Food 2: December 2013

Monday, December 9, 2013

Shredded Carrots with Jalapeño, Lime & Cilantro

Sweet, tender carrots get a kick from minced fresh chiles in this simple no-cook slaw.

8 medium carrots (about 1-1/2 lb.)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 Tbs. fresh lime juice

1 medium jalapeño, cored, seeded, and minced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Whole cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Peel and then grate the carrots using either the large holes on a box grater or a food processor fitted with a medium grating attachment. Put the grated carrots in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk the oil and lime juice. Add the jalapeño and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add the dressing and chopped cilantro to the carrots and toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper, garnish with the cilantro leaves (if using), and serve.

Fennel Layered with Potatoes & Breadcrumbs (Tortiera di Finocchi e Patate)

Take care to make the potato slices equally thin so they cook evenly. A mandoline or other vegetable slicer makes the job easier, but you can also do it by hand with a sharp knife.

2 lb. yellow potatoes, such as Yukon Gold

1 large fennel bulb, trimmed (3/4 to 1 lb. after trimming)

1 cup firmly packed fresh breadcrumbs

1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino (preferably Tuscan) or Parmigiano-Reggiano

3 Tbs. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 medium cloves garlic, minced

6 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the baking dish

2-1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Tip:

To make fresh breadcrumbs, use a dense, day-old French or Italian country-style loaf. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and process in a food processor until fine.

Peel the potatoes and slice them as thinly as possible, between 1/16 and 1/8 inch thick (use a mandoline if you have one). Put the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to keep them from browning.

Cut the fennel in half lengthwise. Slice the halved fennel crosswise as thinly as possible, between 1/16 and 1/8 inch thick. You should have about 4 cups.

In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, and garlic. Mix well with your hands, making sure the garlic is evenly distributed.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400ºF.

Lightly oil the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Without draining the potatoes, use your hands to lift out about one-third of the slices and arrange them in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping them slightly. (The water clinging to them will generate steam as they bake.) Season with 1/2 tsp. of the salt and a couple of grinds of the pepper. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with 1/4 cup of the breadcrumb mixture. Drizzle with 1 Tbs. of the oil. Top the potatoes with half of the sliced fennel, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the fennel with 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 cup of the breadcrumb mixture, and 1 Tbs. of the oil. Repeat this layering process, ending with a top layer of potatoes. Season the top layer with the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and some more pepper. Top with the remaining breadcrumb mixture and the final 2 Tbs. oil.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes (be sure the aluminum foil is sealed tightly all around the baking dish, or there won’t be enough steam to cook the potatoes). Uncover and continue baking until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes longer. Let rest at least 10 minutes before serving. The tortiera is as good warm as it is hot.

Potato Salad with Peas and Pancetta

For the dressing

1/3 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

For the salad

¼ cup plain rice vinegar

Kosher salt

3-1/2 lb. medium waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red, scrubbed clean

1/2 lb. pancetta, cooked and crumbled

1 cup fresh peas, blanched (or substitute thawed frozen peas)

1 cup sugar snap peas, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and blanched

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Make the dressing

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl

Make the salad

Combine the vinegar and 2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Let sit to dissolve the salt. Put the potatoes and 2 Tbs. salt in a 6-quart pot and add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook the potatoes until barely tender when poked with a fork or skewer, 20 to 25 minutes. If the potatoes aren't all the same size, remove them as they are cooked.

Gently drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside until just cool enough to handle. Using a paring knife, peel the potatoes by scraping off the skin. Cut the potatoes into 3/4-inch chunks. Add the potatoes to the bowl with the vinegar and gently stir with a spatula to coat. With your fingers, pull apart any pieces that are stuck together.

When the potatoes have completely cooled, gently fold the pancetta, peas, sugar snaps, basil, chives, and mint into the potatoes. Fold in enough dressing to generously coat the potatoes (you may not need all of the dressing). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until cool.

Sherry Baked Beans with Chorizo

Sherry adds a subtle tang, and Spanish chorizo brings a smoky note to these beans.

1 lb. dried navy beans

1 Tbs. olive oil; more as needed

10 oz. Spanish chorizo, casings removed (if possible), small diced (about 2 cups)

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 large cloves garlic, chopped

6 cups lower-salt chicken broth

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Freshly ground black pepper

1 cup oloroso or amontillado sherry, plus 2 Tbs. to finish, if desired

1 cup canned crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup light brown sugar

3 sprigs fresh thyme

Kosher salt

Tip:

Don't have time to soak the beans overnight?
Put them in a 4-quart saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches and bring just to a boil. Remove from the heat and soak for 2 hours. Drain the beans and continue with the recipe.

Sort through the beans to make sure there are no little stones and then put them in a large bowl or pot. Add enough cold water to cover the beans by 2 inches and let soak overnight. Drain the beans well, tilting the colander instead of shaking it to gently extract the water and protect the beans' skins.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 300°F.

Heat the olive oil in a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a small bowl. Depending on the amount of fat left in the pot, pour off and discard all but 3 Tbs. or add enough olive oil to make 3 Tbs. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes.

Add the broth, bay leaves, cumin, cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Stir to combine. Add the beans and bring just to a simmer over high heat. Cover and bake until the beans are easy to bite into but still a little mealy in texture, 45 to 60 minutes.

Stir in the reserved chorizo, 1 cup sherry, and the tomatoes, brown sugar, and thyme. Bake, uncovered, until the beans are fully tender, 30 to 60 minutes more. Cool to room temperature, remove the bay leaves and thyme stems, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

To finish, bring to a simmer, uncovered, over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer until the sauce is reduced to the consistency of thin gravy, stirring occasionally so the bottom doesn't burn, 40 to 60 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 Tbs. sherry (if using) and season the beans to taste with salt and pepper.

