Confessions of a Foodie

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Showing posts with label Chicken Pesto Kabobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicken Pesto Kabobs. Show all posts

Thursday, July 2, 2026

4th of July

Since Saturday is the 4th of July (Where has the first half of the year gone? I could have sworn New Year's Day was last week sometime!), today's post has six recipes to fix for a holiday gathering, including Barbecued Beef Ribs and Cowboy Beans. Enjoy!

EGG POTATO SALAD

This is my version of potato salad. While there are undoubtedly fancier versions of potato salad, this is the one that my family loves and asks for. While I’d love to say that the leftovers refrigerate well overnight, I wouldn’t know; it never lasts long enough!

Ingredients

5 pounds potatoes (I use regular white potatoes)

6 – 8 eggs

1 – 2 onions, diced

3 – 4 cups mayo (if you usually use a vegetarian version, go for it)

1/2 cup mustard

Directions

Peel potatoes and cube into bite-sized pieces. Place in large pot, cover with cold water, then boil. Once water reaches a boil, turn heat to medium and cook for 20 – 30 minutes. Potatoes should be cooked through, but not mushy.

While potatoes are cooking, place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water and turn stove on high. Once water begins to boil, let boil for 10 minutes. Turn off stove, place pan in sink and run cold water over the eggs to cool off.

Drain potatoes and rinse in cold water. Place in large bowl. Peel and cut up eggs and add to potatoes, along with diced onions. Add mayo and mustard and mix well. Can be served either slightly warmed (now) or, if served later, cooled in refrigerator.

CARAMELIZED CITRUS

This comes from Sam Sifton of The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a modernized version of a dessert that was popular in Britain during the 1970s, a simple, stylish confection that was a standby of posh dinner parties: caramelized oranges. It was then and remains the sort of dish that is not particularly difficult to make, but still signals a home cook’s understanding of elegance. My recipe nods to, but is not of, that era. It calls for saffron, which infuses the sauce with its sweet-savory, haylike aroma, and for yogurt, which is a delicious partner to the fruit. On which subject, an important final note: Be careful to remove all the white pith beneath the skin of the citrus, as it is exceedingly bitter.” Yield: Serves 4 to 8; Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 assorted sweet citrus fruits, like blood or navel oranges or grapefruit

1 cup Greek-style yogurt

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1 pinch saffron threads

Directions

Using a small, sharp knife, cut off the tops and bottoms of the oranges and grapefruit, then slice the peel off them vertically, taking care to remove all the white pith below the skin of the fruit.

Spoon the yogurt onto a platter or into a large bowl. Turn each fruit on its side, then slice it into rounds that are between 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch thick. Place the sliced fruit on top of the yogurt in an attractive pattern, then place the platter or bowl into the refrigerator.

Make the caramel. Put the sugar in a large sauté pan set over medium heat, then add to it 1/2 cup or 125 milliliters of water, and swirl the pan to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture come slowly to a boil, without stirring, then lower heat slightly, and cook until the syrup has gone a very deep amber color, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, add the saffron to the caramel and swirl to mix it in.

Pour the caramel over the sliced fruit. Return to the refrigerator for an hour or so, or serve right away.

CHICKEN PESTO KABOBS

This comes from Chungah Rhee, whose blog, Damn Delicious, is really great! If you haven’t subscribed to it, I highly recommend doing so. This recipe begins, “No-fuss 4-ingredient kabobs! Can be made ahead of time, baked or grilled so you can make this anytime, anywhere. Easy peasy.” Yield: 6 servings; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, go to http://damndelicious.net/2016/06/04/chicken-pesto-kabobs/.

Ingredients

1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes

2 pints cherry tomatoes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and pesto; marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain chicken from the pesto.

Thread chicken and cherry tomatoes onto skewers; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Preheat grill to medium high heat.

Add skewers to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10-12 minutes.*

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

*This can also be baked for 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees F.

COWBOY BEANS

This is from Derrick Riches on the Spruce Eats. Derrick wrote, “In Texas, beans mean Pinto Beans. These beans are cooked up with brisket burnt ends and barbecue sauce to make them the perfect side dish for barbecue brisket. If you don't have burnt ends try a grilled steak cooked well. You will want a smoky flavor for these barbecue beans.” Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 180 minutes; Total Time: 194 minutes; Yield: Serves 6 to 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans

2 quarts water

2 cups brisket burnt ends, chopped

1 14-ounce can whole tomatoes

1 large onion, chopped

1 cup barbecue sauce

6 cloves garlic, minced

3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Preparation

Wash beans and pour into a large saucepan or dutch oven. Add all other ingredients except the salt. Bring to a boil while stirring. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for two hours, covered. Stir occasionally, bringing up the beans from the bottom to prevent burning to so they will cook evenly. Add the salt after 1 hour. The beans are done when soft but still hold their shape.

LEMON POTATO SALD WITH MINT

This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This light and refreshing potato salad is the antithesis of the usual, creamy, mayonnaise-based recipes. The mint and scallion add a bright, herbal flavor while the sprinkle of chile lends a kick. Make this the morning you plan to serve it and let it marinate at room temperature all day long. Or refrigerate for longer storage but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving. Other herbs like cilantro, parsley, tarragon and sage can be substituted for the mint; adjust the quantity to taste.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds small waxy white or yellow potatoes, roughly about the same size

Juice of 1 lemon, more for serving

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and light green parts, more for serving

1/4 cup torn mint leaves, more for serving

1/4 teaspoon Turkish pepper, more for serving

Preparation

Place whole unpeeled potatoes in a large pot with enough salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are just tender, 15 to 25 minutes depending upon size. Drain and cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks as soon as you can handle them.

In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, salt and olive oil.

Transfer hot potatoes to a large bowl and toss with dressing, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper. Let cool to room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to use. Just before serving, top with additional lemon juice, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper.

BARBECUED BEEF RIBS

This comes from Steven Raichlen, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Steven wrote, “Just before being served, these ribs are grilled, imparting a crisp, charred crust and an inviting whiff of wood smoke.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 4 hours.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

Four 1-pound beef short ribs

Sea salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grill grate

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, peeled

5 stalks lemon grass, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 two-inch piece ginger, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup rice vinegar

For the Glaze:

3/4 cup ketchup

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons mirin

2 teaspoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed with side of knife

3 1/4-inch slices fresh ginger

Preparation

For the Ribs:

For the ribs: Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Season the ribs all over with salt. In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and brown on all sides, turning with tongs, 5 minutes a side. Transfer to a platter and pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat.

