia of Basic N Delicious. I thought I'd get into the spirit by renaming my red wine risotto. In discussing risotto with some other food blogger colleagues, I have found a love/hate relationship with the dish. They either love preparing it or are scared of it. You might note where my allegiance lies with my numerous risotto dishes I've published already. It isn't a difficult dish to prepare; it just requires constant attention so a completed mise en place is essential before beginning.

The Challenge

Risotto doesn't get more basic than this version. Could the flavor of the wine stand alone?

The Source

I used Chef Fabio Viviani's recipe I found on his website.

Ingredients

1 quart chicken stock
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 cup Arborio rice
1 cup red wine
1/3 cup shredded parmesan plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped for garnish

Method

1. Place the chicken stock in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions to the oil and sweat them until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add in the rice to toast and stir so that each grain of rice is coated in the oil. Deglaze the pan with red wine and stir the rice continually to loosen any fond until most of the liquid has been mostly absorbed. Add one ladle of the simmering chicken stock to the rice and stir continually until it has been absorbed. Continue the process of adding stock and stirring until absorbed until the rice is al dente and the mixture is creamy. Periodically taste the rice after the first two or three additions of stock to determine when the rice has cooked through. You may or may not need all of the stock. Once the rice has cooked, remove from heat and stir in the butter and parmesan, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into warmed bowls and garnish with extra parmesan and tarragon.

Successful?

I've documented the risotto process in my other dishes, but I wanted to share the striking photo I took when I deglazed the rice.

Despite it being a rather plain dish, the red wine in addition to the other seasonings made the dish flavorful. I especially liked the tarragon garnish because it provided a contrast in flavor, however I think I might try some additional flavors next time. This dish is also reminiscent of a risotto bianco that can be found on page 121 of Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking by Michael Chiarello with Janet Fletcher. Chef Chiarello recommends using this it as a base and then stirring in sauces such as pesto or Bolognese to add flavor.

Other Sunday Supper Participants



And finally, please check out this week's other Sunday Supper contributors:

COCKTAILS

• Bloody Mary by La Cocina de Leslie
• Head Will Roll Cocktail by Noshing with The Nolands
• Wicked Sangria by The Messy Baker

SWEETS AND DESSERTS

• Snickers Fudge by I Run for Wine
• Halloween Pumpkin Chocolate Parfaits by Daily Dish Recipes
• White Chocolate Monster Munch by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Soft and Chewy Chocolate Candies by What Smells So Good?
• Candy Corn Puppy Chow by Pies and Plots
• Pumpkin Dirt Pudding Graveyard Parfaits by Neighborfood
• Candied Pumpkin (Calabaza en Tacha) by Magnolia Days
• Snickerway Truffles by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Homemade Peanut Butter Cups by The Texan New Yorker
• Jack Skellington Oreo Pops by Big Bear’s Wife
• Halloween Crunch Truffles by The Weekend Gourmet
• Frozen “Boo” Nana Pops by Momma’s Meals

CUPCAKES, COOKIES AND MORE

• Bourbon Caramel Glazed Pumpkin Donuts by Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Candy Corn White Chocolate Pretzels by Alida’s Kitchen
• Soft Apple Cider Cookies by Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Spooky Cookies by Basic N Delicious
• Pumpkin Bomb Cupcakes by My Other City By the Bay
• Cinnamon Rolls à la Great Pumpkin by Ninja Baking
• Candy Corn Parfait by The Urban Mrs.
• Trick or Beet Brownies by Foxes Love Lemons
• Caramel Surprise Witches’ hat Cupcakes by Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
• Dark and Stormy Gingerbread by girlichef
• {flourless} Monster Cookie Dough Dip by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Monster and Mummy Cupcakes by Hip Foodie Mom
• Pumpkin Cut-out Cookies by Take A Bite Out Of Boca
• Candied Pumpkin Cheese Cake with Maple Cream by Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes by The Dinner-Mom
• Zombie Cupcakes by Treats & Trinkets

APPETIZER, MAIN MEALS

• Shrek’s Dirty Q-tips by Shockingly Delicious
• Green Tomato Chilli by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
• It’s the Great Stuffed Pumpkin by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Mummy Calzone by Curious Cuisiniere
• Pumpkin Soup by Juanita’s Cocina
• Pizza Bones by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Sincere Pumpkin Patch Spicy Cheese Ball by Food Lust People Love
• Spooky Stew by Happy Baking Days
• Bloody Rice by Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Ghost Flatbread Pizzas by Family Foodie
• Witch Hats by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures

Chicken with Mushroom Demi-Glace for a Sauce It Up #SundaySupper

Chicken with Mushroom Demi-Glace

This week, the team at #SundaySupper Movement has decided to Sauce It Up so I thought I would take the opportunity to profile one of five mother sauces of classic French cuisine. In the past, I've only prepared two of the five in their purest form: Hollandaise and tomato; plus I've prepared derivatives of the Hollandaise and a Béchamel. This week, I have decided to prepare a derivative of a Espagnole: the demi-glace.