Basic Roasted Broccoli

You can jazz up this basic recipe by adding Rosemary-Lemon Thyme Oil or Moroccan Spice Rub when you toss the broccoli with olive oil and salt and pepper before roasting. Or toss the broccoli with Sesame Sea Salt, Caramelized Shallot Butter, Ginger-Lemon Soy Splash, or Toasted Coriander & Garlic Oil after they come out of the oven.

1 lb. broccoli crowns

1 to 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste

Freshly ground black pepper

Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 475° F. Line a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Trim and peel the broccoli stem; slice it into 1/4-inch-thick disks. Where the stem starts to branch out, split the florets though the stem so that each piece is 1-1/2 to 2 inches wide. In a medium bowl, toss the broccoli with enough of the olive oil to coat generously, the salt, and a few grinds of pepper.

Turn the broccoli out onto the baking sheet and arrange the pieces so that they are evenly spaced. If the pieces cover the baking sheet sparsely, arrange them toward the edges of the baking sheet for the best browning. Roast until the floret tops begin to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir and continue to roast until tender, 3 to 6 minutes.

Return the broccoli florets to the bowl in which you tossed them with the oil, or put them in a clean serving bowl. If they seem a bit dry, drizzle them with a little more oil. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if using.

Southwestern-Style Potato Salad

For the dressing:

1/3 cup sour cream

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 Tbs. fresh lime juice

1 clove garlic, mashed to a paste

2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano

1-1/2 tsp. cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:

1/4 cup plain rice vinegar

Kosher salt

3-1/2 lb. medium waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red, scrubbed clean

1-1/4 cup fresh sweet corn kernels, blanched

1-1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

3/4 cup grated Cheddar

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Make the dressing

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.

Make the salad

When the potatoes have completely cooled, gently fold the corn, bell peppers, Cheddar scallions, and cilantro into the potatoes. Fold in enough dressing to generously coat the potatoes (you may not need all of the dressing). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until cool.

Brown Rice Salad with Apples and Cheddar

This hearty grain and lentil salad travels well, making it great for a weekday lunch.

2-1/2 cups brown rice

Kosher salt

1/2 cup plus 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed

1/3 cup cider vinegar

Freshly ground black pepper

1 cup diced apples (1/2-inch dice)

1 cup halved seedless grapes

1 cup sliced celery (1/4-inch-thick slices)

1 cup cooked brown lentils

1 cup diced Cheddar

3/4 cup chopped toasted almonds

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Rinse the rice under cold water and drain. Bring 7 cups of water to a boil in a 4-quart pot over high heat. Add 3/4 tsp. salt. Add the rice, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally and adding more boiling water as necessary to keep the rice covered, until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and rinse the rice with cold water to stop the cooking.

Transfer the rice to a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil, and toss lightly to coat. Spread the rice on the baking sheet and cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Put the vinegar in a small bowl and gradually whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup of oil. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional vinegar or oil as needed.

Put the cooked and cooled rice in a large serving bowl and toss to break up any clumps. Add the apples, grapes, celery, lentils, Cheddar, almonds, parsley, and 1/2 cup vinaigrette and toss. Taste and season as needed with more vinaigrette, salt, and pepper, and serve.

Broiled Asparagus and Artichokes with Vermouth Brown Butter

Frozen artichoke hearts are a rushed cook’s secret weapon. Here, they’re broiled with asparagus for deep flavor in minutes. If you don’t have any vermouth on hand for the sauce, you can use dry white wine instead.

1 lb. asparagus, trimmed of tough, woody stems, and cut into 2-inch pieces

12 oz. frozen artichoke quarters, thawed and patted dry

1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 Tbs. salted butter

2 Tbs. dry (white) vermouth

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Position a rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the asparagus and artichokes with the olive oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Broil until browned and tender, about 6 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until fragrant and beginning to brown, about 1-1/2 minutes. Carefully whisk in the vermouth (it will splatter). Toss the asparagus and artichokes with the brown butter and the lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Corn, Sweet Onion & Zucchini Sauté with Fresh Mint

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1-1/2 cups small-diced sweet onion, such as a Vidalia (about 7 oz. or half a large onion)

1 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste

1-1/4 cups small-diced zucchini (about 6 oz. or 1 medium-small zucchini)

2 slightly heaping cups fresh corn kernels (from 4 medium ears)

2 tsp. minced garlic

Scant 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

Scant 1/2 tsp. ground coriander

2 to 3 Tbs. chopped fresh mint

One-quarter lemon

Freshly ground black pepper

Melt 1 Tbs. of the butter with the olive oil in a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the onions and 1/2 tsp. of the salt, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 min. Uncover, raise the heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are light golden and shrunken, another 3 to 4 min.

Add the remaining 1 Tbs. butter and the zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is slightly shrunken and almost tender, about 3 min. Add the corn, garlic, and the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, until the corn is tender but still slightly toothy to the bite, 3 to 4 min. (It will begin to intensify in color, glisten, and be somewhat shrunken in size, and the bottom of the pan may be slightly brown.) Add the cumin and coriander and cook, stirring, until very fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Remove the pan from the heat, add all but about 1/2 Tbs. of the mint, a good squeeze of lemon, and a few generous grinds of pepper. Stir, let sit 2 min., and stir again, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan (moisture released from the vegetables as they sit will loosen the bits). Season to taste with more salt, pepper, or lemon. Serve warm, sprinkled with the remaining mint.