Add the onion, carrots, garlic, lemon grass and ginger to the pot. Cook over high heat until lightly browned, 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and 3 cups water, and bring to a boil. Return the ribs to the pot, immersing them in the liquid. Tightly cover and bake, turning the ribs once or twice until very tender, about 3 1/2 hours. Let the ribs cool in the liquid, then drain well. (Ribs can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)

For the glaze: In a heavy saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients and simmer over medium heat until thick, about 10 minutes. Strain.

Prepare a grill for direct grilling over high heat. Brush and oil the grate. Cook the ribs until dark brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes a side, basting with the glaze. Serve with the remaining glaze drizzled on top or passed separately in a bowl.

Thursday, July 3, 2025

4th of July, One Day Early

Since tomorrow is the 4th of July (Where has the first half of the year gone? I could have sworn New Year's Day was last week sometime!), today's post has six recipes to fix for a holiday gathering, including Barbecued Beef Ribs and Cowboy Beans. Enjoy!

Note: I'll be posting recipes tomorrow morning to help with your 4th of July celebrations.

BRUSCHETTA

This comes from Ree Drummond, start of The Food Network’s show The Pioneer Woman. Total Time: 1 hr 30 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 1 hr; Cook: 10 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/bruschetta-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 pint red grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 pint yellow grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

16 whole fresh basil leaves, plus more as needed, chiffonade

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 whole baguette or crusty loaf

1 stick butter

Directions

In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and stir, lightly frying for about a minute, removing before the garlic gets too brown (it can be golden). Pour the garlic and oil into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.

Add the red and yellow tomatoes, balsamic and basil to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine, and then taste and add more basil if needed, and more salt if needed (don't over salt, though!) Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two if you have the time.

Cut the baguette into diagonal slices to allow for the most surface area possible. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet and grill half the bread on both sides, making sure they're nice and buttery. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and the other half of the bread.

To serve, give the tomato mixture a final stir, and then spoon generously over the slices of bread. Serve on a big platter as a first course or appetizer.

CARAMELIZED CITRUS

This comes from Sam Sifton of The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a modernized version of a dessert that was popular in Britain during the 1970s, a simple, stylish confection that was a standby of posh dinner parties: caramelized oranges. It was then and remains the sort of dish that is not particularly difficult to make, but still signals a home cook’s understanding of elegance. My recipe nods to, but is not of, that era. It calls for saffron, which infuses the sauce with its sweet-savory, haylike aroma, and for yogurt, which is a delicious partner to the fruit. On which subject, an important final note: Be careful to remove all the white pith beneath the skin of the citrus, as it is exceedingly bitter.” Yield: Serves 4 to 8; Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 assorted sweet citrus fruits, like blood or navel oranges or grapefruit

1 cup Greek-style yogurt

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1 pinch saffron threads

Directions

Using a small, sharp knife, cut off the tops and bottoms of the oranges and grapefruit, then slice the peel off them vertically, taking care to remove all the white pith below the skin of the fruit.

Spoon the yogurt onto a platter or into a large bowl. Turn each fruit on its side, then slice it into rounds that are between 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch thick. Place the sliced fruit on top of the yogurt in an attractive pattern, then place the platter or bowl into the refrigerator.

Make the caramel. Put the sugar in a large sauté pan set over medium heat, then add to it 1/2 cup or 125 milliliters of water, and swirl the pan to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture come slowly to a boil, without stirring, then lower heat slightly, and cook until the syrup has gone a very deep amber color, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, add the saffron to the caramel and swirl to mix it in.

Pour the caramel over the sliced fruit. Return to the refrigerator for an hour or so, or serve right away.

CHICKEN PESTO KABOBS

This comes from Chungah Rhee, whose blog, Damn Delicious, is really great! If you haven’t subscribed to it, I highly recommend doing so. This recipe begins, “No-fuss 4-ingredient kabobs! Can be made ahead of time, baked or grilled so you can make this anytime, anywhere. Easy peasy.” Yield: 6 servings; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, go to http://damndelicious.net/2016/06/04/chicken-pesto-kabobs/.

Ingredients

1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes

2 pints cherry tomatoes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and pesto; marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain chicken from the pesto.

Thread chicken and cherry tomatoes onto skewers; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Preheat grill to medium high heat.

Add skewers to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10-12 minutes.*

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

*This can also be baked for 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees F.

COWBOY BEANS

This is from Derrick Riches on the Spruce Eats. Derrick wrote, “In Texas, beans mean Pinto Beans. These beans are cooked up with brisket burnt ends and barbecue sauce to make them the perfect side dish for barbecue brisket. If you don't have burnt ends try a grilled steak cooked well. You will want a smoky flavor for these barbecue beans.” Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 180 minutes; Total Time: 194 minutes; Yield: Serves 6 to 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans

2 quarts water

2 cups brisket burnt ends, chopped

1 14-ounce can whole tomatoes

1 large onion, chopped

1 cup barbecue sauce

6 cloves garlic, minced

3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Preparation

Wash beans and pour into a large saucepan or dutch oven. Add all other ingredients except the salt. Bring to a boil while stirring. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for two hours, covered. Stir occasionally, bringing up the beans from the bottom to prevent burning to so they will cook evenly. Add the salt after 1 hour. The beans are done when soft but still hold their shape.

LEMON POTATO SALD WITH MINT

This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This light and refreshing potato salad is the antithesis of the usual, creamy, mayonnaise-based recipes. The mint and scallion add a bright, herbal flavor while the sprinkle of chile lends a kick. Make this the morning you plan to serve it and let it marinate at room temperature all day long. Or refrigerate for longer storage but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving. Other herbs like cilantro, parsley, tarragon and sage can be substituted for the mint; adjust the quantity to taste.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds small waxy white or yellow potatoes, roughly about the same size

Juice of 1 lemon, more for serving

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and light green parts, more for serving

1/4 cup torn mint leaves, more for serving

1/4 teaspoon Turkish pepper, more for serving

Preparation

Place whole unpeeled potatoes in a large pot with enough salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are just tender, 15 to 25 minutes depending upon size. Drain and cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks as soon as you can handle them.

In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, salt and olive oil.

Transfer hot potatoes to a large bowl and toss with dressing, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper. Let cool to room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to use. Just before serving, top with additional lemon juice, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper.