The Challenge

Expand my understanding of the five mother sauces.

The Source

I adapted this Robert Irvine dish I found on foodnetwork.com

Ingredients

3/4 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
1 chicken, cut into 8 pieces: 2 breasts, wings, thighs, legs (I used 4 bone-in skin-on thighs)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, lightly crushed with the side of a knife blade
1/4 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
4 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Leaves from 1 large sprig fresh thyme
Spinach leaves, for garnish

Method

1. Complete your mise en place. Place the dried mushrooms in a medium bowl and pour hot water over them and let them soak for 30 minutes to rehydrate. Once complete, strain the mushrooms through paper towels, reserving the soaking fluid and the mushrooms. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Cook the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Once hot, brown the chicken on all sides, then remove to a foil-lined baking sheet. Place the chicken in the oven and cook until the fluids from the chicken are clear and is fork tender, approximately 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and rest to allow for any carryover cooking.

3. While the chicken is in the oven, prepare the demi-glace. Heat the remaining oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the red onion, garlic and celery and sauté until lightly browned and softened. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping any fond from the bottom of the pan. Let most of the wine evaporate, then add the chicken stock, tomatoes, parsley and thyme. Bring to a boil and reduce the liquid by half, then strain out the solids. Place the fluid back into the saucepan and whisk in 1/2 cup of the reserved mushroom soaking fluid. Warm the sauce so that the flavors infuse. Remove from heat and fold in the mushrooms. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, if necessary. To plate, spoon some sauce onto a warmed plate, top with chicken and garnish with spinach leaves.

Successful?

Unfortunately, there was a gap in time between when I finished the preparation of the dish and when I finally sat down to taste a cold meal. While the chicken was flavorful, the flavor of the mushrooms over-powered every other flavor in the sauce and not one of my better tasting dishes. I can't imagine this sauce being a classic and not being flavorful so I'll make another attempt in the future.

If I may, I'd like to comment on a poultry producer that has been in the news recently. If you're unaware, the Food Safety and Inspection Service traced a salmonella outbreak to three plants owned by Foster Farms that sickened over 300 people in twenty states, mostly in the west. A public uproar followed after Foster Farms declined to recall it's product. Normally, I am skeptical of a company that refuses to take no action against a potentially dangerous product but in this case, I understand the position of Foster Farms. Salmonella is a naturally occurring bacteria in raw poultry, so what is one supposed to do? First, follow raw poultry safe handling practices to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Second, cook the chicken to a temperature of at least 165° Fahrenheit which will kill the bacteria. I also read to cook leg quarters and wings to 175° Fahrenheit just to be sure.

This week's Sunday Supper Participants



And finally, please check out this week's Sunday Supper contributors:

Savory Sauces

• Port Wine and Fig Sauce from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Jalepeno Cranberry Sauce from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Homemade Steak Sauce from Juanita's Cocina
• Tomato Kasundi from What Smells So Good?
• Homemade Tartar Sauce from The Foodie Army Wife
• Creamy Dairyfree Mushroom Sauce from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce from Curious Cuisiniere
• Red Wine Sauce | Molho de Vinho Tinto from Family Foodie
• Guava BBQ Sauce from Basic N Delicious

Pasta Sauces and Pastas with Sauce

• Chardonnay Seafood Sauce (with Linguine) from Country Girl in the Village
• Italian-Style Tomato Sauce from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Homemade Guiltless Alfredo Sauce from Momma's Meals
• Sicilian Marinara Sauce from Growing Up Gabel
• Basil Pesto from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Angel Hair Pasta with Neapolitan Sauce from Cookin' Mimi
• Roasted Vegetable Pasta Sauce from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Lentil Marinara Pasta Sauce from Alida's Kitchen
• Lamb Ragout from Maroc Mama
• Black Walnut Kale Pesto with Zucchini Spaghetti from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Amatriciana Sauce from The Weekend Gourmet

Entreés with Sauces

• Chicken Tikka Masala from I Run For Wine
• Pork Tenderloin with Plum Sauce from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Garlic Mushrooms In Red Wine Sauce from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
• Jack Daniel's Honey Barbecue Baked Wings from Chocolate Moosey
• Salmon with Homemade Caper Onion Mayonnaise from Food Lust People Love
• Chicken with Mushroom Demi-Glace from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Mrs. A's Skillet Lemon Chicken from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Philly Strip Steaks with Provolone Sauce and Caramelized Onions from The Texan New Yorker
• Sweet & Sour Garlic Chicken Wings from Big Bear's Wife

Sweet Sauces

• Banana Pudding Sauce from Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Raspberry Red Wine Sauce from Treats & Trinkets
• Pumpkin Applesauce from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Sauce from Daily Dish Recipes
• Slow Cooker Applesauce from Citronlimette
• Apple Cider Caramel Sauce from The Messy Baker
• Port Wine Cranberry Sauce from Webicurean
• Pumpkin Caramel Sauce from Noshing With The Nolands

Desserts with Sauces

• Sticky Toffee Pudding w/ Toffee Sauce from girlichef
• Salted Bourbon Caramel Sauce (over Chocolate Rosemary Cake) from Gotta Get Baked
• Pear Tatin with Rum Caramel Sauce from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Bananas Foster from MidLife Road Trip
• Baked Espresso Berry Pudding from The Urban Mrs
• Caramel Apple Sheet Cake from Pies and Plots

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → >Sunday Supper Movement.