Grilled Tomatoes with Saba and Sea Salt

Saba is a syrupy condiment from Italy made from reduced unfermented grape juice. Balsamic vinegar is a good substitution if reduced until slightly syrupy.

8 small tomatoes (3 to 4 oz. each) cored and halved crosswise

1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

3 Tbs. saba

Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon

Prepare a medium-high gas or charcoal grill fire. Brush the cut sides of the tomatoes with the olive oil. Grill the tomatoes cut side down until charred, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a platter, cut side up. Drizzle the tomatoes with the saba and sprinkle with salt to taste. Serve immediately.

Brown Butter Summer Squash Linguine

Hoorah! There’s finally a great way to cook summer squash, that poor unfortunate victim of too many “vegetable medleys,” in which the overgrown squash is thickly sliced, overcooked, and served in a pool of liquid. Young squash—diced small and cooked fast—are yummy. Even better, if you treat yourself to a really cool hand tool—a julienne peeler, which only costs about seven dollars—you can make the quickest, tastiest squash dish ever.
In this recipe, I quickly sauté the “linguine” in brown butter for a super-fast side dish. You could just wrap it up with salt and a squeeze of lemon, but I’ve added almonds, as nutty flavors pair really well with all squashes. (Hazelnuts are good here, too.) You can substitute zucchini for half of the summer squash, if you like.
Watch the video series Homegrown/Homemade: Squash to see Fine Cooking's Sarah Breckenridge make this recipe.

1-1/2 lb. young yellow (summer) squash (about 4)

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

2 Tbs. finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts

1 tsp. kosher salt

2 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon or parsley

1/2 lemon

Wash and dry the squash and trim off the ends. Using a julienne peeler, peel the squash lengthwise all the way around, dropping the strips into a bowl. Continue peeling until you reach the seed core. Discard the core and peel the other squash in the same fashion. Toss the squash strips and separate any that are clumping together.

In a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the almonds and swirl the butter around in the pan. Cook the butter until it reaches a nutty brown color (the almonds should be light brown by then), about 2 minutes. The color turns quickly so keep an eye on it—it will be more flavorful if you take it beyond a very light brown, but you don’t want it to turn black. Immediately add the squash and salt. Toss the squash gently with tongs until it is well coated with the butter. Continue cooking just until the squash becomes slightly limp, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in half of the chopped herbs, and squeeze a little of the lemon over the squash and toss. Taste and add more lemon, if desired. Transfer the squash to a serving dish or plates and garnish with the remaining herbs.

Creamed Corn with Shallots

Forget canned or frozen creamed corn. Once you try this version, made with fresh corn, shallots, butter, and cream, you’ll never go back. Remove as much of the flavorful corn “milk” from the cob as possible for the best flavor.

5 ears fresh corn

1 Tbs. unsalted butter

1/4 cup minced shallots

1/2 cup heavy cream

Kosher salt

1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

Freshly ground black pepper

Slice the kernels from the corn to yield 3 cups (don’t cut too deeply; you want only the tender tips of the kernels). Put the kernels in a medium bowl and reserve the cobs. Working with one cob at a time, stand it on its end in the bowl and scrape the back of the knife down the sides to release the corn “milk.”

Melt the butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring, until softened, 1 minute. Add the corn, cream, and 1/2 tsp. salt and simmer gently, stirring often, until the cream has thickened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Corn Sauté with Canadian Bacon, Potatoes & Peppers

Canadian bacon and potatoes make this corn sauté hearty enough to stand alone as a light main course, but it also makes a wonderful side dish or a zesty bed for grilled or roasted meat or fish.

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup small-diced Canadian bacon (3 oz.)

1 cup small-diced red onion (from about a 6-oz. onion)

1 cup small-diced red potato (from about a 5-oz. potato)

1/2 cup small-diced green bell pepper (from three-quarters of a 3-oz. pepper)

1 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste

2 slightly heaping cups fresh corn kernels (from about 4 medium ears)

2 tsp. minced garlic (2 medium cloves)

2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh chives

1/2 tsp. green Tabasco; more to taste

Freshly ground black pepper

One-half lemon

Melt 1 Tbs. of the butter and 1 Tbs. of the olive oil in a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Canadian bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is brown around the edges, about 4 min. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Add the remaining 1 Tbs. butter and 1 Tbs. olive oil to the pan. Add the onion, potato, bell pepper, and 1/2 tsp. of the salt. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover, and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions and peppers are well softened and the potatoes are barely tender and starting to brown, 5 to 7 min.

Uncover, increase the heat to medium, and add the corn, garlic, and the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Sauté, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, until the corn is tender but still slightly toothy to the bite, 3 to 5 min. (The corn should be glistening, brighter in color, and somewhat shrunken in size, and the bottom of the pan will be slightly brown.)

Remove the pan from the heat, add the parsley, chives, Tabasco, a few generous grinds of pepper, and a small squeeze of lemon. Stir, let sit 2 min., and stir again, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. (Moisture released from the vegetables as they sit will loosen the bits.) Fold the Canadian bacon into the dish, season to taste with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Serve warm.

Bread Salad with Summer Beans and Feta

Popular in Italy, panzanella is a refreshing salad made with leftover bread and tomatoes that virtually transports you to the rolling Tuscan hillsides. This recipe changes the classic a bit by adding green beans and yellow wax beans, as well as feta cheese. Although it’s not a classic Italian cheese, it adds a wonderful salty quality to the salad. Give this recipe a try the next time you find yourself with leftover stale bread.