BARBECUED BEEF RIBS

This comes from Steven Raichlen, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Steven wrote, “Just before being served, these ribs are grilled, imparting a crisp, charred crust and an inviting whiff of wood smoke.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 4 hours.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

Four 1-pound beef short ribs

Sea salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grill grate

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, peeled

5 stalks lemon grass, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 two-inch piece ginger, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup rice vinegar

For the Glaze:

3/4 cup ketchup

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons mirin

2 teaspoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed with side of knife

3 1/4-inch slices fresh ginger

Preparation

For the Ribs:

For the ribs: Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Season the ribs all over with salt. In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and brown on all sides, turning with tongs, 5 minutes a side. Transfer to a platter and pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat.

Add the onion, carrots, garlic, lemon grass and ginger to the pot. Cook over high heat until lightly browned, 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and 3 cups water, and bring to a boil. Return the ribs to the pot, immersing them in the liquid. Tightly cover and bake, turning the ribs once or twice until very tender, about 3 1/2 hours. Let the ribs cool in the liquid, then drain well. (Ribs can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)

For the glaze: In a heavy saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients and simmer over medium heat until thick, about 10 minutes. Strain.

Prepare a grill for direct grilling over high heat. Brush and oil the grate. Cook the ribs until dark brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes a side, basting with the glaze. Serve with the remaining glaze drizzled on top or passed separately in a bowl.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

4th of July, One Day Early

Since tomorrow is the 4th of July (Where has the first half of the year gone? I could have sworn New Year's Day was last week sometime!), today's post has six recipes to fix for a holiday gathering, including Barbecued Beef Ribs and Cowboy Beans. Enjoy!

Note: I'll be posting recipes tomorrow morning to help with your 4th of July celebrations.

BRUSCHETTA

This comes from Ree Drummond, start of The Food Network’s show The Pioneer Woman. Total Time: 1 hr 30 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 1 hr; Cook: 10 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/bruschetta-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 pint red grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 pint yellow grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

16 whole fresh basil leaves, plus more as needed, chiffonade

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 whole baguette or crusty loaf

1 stick butter

Directions

In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and stir, lightly frying for about a minute, removing before the garlic gets too brown (it can be golden). Pour the garlic and oil into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.

Add the red and yellow tomatoes, balsamic and basil to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine, and then taste and add more basil if needed, and more salt if needed (don't over salt, though!) Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two if you have the time.

Cut the baguette into diagonal slices to allow for the most surface area possible. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet and grill half the bread on both sides, making sure they're nice and buttery. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and the other half of the bread.

To serve, give the tomato mixture a final stir, and then spoon generously over the slices of bread. Serve on a big platter as a first course or appetizer.

CARAMELIZED CITRUS

This comes from Sam Sifton of The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a modernized version of a dessert that was popular in Britain during the 1970s, a simple, stylish confection that was a standby of posh dinner parties: caramelized oranges. It was then and remains the sort of dish that is not particularly difficult to make, but still signals a home cook’s understanding of elegance. My recipe nods to, but is not of, that era. It calls for saffron, which infuses the sauce with its sweet-savory, haylike aroma, and for yogurt, which is a delicious partner to the fruit. On which subject, an important final note: Be careful to remove all the white pith beneath the skin of the citrus, as it is exceedingly bitter.” Yield: Serves 4 to 8; Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 assorted sweet citrus fruits, like blood or navel oranges or grapefruit

1 cup Greek-style yogurt

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1 pinch saffron threads

Directions

Using a small, sharp knife, cut off the tops and bottoms of the oranges and grapefruit, then slice the peel off them vertically, taking care to remove all the white pith below the skin of the fruit.

Spoon the yogurt onto a platter or into a large bowl. Turn each fruit on its side, then slice it into rounds that are between 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch thick. Place the sliced fruit on top of the yogurt in an attractive pattern, then place the platter or bowl into the refrigerator.

Make the caramel. Put the sugar in a large sauté pan set over medium heat, then add to it 1/2 cup or 125 milliliters of water, and swirl the pan to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture come slowly to a boil, without stirring, then lower heat slightly, and cook until the syrup has gone a very deep amber color, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, add the saffron to the caramel and swirl to mix it in.

Pour the caramel over the sliced fruit. Return to the refrigerator for an hour or so, or serve right away.

CHICKEN PESTO KABOBS

This comes from Chungah Rhee, whose blog, Damn Delicious, is really great! If you haven’t subscribed to it, I highly recommend doing so. This recipe begins, “No-fuss 4-ingredient kabobs! Can be made ahead of time, baked or grilled so you can make this anytime, anywhere. Easy peasy.” Yield: 6 servings; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, go to http://damndelicious.net/2016/06/04/chicken-pesto-kabobs/.

Ingredients

1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes

2 pints cherry tomatoes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and pesto; marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain chicken from the pesto.

Thread chicken and cherry tomatoes onto skewers; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Preheat grill to medium high heat.

Add skewers to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10-12 minutes.*

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

*This can also be baked for 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees F.

COWBOY BEANS

This is from Derrick Riches on the Spruce Eats. Derrick wrote, “In Texas, beans mean Pinto Beans. These beans are cooked up with brisket burnt ends and barbecue sauce to make them the perfect side dish for barbecue brisket. If you don't have burnt ends try a grilled steak cooked well. You will want a smoky flavor for these barbecue beans.” Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 180 minutes; Total Time: 194 minutes; Yield: Serves 6 to 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans

2 quarts water

2 cups brisket burnt ends, chopped

1 14-ounce can whole tomatoes

1 large onion, chopped

1 cup barbecue sauce

6 cloves garlic, minced

3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Preparation

Wash beans and pour into a large saucepan or dutch oven. Add all other ingredients except the salt. Bring to a boil while stirring. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for two hours, covered. Stir occasionally, bringing up the beans from the bottom to prevent burning to so they will cook evenly. Add the salt after 1 hour. The beans are done when soft but still hold their shape.

LEMON POTATO SALD WITH MINT

This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This light and refreshing potato salad is the antithesis of the usual, creamy, mayonnaise-based recipes. The mint and scallion add a bright, herbal flavor while the sprinkle of chile lends a kick. Make this the morning you plan to serve it and let it marinate at room temperature all day long. Or refrigerate for longer storage but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving. Other herbs like cilantro, parsley, tarragon and sage can be substituted for the mint; adjust the quantity to taste.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds small waxy white or yellow potatoes, roughly about the same size

Juice of 1 lemon, more for serving

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and light green parts, more for serving

1/4 cup torn mint leaves, more for serving

1/4 teaspoon Turkish pepper, more for serving

Preparation

Place whole unpeeled potatoes in a large pot with enough salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are just tender, 15 to 25 minutes depending upon size. Drain and cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks as soon as you can handle them.