Raviolo al'Uovo

Raviolo al'Uovo

This dish has been in the pipeline since the beginning of the year. The reason I wanted to prepare it is because I recognized it from Cook Like A Rock Star by Anne Burrell with Suzanne Lenzer while watching Worst Cooks in America. Chef Burrell used the dish in the final challenge and I wanted to re-affirm my skills as a home cook. I obviously got side tracked for a couple of months but it got moved up to a priority when Mrs. Stuntman was watching an Iron Chef America episode a couple of weeks ago and saw Chef Forgione re-imagine a carbonara dish as an egg yolk raviolo. The concept also appealed to me because I remember a carbonara dish I had a several years ago that was topped with a poached egg. It was extremely creative because the broken egg yolk made a perfect sauce for the dish.

The Challenge

Re-affirm my skills. Is one of the worst cooks in America better in the kitchen than me?

The Source

The recipe can be found on pages 116 to 117 of the book noted above, but Chef Burrell's adaptation she used on the show can be found here. I also used Chef Burrell's pasta dough recipe found on pages 102 to 104.

Ingredients

For the pasta dough:
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
4 large eggs
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons water
kosher salt

For the filling and sauce:
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
2 large eggs
8 egg yolks
Kosher salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
2 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped

Method

1. Make the pasta dough: On a clean, flat work surface, place the flour in a mound. Scoop a hole in the middle so that the pile of flour looks like a volcano. Ensure the hole (i.e. well) is large enough to hold the fluids. Separately, in a medium bowl, combine the eggs, egg yolk, olive oil, and water. Season with salt. Pour the egg mixture into the well. With a fork, slowly incorporate flour into the eggs but be mindful not to break the sides of the flour. When enough flour has been combined into the eggs so the mixture has thickened, combine the remaining flour using hands. Knead the dough until it's smooth and flexible, about 8 to 15 minutes. Once done, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour, or if not using immediately, refrigerate but bring to room temperature before rolling.

2. Roll the dough: Once the dough has rested, unwrap the dough and cut in half. Rewrap one half for another use and cut the other half into two pieces. Rewrap the first piece, then flatten the second. Pass the dough through a pasta roller at the widest setting. Fold the dough into thirds and pass the dough through the roller at the widest setting a second time. Fold the dough into thirds a second time and pass the dough through at the widest setting a third time. Decrease the width by one notch and pass the dough through only once, then decrease the width by one notch again and repeat the process. If the dough becomes sticky or tacky, lightly dust it with flour in between passings.On my pasta roller, there are 6 settings and I went to the fifth setting. Unwrap the second piece of dough and repeat this process.

3. Prepare the ricotta filling: Combine the ricotta, Parmigiano, parsley, and 2 eggs in a medium bowl, then season with salt.

4. Make each ravioli: Dust a clean, flat surface with flour and lay out two sheets of pasta, each about 12 inches long, then brush each sheet lightly with water. Spoon 4 dollops of the ricotta mixture onto each sheet of pasta at about 1 inch intervals. Use the spoon to make a small well at the center of each dollop, then carefully place an egg yolk on each ricotta bed. Cover each pasta sheet with a second one of equal length. Using your finger, seal the pasta around each ricotta nest, then cut each raviolo separately using a fluted pastry cutter or dough roller. Each ravioli should be three to 4 inches in diameter. Reserve the ravioli on a flour dusted sheet pan.

5. Cook and finish the dish: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat, then melt half of the butter in a large skillet. Once the butter is melted, add half of the chicken stock, then season with half of the sage and salt. Bring the chicken stock to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add half of the ravioli to the boiling water and cook until they float to the top, approximately 3 minutes. Transfer the ravioli to the chicken stock carefully and simmer for two to three minutes, adding some boiling pasta water to the sauce if it reduces too much. Remove each ravioli to a serving plate spooning each with some of the sauce and garnish with freshly grated Parmigiano. Repeat this process with the remaining ravioli, butter, sage, stock and Parm.

Successful?

The one word I would use to describe this dish is sophisticated. The flavors, preparation and execution of the dish certainly were. I would definitely it this dish in the intermediate-to-advanced category, but my efforts were appreciated with Mrs. Stuntman noting that it was one of her favorites.