6 oz. coarse-textured rustic bread, 3 to 4 days old

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1⁄2 lb. green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

1⁄2 lb. yellow wax beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

3 medium red tomatoes, seeded and cut into 3⁄4-inch dice

3 medium yellow tomatoes, seeded and cut into 3⁄4-inch dice

1 small red onion, cut into 1⁄2-inch dice

1⁄4 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed

1 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh oregano

5 Tbs. red-wine vinegar

1⁄3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

12 oz. feta cheese, coarsely crumbled

Slice the bread into 1-inch slices. Sprinkle with 1⁄2 cup water and let sit for 2 minutes. Carefully squeeze the bread until dry. Tear it into 1-inch pieces and let rest on paper towels for 20 minutes.

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the green and yellow beans and simmer until tender but still crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and cool.

Place the tomatoes, onions, bread, and cooled green and yellow beans in a large serving bowl. Tear the basil into 1⁄2-inch pieces and toss carefully into the bowl along with the oregano.

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Carefully toss the salad with the vinaigrette and let rest for 20 minutes. Serve with the crumbled feta on top.

Individual Savory Horseradish Bread Puddings

For this menu, you will need only 8 puddings, but you’ll have 4 extra for anyone who wants seconds.

2 tsp. unsalted butter, softened

1-1/4 cups heavy cream

6 large eggs, at room temperature

1/4 cup prepared white horseradish

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 cups small-diced white sandwich bread, such as Pepperidge Farm Original (about 5 slices), with crusts

1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

3 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh chives

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup nonstick muffin tin with the butter.

In a 4-cup liquid measuring cup, thoroughly whisk the cream and eggs. Whisk in the horseradish, 1 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper and set aside.

Portion half of the bread cubes evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Portion half of the parmigiano and half of the chives evenly among the cups. Repeat with the remaining bread, cheese, and chives.

Whisk the custard again and carefully pour it into the muffin cups, distributing it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Bake until the puddings are set and the tops are nicely browned and puffed, 18 to 22 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the puddings from the pan, running a paring knife around the edge of the puddings if they stick.

Saffron Rice Pilaf with Red Pepper & Toasted Almonds

The flavors in this pilaf remind me a little of paella. It’s a great partner for salmon, shrimp, or mussels.

2-1/2 cups low-salt chicken broth or water

Pinch saffron (about 20 threads)

1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, small diced (1-1/4 cups)

1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and small diced (about 1 cup)

1-1/2 cups long-grain white rice

1 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed

Pinch ground cayenne

1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh Italian parsley

1 large clove garlic, minced (1-1/2 tsp.)

1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

1 Tbs. roughly chopped fresh oregano

On the stovetop or in the microwave, heat the broth until hot. Add the saffron, cover, and let sit for 15 to 20 min.

In a heavy-based 3-qt. saucepan with a tight lid, heat the oil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft but not browned, about 5 min. Add the rice, salt, and cayenne, and stir well to coat each grain with oil. Toast for a full 5 min., stirring regularly to keep the grains separated and to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan (the rice may turn opaque before 5 min. is up, but keep going). Reduce the heat to low if there are any signs of scorching. Stir in 2 Tbs. of the parsley and the garlic.

Tip:

Fluff the pilaf by slipping the tines of a fork down into the rice alongside the edge of the pan. Gently lift and toss the rice toward the center of the pan. Continue this process as you work your way around the perimeter. Then add your finishing-touch ingredients and gently fold them in with the fork, using a similar gentle fluffing motion.

Add the saffron broth, stir once, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 18 min. Remove from the heat, and let the pilaf sit, still covered, for 5 min.

Once the pilaf has rested, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Using the fork, gently fold in the almonds, the remaining 2 Tbs. parsley, and the oregano. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.

Charred Radicchio with Sweet-and-Sticky Balsamic and Bacon

The soft grilled leaves of bitter radicchio respond well to the sticky-sweet acidity of good balsamic vinegar. It fills the mouth with bitter sweetness, a well-matched foil to grill-roasted leg of lamb. And the bacon makes it all better, because that’s the great culinary virtue of smoky, fatty cured pork.

for the vinaigrette

2 Tbs. sherry vinegar

2 Tbs.finely chopped shallots

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 tsp. garlic paste (1 to 2 cloves mashed with a pinch of salt)

Pinch each of sea or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp.dried oregano

For the radicchio

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

4 to 5 heads radicchio, quartered and core trimmed

16 to 20 slices bacon

2 Tbs. aged balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbs. chopped fresh chives

Preheat the grill to medium-low.

Make the vinaigrette

Whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl.

Prepare and grill the radicchio

Put the radicchio in a large bowl and drizzle with just enough vinaigrette to coat lightly, tossing gently.

Lay a slice of bacon on a work surface and wrap a radicchio quarter tightly in the bacon, starting from the bottom end and continuing to just shy of 1/4-in. from the top. Repeat with the remaining bacon and radicchio.

Put the radicchio quarters on the oiled clean grill grate and cook until crispy and golden on the first side, about 2 minutes. Turn and cook until crisp and golden on the second side, about 2 minutes, then turn and cook until crisp and golden on the third side.

Transfer the radicchio to a platter. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil, sprinkle with the chopped chives, and serve.

Wild Rice with Pears, Sausage, and Candied Pecans

Comice pears are one of the sweetest and most succulent varieties, with a rich buttery texture that pairs well here with the chewy wild rice and crunchy pecans. Take care not to overcook them or they'll break down and lose their bite.