In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, salt and olive oil.

Transfer hot potatoes to a large bowl and toss with dressing, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper. Let cool to room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to use. Just before serving, top with additional lemon juice, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper.

BARBECUED BEEF RIBS

This comes from Steven Raichlen, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Steven wrote, “Just before being served, these ribs are grilled, imparting a crisp, charred crust and an inviting whiff of wood smoke.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 4 hours.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

Four 1-pound beef short ribs

Sea salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grill grate

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, peeled

5 stalks lemon grass, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 two-inch piece ginger, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup rice vinegar

For the Glaze:

3/4 cup ketchup

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons mirin

2 teaspoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed with side of knife

3 1/4-inch slices fresh ginger

Preparation

For the Ribs:

For the ribs: Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Season the ribs all over with salt. In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and brown on all sides, turning with tongs, 5 minutes a side. Transfer to a platter and pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat.

Add the onion, carrots, garlic, lemon grass and ginger to the pot. Cook over high heat until lightly browned, 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and 3 cups water, and bring to a boil. Return the ribs to the pot, immersing them in the liquid. Tightly cover and bake, turning the ribs once or twice until very tender, about 3 1/2 hours. Let the ribs cool in the liquid, then drain well. (Ribs can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)

For the glaze: In a heavy saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients and simmer over medium heat until thick, about 10 minutes. Strain.

Prepare a grill for direct grilling over high heat. Brush and oil the grate. Cook the ribs until dark brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes a side, basting with the glaze. Serve with the remaining glaze drizzled on top or passed separately in a bowl.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Chicken

There was a time when Chicken was reserved for the Sunday or holiday dinner table. (Think early- to mid-twentieth century.)

Now, it's more of an anytime meal. To that end, here are six chicken recipes to help you through the day, including Fried Chicken Biscuits With Hot Honey Butter and Chicken Marsala. Enjoy!

ROAST CHICKEN WITH MAPLE BUTTER AND ROSEMARY

This is from Colu Henry in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Colu wrote, "This simple roast chicken combines the classic fall flavors of maple and rosemary with melted butter, which is basted over the bird as it cooks to keep it juicy. The butter browns slightly and helps caramelize the outside thanks to the sugars in the maple syrup. The result is a fragrant, sweet-and-salty chicken that makes the house smell great. There will be plenty of buttery pan juices left over, which you should most certainly pass around the table, but they would also be delicious spooned over rice pilaf."

Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019624-roast-chicken-with-maple-butter-and-rosemary. While you're there, check Melissa Clark's guide, "How to Roast Chicken".

Ingredients

1 (3-1/2-pound) whole chicken

Kosher salt and black pepper

2 to 3 rosemary sprigs, plus 2-1/2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Preparation

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Pat the chicken dry and season it well with salt and pepper, both inside and out. Place the chicken breast-side up in a 10-inch cast-iron or ovenproof skillet and stuff the rosemary sprigs into the bird's cavity.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped rosemary and the maple syrup, and cook together until the rosemary is fragrant and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes. Spoon all of the mixture over the chicken, making sure it is evenly covered. A decent amount will end up on the bottom of the pan, and that’s O.K.

Roast the chicken, basting with the pan juices every 15 to 20 minutes or so, until the chicken is glossy and golden brown and registers 165 degrees with an instant thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, about 55 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and baste an additional time, if desired. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Whisk remaining juice and pass at the table.

POLLO ASADO

This is from Ham El-Waylly in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ham wrote, "Pollo asado, Mexican marinated and grilled chicken, uses pigmented annatto seeds to get its signature brick red color. Annatto seeds can be found in Latin supermarkets or online, but a cube of prepared achiote paste is a suitable sub. This recipe uses two types of dried chiles, for which there are no substitutes; however, if they’re hard to come by, swap them out for a can of seeded chipotles in adobo for a different, but still delicious, smoky vibe. The acidity from the citrus in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken legs, but a limit does exist; keep it under 12 hours. Serve the chicken alongside pickled onions and warm tortillas for quick tacos, or beans and rice."

Time: 1 hour 10 minutes, plus at least 3 hours marinating; Yield: 4 to 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024441-pollo-asado. Also, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How To Grill."

Ingredients

For the Marinade

6 garlic cloves, peeled

1 small yellow onion, peeled and halved through the root

3 guajillo chiles, seeded

2 pasilla chiles, seeded

2 teaspoons coriander seeds

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 cup grapefruit or orange juice (from 1 grapefruit or 2 oranges)

1/2 cup lime juice (from about 4 limes)

1 tablespoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal), plus more for seasoning

2 teaspoons annatto seeds, or a cube of achiote paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon hot paprika

For the Pollo Asado

3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks and thighs

2 tablespoons neutral oil

1/2 bunch cilantro (leaves and tender stems)

3 limes, cut into wedges

Preparation

Make the marinade: Heat a medium skillet over medium. Add the garlic cloves and onion, and cook on one side until charred in spots, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until charred on the opposite side, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a blender.

Place the chiles in the same skillet and press down firmly until blistered and fragrant, about 1 minute. Flip and repeat on the other side. Add to the blender.

Turn off the heat under the skillet and immediately add the coriander and cumin. Swirl the pan until the spices are fragrant and the cumin sounds like it's popping, 15 to 30 seconds. Transfer the spices to the blender, then add the grapefruit and lime juices, 1 tablespoon salt, annatto, oregano and paprika. Blend until smooth.

Transfer the marinade to a bowl, or resealable freezer bag, and add the chicken. Toss to coat and transfer to the fridge for at least 3 hours and up to 12 hours.

Using your hands, scrape off excess marinade. With a brush, coat the chicken with some neutral oil and season on all sides with salt. Place on a baking sheet or tray for carrying to the grill.

Prepare a grill for indirect heat: Heat the coals on one half of a charcoal grill, or turn half the burners to medium-high on a gas grill. Lightly grease the grates of the grill with a paper towel dipped in neutral oil and place the chicken skin-side up on the side of the grill without coals (or turned on burners). Cover the grill and cook until chicken registers 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, 25 to 30 minutes. If you’d like more color on the skin, flip the chicken and place skin-side down on the coal side with the cover open, until it’s nicely charred. Be vigilant, as the chicken can quickly burn; it will only need 1 or 2 minutes. (Alternatively, cook the chicken on a grill pan over medium heat, flipping the pieces every 5 minutes, until the chicken registers 165 degrees.)

Transfer the chicken to a platter, season with salt, tent with foil and let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving with cilantro and lime wedges.

CHICKEN PESTO KABOBS

This comes from Chungah Rhee, whose blog, Damn Delicious, is really great! If you haven’t subscribed to it, I highly recommend doing so. This recipe begins, “No-fuss 4-ingredient kabobs! Can be made ahead of time, baked or grilled so you can make this anytime, anywhere. Easy peasy.” Yield: 6 servings; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, go to http://damndelicious.net/2016/06/04/chicken-pesto-kabobs/.

Ingredients

1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes

2 pints cherry tomatoes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and pesto; marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain chicken from the pesto.

Thread chicken and cherry tomatoes onto skewers; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Preheat grill to medium high heat.

Add skewers to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10-12 minutes.*

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

*This can also be baked for 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees F.

CHICKEN MARSALA

This is from Tyler Florence on the Food Network.

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/chicken-marsala-recipe-1951778.

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)

All-purpose flour, for dredging

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced

8 ounces crimini or porcini mushrooms, stemmed and halved

1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine

1/2 cup chicken stock

2 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Put the chicken breasts side by side on a cutting board and lay a piece of plastic wrap over them; pound with a flat meat mallet, until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Put some flour in a shallow platter and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly.

Heat the oil over medium-high flame in a large skillet. When the oil is nice and hot, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Slip the cutlets into the pan and fry for 5 minutes on each side until golden, turning once – do this in batches if the pieces don't fit comfortably in the pan. Remove the chicken to a large platter in a single layer to keep warm.

Lower the heat to medium and add the prosciutto to the drippings in the pan, saute for 1 minute to render out some of the fat. Now, add the mushrooms and saute until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Pour the Marsala in the pan and boil down for a few seconds to cook out the alcohol. Add the chicken stock and simmer for a minute to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in the butter and return the chicken to the pan; simmer gently for 1 minute to heat the chicken through. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

ORANGE CHICKEN STIR-FRY

This comes from Linda Larsen on The Spruce Eats. Linda wrote, “This easy five ingredient recipe for Orange Chicken Stir-Fry is packed full of flavor and color. And because you use frozen peas and cashews, there's no chopping. Dinner will be on the table in 20 minutes.

“You can prep the ingredients for this wonderful recipe ahead of time. In the morning before you go to work, or the night before, cut the chicken into thin strips. Measure out the cashews and put the baby peas in the fridge so they can thaw. Then when you get home, measure the sauce ingredients, put the sauce together, heat the wok, and make the recipe. Easy!

“When you stir fry, it's important that every ingredient is ready and waiting to go into the skillet or wok. You can't stop in the middle of stir-frying to measure something or prep an ingredient. Once all of the ingredients are prepped, this cooking style is very quick.

“You can certainly add more ingredients to this recipe. Think about adding some sliced bell peppers (prep them the night before too), some sliced zucchini or yellow summer squash, or some green beans or asparagus. Something green would be a nice contrast to the orange sauce and pale chicken.

“Because the chicken is cut into thin strips, it should cook through to a safe temperature during the cooking process. If you're unsure, use a food thermometer to check the chicken. It should be at least 160°F.

“Serve this dish over hot cooked rice or noodles or over a rice pilaf. It's also great served over mashed plain or sweet potatoes for a change of pace. Add some nice white wine, a green salad tossed with grape tomatoes and sliced mushrooms, and dinner is ready.”

Prep Time: 12 minutes; Cook Time: 8 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons peanut or safflower oil

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 6 thighs, cut into thin strips

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

3/4 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 cups frozen baby peas, thawed

1/2 cup cashew pieces

Directions

Heat the oil in a heavy skillet or wok over medium high heat. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper on all sides.

Add the chicken to the wok.

Stir fry until the chicken is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine the orange juice, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the chicken in the skillet or wok along with the thawed peas.

Stir fry for 2-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Then stir in the cashew pieces and serve immediately over hot cooked rice or noodles.

FRIED CHICKEN BISCUITS WITH HOT HONEY BUTTER

This is from Tejal Rao in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Tejal wrote, "This recipe for chicken biscuits could be a weeknight dinner with a side of greens, but it's made to travel, and perfectly suited for a picnic. The biscuit dough, adapted from Sam Sifton's all-purpose biscuit recipe, is lightly kneaded here, so it's not too tender to work in a sandwich. The chicken tenders, inspired by Masaharu Morimoto's katsu in the cookbook "Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking," are pounded and coated in panko for plenty of crunch. Prepare both components the day you want to eat them, giving yourself at least one extra hour for everything to cool before you assemble, so the sandwich stays crisp. You can also cook well in advance, and assemble the sandwiches the next day. Either way, cooling the chicken completely, on a wire rack, is crucial. If you prefer breast meat over thigh, feel free to swap it in."

Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1-1/2 hours, plus cooling

This was featured in "Grab Your Picnic Baskets: The Party’s Moving Outside", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018818-fried-chicken-biscuits-with-hot-honey-butter.

Note: The article is well worth reading; I thoroughly enjoyed it! (Thanks for a great read, and great recipes, Tejal!) Also, check out Sam Sifton's guide,"How to Make Fried Chicken". It's a helpful guide, whether you're a long-time cook, or just starting out.

Ingredients

For the biscuits:

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons baking powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

7 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

1-1/2 cups whole milk

For the chicken:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cayenne

2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

3 eggs

3 cups panko bread crumbs

Canola or other neutral oil, for frying

For the butter:

10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

3 tablespoons honey

Hot sauce, a vinegary variety such as Crystal, to taste

Sliced dill pickles, for serving

Preparation

Prepare the biscuits: In a bowl, use a fork to mix the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add butter and use the fork to mash it into the flour until the mixture resembles large, lumpy crumbs. Stir in milk until a dough comes together.

Flour your hands, then gently gather and knead the dough in the bowl for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it springs back slightly to the touch. (If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour as needed.) Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap and rest dough in fridge for half hour.

Heat oven to 425 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough to 1 to 1-1/2 inch thickness. Use a floured knife or round cutter to cut 6 biscuits, about 3-1/2 inches wide. Reroll the scraps and cut again as needed.

Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and the tops are slightly golden. Let cool completely on a wired rack at room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container if not using until the next day.

Prepare the chicken: Trim excess fat and any membranes from the meat, then lightly hammer the thickest parts of the thighs with a mallet or rolling pin. Season each side with salt.

Mix flour, cayenne and salt in one wide bowl. Beat eggs in a second wide bowl, and place panko in a third. Dip each chicken thigh in flour, coating it all over and patting off the excess, then in egg, allowing extra egg to drip off, then in panko, making sure each thigh is entirely coated in bread crumbs, and using your hands to press loose crumbs into any places where they look scarce.

In a large, heavy bottomed skillet, pour in oil to a 2-inch depth and heat to 350 degrees. Fry 2 thighs at a time, flipping them over every two minutes or so, until golden brown and crisp all over, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined sheet pan and season lightly with salt. Let cool entirely at room temperature, at least 1 hour. At this point, you can assemble the sandwiches or transfer the rack to the fridge and leave the chicken uncovered overnight.

Assemble the sandwiches: When both the chicken and biscuits have cooled (or the next day), mix together soft butter, honey and hot sauce until smooth. Cut open cooled biscuits, smear each cut side with honey butter, and sandwich with a piece of chicken. If traveling, loosely wrap each sandwich in a piece of parchment paper and pack side by side in a hard container, in a single layer, so the sandwiches aren’t crushed. Serve with additional hot sauce and pickles on the side.

Monday, July 3, 2023

4th of July - Double-Post Monday

Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Since Tuesday is the 4th of July (Where has the first half of the year gone? I could have sworn New Year's Day was last week sometime!), today's double post has six recipes to fix for a holiday gathering, including Barbecued Beef Ribs and Cowboy Beans. Enjoy!

Note: I'll be posting recipes Tuesday morning to help with your 4th of July celebrations.

BRUSCHETTA

This comes from Ree Drummond, start of The Food Network’s show The Pioneer Woman. Total Time: 1 hr 30 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 1 hr; Cook: 10 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/bruschetta-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 pint red grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 pint yellow grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

16 whole fresh basil leaves, plus more as needed, chiffonade

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 whole baguette or crusty loaf

1 stick butter

Directions

In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and stir, lightly frying for about a minute, removing before the garlic gets too brown (it can be golden). Pour the garlic and oil into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.

Add the red and yellow tomatoes, balsamic and basil to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine, and then taste and add more basil if needed, and more salt if needed (don't over salt, though!) Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two if you have the time.

Cut the baguette into diagonal slices to allow for the most surface area possible. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet and grill half the bread on both sides, making sure they're nice and buttery. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and the other half of the bread.

To serve, give the tomato mixture a final stir, and then spoon generously over the slices of bread. Serve on a big platter as a first course or appetizer.

CARAMELIZED CITRUS

This comes from Sam Sifton of The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a modernized version of a dessert that was popular in Britain during the 1970s, a simple, stylish confection that was a standby of posh dinner parties: caramelized oranges. It was then and remains the sort of dish that is not particularly difficult to make, but still signals a home cook’s understanding of elegance. My recipe nods to, but is not of, that era. It calls for saffron, which infuses the sauce with its sweet-savory, haylike aroma, and for yogurt, which is a delicious partner to the fruit. On which subject, an important final note: Be careful to remove all the white pith beneath the skin of the citrus, as it is exceedingly bitter.” Yield: Serves 4 to 8; Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 assorted sweet citrus fruits, like blood or navel oranges or grapefruit

1 cup Greek-style yogurt

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1 pinch saffron threads

Directions

Using a small, sharp knife, cut off the tops and bottoms of the oranges and grapefruit, then slice the peel off them vertically, taking care to remove all the white pith below the skin of the fruit.

Spoon the yogurt onto a platter or into a large bowl. Turn each fruit on its side, then slice it into rounds that are between 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch thick. Place the sliced fruit on top of the yogurt in an attractive pattern, then place the platter or bowl into the refrigerator.

Make the caramel. Put the sugar in a large sauté pan set over medium heat, then add to it 1/2 cup or 125 milliliters of water, and swirl the pan to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture come slowly to a boil, without stirring, then lower heat slightly, and cook until the syrup has gone a very deep amber color, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, add the saffron to the caramel and swirl to mix it in.

Pour the caramel over the sliced fruit. Return to the refrigerator for an hour or so, or serve right away.

CHICKEN PESTO KABOBS

This comes from Chungah Rhee, whose blog, Damn Delicious, is really great! If you haven’t subscribed to it, I highly recommend doing so. This recipe begins, “No-fuss 4-ingredient kabobs! Can be made ahead of time, baked or grilled so you can make this anytime, anywhere. Easy peasy.” Yield: 6 servings; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, go to http://damndelicious.net/2016/06/04/chicken-pesto-kabobs/.

Ingredients

1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes

2 pints cherry tomatoes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and pesto; marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain chicken from the pesto.

Thread chicken and cherry tomatoes onto skewers; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Preheat grill to medium high heat.

Add skewers to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10-12 minutes.*

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

*This can also be baked for 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees F.

COWBOY BEANS

This is from Derrick Riches on the Spruce Eats. Derrick wrote, “In Texas, beans mean Pinto Beans. These beans are cooked up with brisket burnt ends and barbecue sauce to make them the perfect side dish for barbecue brisket. If you don't have burnt ends try a grilled steak cooked well. You will want a smoky flavor for these barbecue beans.” Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 180 minutes; Total Time: 194 minutes; Yield: Serves 6 to 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans

2 quarts water

2 cups brisket burnt ends, chopped

1 14-ounce can whole tomatoes

1 large onion, chopped

1 cup barbecue sauce

6 cloves garlic, minced

3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Preparation

Wash beans and pour into a large saucepan or dutch oven. Add all other ingredients except the salt. Bring to a boil while stirring. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for two hours, covered. Stir occasionally, bringing up the beans from the bottom to prevent burning to so they will cook evenly. Add the salt after 1 hour. The beans are done when soft but still hold their shape.