1 cup wild rice

Kosher salt

1 Tbs. olive oil

6 oz. sweet Italian sausage (casings removed if using links), crumbled

1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)

2 Tbs. dry vermouth

1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage

1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

2 small fresh bay leaves (optional)

2 small ripe pears (preferably Comice), peeled, cored, cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch-thick wedges, and then crosswise into 1/2 inch pieces

1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter

1/4 cup pecans

1 Tbs. packed dark brown sugar

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a 4-quart saucepan. Add the wild rice and a generous pinch of salt, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook until tender, 30 to 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up any big chunks with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a paper-towel-lined plate. Add the onion and 1/2 tsp. salt to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 3 minutes. Add the vermouth and with a wooden spoon scrape up any browned bits from the pan; cook until the vermouth evaporates, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the sage, thyme, and bay leaves (if using), and continue cooking until the onion is very tender and the herbs are fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Return the sausage to the pan, add the pears, and cook just until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

In an 8-inch nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pecans and cook, stirring often, until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar and stir until melted and beginning to caramelize, 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, transfer to a plate, and let cool. Roughly chop the nuts.

When the wild rice is cooked, drain any excess water. Return the rice to the pan and cook over medium heat to dry out slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the bay leaves (if used) from the pear mixture. Add the pear mixture to the wild rice and toss to combine. Season to taste with sea salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with the chopped nuts, and serve.

Carrot Mash with Orange and Mint

This brightly colored mash has a tantalizing flavor that’s ideal with rich lamb dishes. A touch of hot sauce keeps the sweetness of the orange in check.

2 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

Kosher salt

1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces

2 Tbs. heavy cream

2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1-1/2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh mint

1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest; more as needed

Hot sauce, such as Tabasco, to taste

Put the carrots in a 4-quart saucepan with enough cool water to cover by at least 1 inch. Add 1 tsp. salt and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and cook at a gentle boil until the carrots can be easily pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes.

Drain well in a colander, letting the steam rise for a few minutes. Meanwhile, heat the butter, cream, oil, mint, orange zest, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a dash of hot sauce in the saucepan over low heat until the butter is melted.

For a rustic texture, return the carrots to the pan and mash with a potato masher to the consistency you like.

For a smooth texture (shown), purée the carrots in a food processor until smooth and then add them to the pan, stirring well to combine.

Season to taste with more orange zest, salt, or hot sauce before serving.

Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad

This potato salad is filled with favorite flavorings of the Southwest—corn, chiles, red onions, peppers, and some crisp bacon.

2 large red onions, cut into 1/2-inch disks and threaded onto metal skewers

4 red bell peppers, halved, cored, and seeded

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tsp. plus 2 Tbs. kosher salt; more as needed

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; more as needed

1-1/2 cups cooked fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears)

1/2 lb. bacon (8 to 9 slices), cooked until crisp, drained, and crumbled

3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tsp. chili powder

3 lb. red potatoes, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces

3 Tbs. cider vinegar; more as needed

Heat a gas grill to medium or prepare a charcoal fire with medium- and low-heat areas. Put the onions and peppers on a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with 2 Tbs. of the oil, 2 tsp. of the salt, and the pepper. Turn and rub the vegetables to coat all over with the oil and seasonings.

Grill the vegetables, covered, until they have good grill marks, about 5 minutes. Flip, cover, and continue to grill until the peppers are softened and nicely browned, about another 5 minutes. As they finish cooking, transfer the peppers to the baking sheet. Reduce the heat on the gas grill to medium low or transfer the onions to the cooler part of the fire and continue cooking until they are just tender and browned (it’s fine if they’re charred in places), about another 8 minutes. Move to a cutting board and let cool. Scrape the skins off the peppers if you like. Coarsely chop the peppers and onions and toss in a large serving bowl along with the corn, bacon, cilantro, and chili powder.

Put the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water by a couple of inches, stir in the remaining 2 Tbs. of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the potatoes are just tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and toss with the grilled vegetables, the remaining 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. oil, and the vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and more vinegar to taste. Let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours at room temperature before serving.

Basic Roasted Butternut Squash

You can jazz up this basic recipe by adding Rosemary-Lemon Thyme Oil or Moroccan Spice Rub when you toss the butternut squash with olive oil and salt and pepper before roasting. Or toss the butternut squash with Sesame Sea Salt, Caramelized Shallot Butter, Ginger-Lemon Soy Splash, or Toasted Coriander & Garlic Oil after it comes out of the oven.

1 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4- to 1-inch pieces

1 to 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste

Freshly ground black pepper

Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 475° F. Line a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet with parchment. In a medium bowl, toss the butternut squash with enough of the olive oil to coat generously, the salt, and a few grinds of pepper.

Turn the butternut squash out onto the baking sheet and arrange the pieces so that they are evenly spaced and lying on a cut side. If the pieces cover the baking sheet sparsely, arrange them toward the edges of the baking sheet for the best browning. Roast until the squash is browned on bottom, 15 minutes. Flip and roast until tender, 5 to 10 minutes.

Return the butternut squash to the bowl in which you tossed it with the oil, or put it in a clean serving bowl. If the squash seems a bit dry, drizzle it with a little oil. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if using.

Israeli Couscous with Saffron, Toasted Pine Nuts & Currants

You can easily make this dish an hour or two in advance, let it sit at room temperature, and gently reheat it before serving (you may need to carefully break apart any clumps with a wooden spoon). But hold off on adding the pine nuts until the last minute, so they don’t lose their texture.

4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1-1/4 cups)

4 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts kept separate)

30 saffron threads (about 1/8 tsp.), lightly toasted and crumbled

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt

2 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped

Generous pinch ground cinnamon

1-3/4 cups Israeli couscous

1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted

1/3 cup currants, soaked in warm water until tender and then drained

3 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a 10-inch straightsided sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, scallion whites, saffron, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 Tbs. oil, the garlic, and cinnamon and continue to cook for 1 minute more. Add the couscous and 1-1/2 tsp. salt and stir constantly until the couscous is lightly toasted (the color will turn a light brown), 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add the water to the pan with the couscous, stir to combine, cover, and cook at a simmer over medium-low to low heat until the couscous is tender and has absorbed all of the liquid, about 10 minutes.

Add the pine nuts, currants, and parsley and toss to combine. Season to taste with more salt if necessary. Transfer to a platter or distribute among individual plates, sprinkle the scallion greens on top, and serve.

Sautéed Broccoli Raab with Chile, Garlic & Lemon

The assertive flavors and bright-green color of this side make it a perfect pairing for salmon or chicken. It also goes well with starchy dishes like risotto and pasta.
Some people delight in broccoli raab’s full, undiluted flavor; I find that blanching tempers the bitter note to a more pleasing level and allows other flavors to have their say. For blanching instructions, see the tip below; and for more information on broccoli raab, check out the full article.

3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1 Tbs. minced garlic (2 to 3 large cloves)

Scant 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Finely grated zest of half a lemon; plus fresh lemon juice to taste

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 lb. broccoli raab, rinsed, trimmed, and blanched (see tip at right)

Tip:

To blanch, drop trimmed (but uncut) broccoli raab into boiling salted water. After two minutes (even if the water hasn't returned to a boil), drain and refresh under cold water.

Put the oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a 10- to 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and starts to sizzle slightly, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low if the garlic starts to brown. Stir in the lemon zest, 1/4 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Raise the heat to medium high and add the broccoli raab, turning to thoroughly coat in the oil and spices. Turn frequently, until it is heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat, sprinkle lemon juice over the broccoli raab, toss again, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Mushroom, Leek, and Fontina Gratin

Rye breadcrumbs add a bold flavor that complements the meaty mushrooms. If you don’t have dry vermouth to deglaze the skillet, dry white wine or chicken or vegetable broth will do the trick.

2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter; more at room temperature for the dish

1-1/2 lb. medium to large white mushrooms, quartered (8-1/2 cups)

4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 lb. mixed “wild” mushrooms (such as oyster and shiitake), trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces (7 cups)

1-1/2 cups coarse fresh rye breadcrumbs

4 oz. coarsely grated fontina (1 cup)

3 medium to large leeks, trimmed, white and light-green parts only, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 2 cups), and rinsed well

1/2 cup dry vermouth

1 cup heavy cream

4 sprigs fresh sage, plus 1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage leaves

Position racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F. Butter a 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish.

In a large bowl, toss the white mushrooms with 2 Tbs. of the oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Spread the white mushrooms evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toss the “wild” mushrooms with the remaining 2 Tbs. oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in the bowl and spread on a second large rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring the mushrooms and rotating the baking sheets once, until golden-brown and any liquid has evaporated, about 25 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.

Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbs. of the butter and pour into a medium bowl. Add the breadcrumbs and fontina and toss well.

In a 12-inch skillet, melt the remaining 2 Tbs. butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and 1 tsp. salt and cook, stirring often with a wooden spatula, until golden, 7 to 10 minutes. Add the vermouth and boil, stirring and scraping up any browned bits, until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, sage sprigs, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper and bring just to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the sage sprigs.

Add the mushrooms and chopped sage to the leek mixture and toss to coat. Transfer to the prepared dish. Top with the breadcrumb mixture and bake in the top third of the oven until the breadcrumbs are golden-brown, about 30 minutes.

Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Herb Gravy for a Brined Turkey

Pan juices from a brined turkey are full of salt, so if you use them in a traditional gravy recipe, your gravy is likely to come out far too salty. This gravy, which is based on a plain turkey broth and just a small amount of pan juices, can be used for any dry- or wet-brined bird.
For more gravy recipes visit The Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner.

For the turkey broth

Turkey neck, gizzard, tail, and heart

2 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 large yellow onion, cut into 2-inch chunks

1 small carrot, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 celery stalk, cut into 2-inch pieces

1 bay leaf

2 large sprigs each fresh thyme and parsley

10 black peppercorns

For the gravy

Drippings from a roasted brined turkey

6 Tbs. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. chopped fresh sage (save the stems)

1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme (save the stems)

1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Freshly ground black pepper

Make the broth

Chop the turkey neck into 3 or 4 pieces with a cleaver. Chop the gizzard in half. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the neck, gizzard, tail, and heart (do not use the liver) along with the onion. Stir to coat with oil, cover, and cook gently, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. The meat will begin releasing lots of juice.

Add 4 cups cold water and the carrot, celery, herbs, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cover, and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer until the broth is flavorful, 30 to 40 minutes. Strain the broth and set aside until the fat rises to the top. Skim off and discard the fat. Use the broth immediately or cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Make the gravy

Heat the giblet broth until hot. Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a heatproof measuring cup or fat separator. Allow the fat to rise to the top and then spoon 4 Tbs. back into the roasting pan. Separate and discard the remaining fat from the pan juices. Season the giblet broth with the pan juices, adding only enough to make the broth very flavorful but not too salty. If necessary, add water until you have 4 cups of liquid.