LEMON POTATO SALD WITH MINT

This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This light and refreshing potato salad is the antithesis of the usual, creamy, mayonnaise-based recipes. The mint and scallion add a bright, herbal flavor while the sprinkle of chile lends a kick. Make this the morning you plan to serve it and let it marinate at room temperature all day long. Or refrigerate for longer storage but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving. Other herbs like cilantro, parsley, tarragon and sage can be substituted for the mint; adjust the quantity to taste.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds small waxy white or yellow potatoes, roughly about the same size

Juice of 1 lemon, more for serving

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and light green parts, more for serving

1/4 cup torn mint leaves, more for serving

1/4 teaspoon Turkish pepper, more for serving

Preparation

Place whole unpeeled potatoes in a large pot with enough salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are just tender, 15 to 25 minutes depending upon size. Drain and cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks as soon as you can handle them.

In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, salt and olive oil.

Transfer hot potatoes to a large bowl and toss with dressing, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper. Let cool to room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to use. Just before serving, top with additional lemon juice, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper.

BARBECUED BEEF RIBS

This comes from Steven Raichlen, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Steven wrote, “Just before being served, these ribs are grilled, imparting a crisp, charred crust and an inviting whiff of wood smoke.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 4 hours.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

Four 1-pound beef short ribs

Sea salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grill grate

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, peeled

5 stalks lemon grass, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 two-inch piece ginger, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup rice vinegar

For the Glaze:

3/4 cup ketchup

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons mirin

2 teaspoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed with side of knife

3 1/4-inch slices fresh ginger

Preparation

For the Ribs:

For the ribs: Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Season the ribs all over with salt. In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and brown on all sides, turning with tongs, 5 minutes a side. Transfer to a platter and pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat.

Add the onion, carrots, garlic, lemon grass and ginger to the pot. Cook over high heat until lightly browned, 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and 3 cups water, and bring to a boil. Return the ribs to the pot, immersing them in the liquid. Tightly cover and bake, turning the ribs once or twice until very tender, about 3 1/2 hours. Let the ribs cool in the liquid, then drain well. (Ribs can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)

For the glaze: In a heavy saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients and simmer over medium heat until thick, about 10 minutes. Strain.

Prepare a grill for direct grilling over high heat. Brush and oil the grate. Cook the ribs until dark brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes a side, basting with the glaze. Serve with the remaining glaze drizzled on top or passed separately in a bowl.

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Saturday Recipes - Getting Ready for the 4th of July

It's July 1 - where has the first half of the year gone? I could have sworn New Year's Day was last week sometime!

Since Tuesday is the 4th of July, I'm posting six recipes to get you started thinking of food to fix for a holiday gathering, including Barbecued Beef Ribs and Cowboy Beans. Enjoy!

Note: I'll be posting recipes Tuesday morning to help with your 4th of July celebrations.

BRUSCHETTA

This comes from Ree Drummond, start of The Food Network’s show The Pioneer Woman. Total Time: 1 hr 30 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 1 hr; Cook: 10 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/bruschetta-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 pint red grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 pint yellow grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

16 whole fresh basil leaves, plus more as needed, chiffonade

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 whole baguette or crusty loaf

1 stick butter

Directions

In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and stir, lightly frying for about a minute, removing before the garlic gets too brown (it can be golden). Pour the garlic and oil into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.

Add the red and yellow tomatoes, balsamic and basil to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine, and then taste and add more basil if needed, and more salt if needed (don't over salt, though!) Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two if you have the time.

Cut the baguette into diagonal slices to allow for the most surface area possible. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet and grill half the bread on both sides, making sure they're nice and buttery. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and the other half of the bread.

To serve, give the tomato mixture a final stir, and then spoon generously over the slices of bread. Serve on a big platter as a first course or appetizer.

CARAMELIZED CITRUS

This comes from Sam Sifton of The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a modernized version of a dessert that was popular in Britain during the 1970s, a simple, stylish confection that was a standby of posh dinner parties: caramelized oranges. It was then and remains the sort of dish that is not particularly difficult to make, but still signals a home cook’s understanding of elegance. My recipe nods to, but is not of, that era. It calls for saffron, which infuses the sauce with its sweet-savory, haylike aroma, and for yogurt, which is a delicious partner to the fruit. On which subject, an important final note: Be careful to remove all the white pith beneath the skin of the citrus, as it is exceedingly bitter.” Yield: Serves 4 to 8; Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 assorted sweet citrus fruits, like blood or navel oranges or grapefruit

1 cup Greek-style yogurt

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1 pinch saffron threads

Directions

Using a small, sharp knife, cut off the tops and bottoms of the oranges and grapefruit, then slice the peel off them vertically, taking care to remove all the white pith below the skin of the fruit.

Spoon the yogurt onto a platter or into a large bowl. Turn each fruit on its side, then slice it into rounds that are between 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch thick. Place the sliced fruit on top of the yogurt in an attractive pattern, then place the platter or bowl into the refrigerator.

Make the caramel. Put the sugar in a large sauté pan set over medium heat, then add to it 1/2 cup or 125 milliliters of water, and swirl the pan to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture come slowly to a boil, without stirring, then lower heat slightly, and cook until the syrup has gone a very deep amber color, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, add the saffron to the caramel and swirl to mix it in.

Pour the caramel over the sliced fruit. Return to the refrigerator for an hour or so, or serve right away.

CHICKEN PESTO KABOBS

This comes from Chungah Rhee, whose blog, Damn Delicious, is really great! If you haven’t subscribed to it, I highly recommend doing so. This recipe begins, “No-fuss 4-ingredient kabobs! Can be made ahead of time, baked or grilled so you can make this anytime, anywhere. Easy peasy.” Yield: 6 servings; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, go to http://damndelicious.net/2016/06/04/chicken-pesto-kabobs/.

Ingredients

1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes

2 pints cherry tomatoes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and pesto; marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain chicken from the pesto.

Thread chicken and cherry tomatoes onto skewers; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Preheat grill to medium high heat.

Add skewers to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10-12 minutes.*

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

*This can also be baked for 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees F.

COWBOY BEANS

This is from Derrick Riches, About.com’s Barbecues & Gilling expert. Derrick wrote, “In Texas, beans mean Pinto Beans. These beans are cooked up with brisket burnt ends and barbecue sauce to make them the perfect side dish for barbecue brisket. If you don't have burnt ends try a grilled steak cooked well. You will want a smoky flavor for these barbecue beans.” Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 180 minutes; Total Time: 194 minutes; Yield: Serves 6 to 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans

2 quarts water

2 cups brisket burnt ends, chopped

1 14-ounce can whole tomatoes

1 large onion, chopped

1 cup barbecue sauce

6 cloves garlic, minced

3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Preparation

Wash beans and pour into a large saucepan or dutch oven. Add all other ingredients except the salt. Bring to a boil while stirring. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for two hours, covered. Stir occasionally, bringing up the beans from the bottom to prevent burning to so they will cook evenly. Add the salt after 1 hour. The beans are done when soft but still hold their shape.