Place the roasting pan over two burners set on medium heat. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and use a flat whisk or wooden spoon to combine it with the fat. Cook for about 2 minutes.

To keep lumps from forming in the gravy, slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the broth mixture into the pan while whisking vigorously to disperse the flour evenly into the liquid. The liquid should thicken quickly and get gluey. As soon as it thickens, add another 1/2 cup or so of broth while whisking. Repeat until the gravy starts looking more like a smooth sauce than glue. At this point, you can whisk in the remaining broth and bring the gravy to a simmer. Add the reserved herb stems and simmer for about 5minutes to develop the flavors. Strain the gravy through a medium sieve, add the sage, thyme, and lemon juice, and season to taste with pepper.

Potato Gratin with Gruyere, Bacon, and Leeks

This rich, creamy gratin gets a note of smokiness from the bacon between the layers of tender potatoes. Create your own potato gratin with the Recipe Maker.

2-1/2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds

2-1/2 cups heavy or light cream

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4 oz. bacon

3 medium leeks, white and light-green parts only, thinly sliced

6 oz. grated Gruyère

2 to 3 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Butter or oil a 3-quart gratin dish; set aside.

Put the potatoes, cream , 1/2 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper in a 12-inch skillet. Simmer, partially covered, over medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and gently with a rubber spatula until the potatoes are barely tender when pierced with a fork or skewer, 8 to 12 minutes.

In a medium skillet, cook the bacon until browned and fully cooked. Set aside to cool, reserving 2 Tbs. of the fat in the skillet. Heat the reserved fat over medium-high heat and sauté leeks until tender, fragrant, and lightly browned. Season to taste with salt and pepper. When the bacon is cool, crumble it into small pieces.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer half the potatoes to the prepared gratin dish, spreading them evenly. Layer on the leeks, bacon, Gruyère, theyme, and nutmeg. Top with the remaining potatoes spreading them evenly, and pour over any liquid remaining in the pan.

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and melted butter.

Evenly scatter the topping mixture over the potatoes. Bake the gratin until it’s bubbly, the top is brown, and the potatoes are completely tender when poked with a fork or a skewer, 25 to 30 minutes. Let the gratin sit for at least 10 and up to 30 minutes before serving so the liquid is fully absorbed and the layers are cohesive.

Creamy Polenta-Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes

1 Tbs. butter

1 Tbs. diced shallot

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

3 cups lower-salt chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup polenta (such as Bob's Red Mill brand)

1/2 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme

1/2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

8 large Roma-style heirloom tomatoes

2 Tbs. chopped parsley

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the cream and then whisk in the polenta. Reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Add the thyme and rosemary and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the polenta is tender, creamy, and thick, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in 1/4 cup of the cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400° F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Halve the tomatoes lengthwise and hollow them out. Cut a very thin slice off the bottom of each tomato half so the filled tomato can lie flat without rolling. Arrange the tomatoes on the baking sheet and season them lightly with salt. Fill each tomato half with some of the polenta, mounding just slightly (depending on the size of your tomatoes, you may or may not use all the polenta). Sprinkle the remaining 2 Tbs. of cheese and the parsley over each. Bake until the tomatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Spicy Glazed Onions

Sweet little onions get a kick from cayenne and make an elegant accompaniment to roast beef. Cipollini onions are ideal here because they’re small enough to serve whole but big enough that peeling them isn’t a chore. Pearl onions are a good though slightly more-labor-intensive substitution if cipollini aren’t available.Web extra: View an audio slideshow to hear the sound of the glaze as it crackles, indicating that it’s time to lower the heat.

1 lb. cipollini or pearl onions, ends trimmed, with some root end left intact

1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter

1 Tbs. honey

Pinch to tsp. cayenne

Kosher salt

1/4 tsp. white wine vinegar; more to taste

Have ready a large bowl of ice water. Bring a 4- to 5-quart pot of water to a rolling boil and add the onions. Cook for 1 minute, drain, and transfer to the bowl of ice water. Swish the onions around until they’re chilled. Remove them from the water and peel; the skins should come off easily when you rub them with your fingers, though some may need a paring knife.

Put the onions in an 8-inch-wide, 3- to 4-quart saucepan and arrange snugly. Add the butter, honey, cayenne, 1/2 tsp. salt, and enough water to just cover the onions (about 2 cups). Bring to a boil over high heat.

Cook over high heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until the liquid has reduced to a syrupy glaze and the onions are tender, about 10 minutes. (If the glaze is done before the onions, add about 1/2 cup water and continue to cook. If the onions are done first, remove them and continue to boil the liquid until syrupy.)

Lower the heat to medium low, add the white wine vinegar and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and serve. (The glazed onions can be kept warm, covered, for about 20 minutes.)

California Bread Stuffing

Dried currants, almonds, and the surprising addition of mild, creamy goat cheese make this bread stuffing the perfect partner for the California Roast Turkey and Gravy.

1 1-lb. loaf rustic white bread with crust, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (12 to 14 cups)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 medium cloves garlic, minced

3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter; more for the baking dish

2 large yellow onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 medium celery heart, sliced 1/2 inch thick

8 oz. pancetta, finely diced

3/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

3/4 cup dried currants

1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 Tbs. minced fresh thyme

1 Tbs. minced fresh rosemary

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs

1-1/2 cups lower-salt chicken broth; more as needed

1/3 cup heavy cream

1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest

10-1/2 oz. fresh goat cheese

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F.

Mix the bread cubes, oil, and garlic in a very large bowl, tossing to coat. Spread in a single layer on 2 large rimmed baking sheets; set the bowl aside. Bake, stirring, swapping positions, and rotating the pans halfway through, until just golden, about 12 minutes. Return the bread to the bowl. (The bread can be prepared to this point up to 3 days ahead. Cool, cover, and store at room temperature.)

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Melt 4 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 15 minutes. Add to the bread.

Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the remaining 2 Tbs. of butter. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring, until browned. Add to the stuffing along with the almonds, currants, parsley, thyme, rosemary, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl to blend and then whisk in the broth, cream, and lemon zest. Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing and gently toss to combine. Let the stuffing sit until the liquid is absorbed, 5 to 10 minutes, tossing again if necessary. Add up to 1/2 cup additional broth if the stuffing seems dry; the mixture should be moist but not soggy.

Transfer half the stuffing to the prepared dish and crumble the goat cheese evenly over the top. Top with the remaining stuffing. Bake until lightly browned and crisp on top, about 40 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.

Knotted Dinner Rolls

Soft, rich, and worlds better than store-bought, these gorgeous, buttery dinner rolls are easier to make than you may think. In fact, describing how to shape them is more difficult than actually doing it. Look here for step-by-step photos for shaping them or watch our video on shaping and baking these dinner rolls, as well as Cloverleaf, Parker House, and Butterflake, all made with this same dough.

For the dough

1-1/2 cups whole milk; more as needed

1 packet (1/4 oz. or 2-1/4 tsp.) instant or active dry yeast

1/4 cup vegetable oil; more as needed

1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 lb. 7 oz. (5-1/4 cups) unbleached bread flour; more as needed

1-1/4 tsp. table salt or 2 tsp. kosher salt

1 large egg

For shaping and baking

Vegetable oil spray

1 large egg

Poppy or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Make the dough

In a small saucepan, heat the milk until lukewarm (about 95°F). Remove from the heat and whisk in the yeast until it dissolves. Add the oil and butter—the butter may begin to melt, but it’s OK if it doesn’t melt completely—and then whisk in the sugar. Let rest until the yeast just begins to float to the surface, about 5 minutes.

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl), combine the flour, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and mix on low speed (or with a large spoon) until a coarse ball of dough forms, about 1 minute. Let rest for 5 minutes.

Replace the paddle attachment with the dough hook and mix on medium-low speed (or knead by hand on a lightly oiled work surface) until the dough feels soft, supple, and pliable, about 3 minutes; it should feel tacky to the touch, but not sticky, and pull away from your finger when poked instead of sticking to it. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 Tbs. flour at a time, kneading to incorporate. If it’s stiff, knead in 1 Tbs. of milk at a time.

Rub a little vegetable oil on a work surface to create an 8-inch circle and put the dough on this spot. Stretch and fold the dough over itself from all four sides to the center, crimping it where the folded ends meet, to form it into a tight, round ball.

Put the dough seam side down in a lightly oiled bowl that’s twice the size of the dough. Tightly cover with plastic wrap. Let sit at room temperature until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.

Shape the rolls

Tip:

Need help shaping your rolls? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to shape knotted dinner rolls.

Line two 13x18-inch rimmed baking sheets with parchment or nonstick baking liners and lightly mist them with vegetable oil spray.

Using a bench knife, divide the dough into eighteen pieces (about 2-1/4 oz. each).

With your hands, roll one piece into a 12-inch-long rope. If the dough starts to stick, mist your work surface lightly with vegetable oil spray or wipe it with a damp towel. Don’t use flour.

Wrap the dough around your fingers into a loose knot; there should be about 2 inches of dough free at each end. Wrap the left end of the dough up and over the loop. Wrap the right end down and under the loop. Lightly squeeze the two ends of dough together in the center to secure them.

Gently squeeze the whole piece of dough into a nice rounded shape. Put the roll, pretty side up, on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Mist the top of the rolls with vegetable oil spray and cover loosely with plastic wrap.

Let the rolls sit at room temperature or refrigerated until they just begin to swell, 30 minutes to 1 hour for room-temperature dough, 1 to 1-1/2 hours for refrigerated dough.

Bake the rolls

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. If using a convection oven, heat it to 375°F; if using a conventional oven, heat it to 400°F.

Thoroughly whisk the egg with 1 Tbs. water and brush all over each roll. Sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds (if using) on the rolls.

While the oven heats, let the rolls continue to rise at room temperature, 20 to 40 minutes. They should be 1-1/2 to 2 times their original size before they go in the oven. (Once in the oven, they will rise about 20 percent more.)

Put the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 6 minutes. Rotate the sheets 180 degrees and swap their placement on the racks. Continue baking until the rolls turn rich golden-brown on top and develop some browning underneath, another 6 to 8 minutes. Let the rolls cool on the sheets or on a cooling rack for 15 minutes before serving.

Arugula, Carrot & Celery Root Salad with Almonds

This salad has everything going for it—spicy arugula, sweet grated carrots and celery root, crunchy almonds—all topped off with a vibrant honey-mustard vinaigrette.
Watch a video of Laurie Buckle demonstrating how easy it is to make your own vinaigrette.

2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar

2 Tbs. honey

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

6 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 medium carrots (1 lb.)

1 medium celery root (3/4 to 1 lb.)

6 lightly packed cups baby arugula (about 6 oz.)

3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, honey, and mustard. Whisk in the oil and season with 1/2 tsp. salt and a few grinds of pepper.

Peel and trim the carrots and celery root and then grate them in a food processor fitted with a medium grating disk. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the arugula, half of the almonds and half of the cilantro; toss with the vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the remaining almonds and cilantro and serve.