LEMON POTATO SALD WITH MINT

This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This light and refreshing potato salad is the antithesis of the usual, creamy, mayonnaise-based recipes. The mint and scallion add a bright, herbal flavor while the sprinkle of chile lends a kick. Make this the morning you plan to serve it and let it marinate at room temperature all day long. Or refrigerate for longer storage but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving. Other herbs like cilantro, parsley, tarragon and sage can be substituted for the mint; adjust the quantity to taste.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds small waxy white or yellow potatoes, roughly about the same size

Juice of 1 lemon, more for serving

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and light green parts, more for serving

1/4 cup torn mint leaves, more for serving

1/4 teaspoon Turkish pepper, more for serving

Preparation

Place whole unpeeled potatoes in a large pot with enough salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are just tender, 15 to 25 minutes depending upon size. Drain and cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks as soon as you can handle them.

In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, salt and olive oil.

Transfer hot potatoes to a large bowl and toss with dressing, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper. Let cool to room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to use. Just before serving, top with additional lemon juice, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper.

BARBECUED BEEF RIBS

This comes from Steven Raichlen, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Steven wrote, “Just before being served, these ribs are grilled, imparting a crisp, charred crust and an inviting whiff of wood smoke.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 4 hours.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

Four 1-pound beef short ribs

Sea salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grill grate

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, peeled

5 stalks lemon grass, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 two-inch piece ginger, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup rice vinegar

For the Glaze:

3/4 cup ketchup

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons mirin

2 teaspoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed with side of knife

3 1/4-inch slices fresh ginger

Preparation

For the Ribs:

For the ribs: Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Season the ribs all over with salt. In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and brown on all sides, turning with tongs, 5 minutes a side. Transfer to a platter and pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat.

Add the onion, carrots, garlic, lemon grass and ginger to the pot. Cook over high heat until lightly browned, 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and 3 cups water, and bring to a boil. Return the ribs to the pot, immersing them in the liquid. Tightly cover and bake, turning the ribs once or twice until very tender, about 3 1/2 hours. Let the ribs cool in the liquid, then drain well. (Ribs can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)

For the glaze: In a heavy saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients and simmer over medium heat until thick, about 10 minutes. Strain.

Prepare a grill for direct grilling over high heat. Brush and oil the grate. Cook the ribs until dark brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes a side, basting with the glaze. Serve with the remaining glaze drizzled on top or passed separately in a bowl.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Friday Recipes and a Recall

Before getting to today's recipes, The Diabetic News reports a frozen vegetable recall. According to The Diabetic News, “Frozen peas and frozen mixed vegetables are being recalled by six brands, including Great Value from Walmart and Market Pantry from Target, due to possible risk of Listeria monocytogenes.” While healthy people might “suffer only short-term symptoms” from listeria, it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. To read the article, titled “Frozen Vegetable Recall: Peas and Mixed Vegetables from Multiple Brands”, click here.

And now, for today's six recipes. Enjoy!

Note: Monday is the 4th of July. I will be posting recipes Monday morning to help with your 4th of July celebrations.

BRUSCHETTA

This comes from Ree Drummond, start of The Food Network’s show The Pioneer Woman. Total Time: 1 hr 30 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 1 hr; Cook: 10 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/bruschetta-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 pint red grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 pint yellow grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

16 whole fresh basil leaves, plus more as needed, chiffonade

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 whole baguette or crusty loaf

1 stick butter

Directions

In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and stir, lightly frying for about a minute, removing before the garlic gets too brown (it can be golden). Pour the garlic and oil into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.

Add the red and yellow tomatoes, balsamic and basil to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine, and then taste and add more basil if needed, and more salt if needed (don't over salt, though!) Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two if you have the time.

Cut the baguette into diagonal slices to allow for the most surface area possible. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet and grill half the bread on both sides, making sure they're nice and buttery. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and the other half of the bread.

To serve, give the tomato mixture a final stir, and then spoon generously over the slices of bread. Serve on a big platter as a first course or appetizer.

CARAMELIZED CITRUS

This comes from Sam Sifton of The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a modernized version of a dessert that was popular in Britain during the 1970s, a simple, stylish confection that was a standby of posh dinner parties: caramelized oranges. It was then and remains the sort of dish that is not particularly difficult to make, but still signals a home cook’s understanding of elegance. My recipe nods to, but is not of, that era. It calls for saffron, which infuses the sauce with its sweet-savory, haylike aroma, and for yogurt, which is a delicious partner to the fruit. On which subject, an important final note: Be careful to remove all the white pith beneath the skin of the citrus, as it is exceedingly bitter.” Yield: Serves 4 to 8; Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 assorted sweet citrus fruits, like blood or navel oranges or grapefruit

1 cup Greek-style yogurt

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1 pinch saffron threads

Directions

Using a small, sharp knife, cut off the tops and bottoms of the oranges and grapefruit, then slice the peel off them vertically, taking care to remove all the white pith below the skin of the fruit.

Spoon the yogurt onto a platter or into a large bowl. Turn each fruit on its side, then slice it into rounds that are between 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch thick. Place the sliced fruit on top of the yogurt in an attractive pattern, then place the platter or bowl into the refrigerator.

Make the caramel. Put the sugar in a large sauté pan set over medium heat, then add to it 1/2 cup or 125 milliliters of water, and swirl the pan to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture come slowly to a boil, without stirring, then lower heat slightly, and cook until the syrup has gone a very deep amber color, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, add the saffron to the caramel and swirl to mix it in.

Pour the caramel over the sliced fruit. Return to the refrigerator for an hour or so, or serve right away.

CHICKEN PESTO KABOBS

This comes from Chungah Rhee, whose blog, Damn Delicious, is really great! If you haven’t subscribed to it, I highly recommend doing so. This recipe begins, “No-fuss 4-ingredient kabobs! Can be made ahead of time, baked or grilled so you can make this anytime, anywhere. Easy peasy.” Yield: 6 servings; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, go to http://damndelicious.net/2016/06/04/chicken-pesto-kabobs/.

Ingredients

1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes

2 pints cherry tomatoes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and pesto; marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain chicken from the pesto.

Thread chicken and cherry tomatoes onto skewers; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Preheat grill to medium high heat.

Add skewers to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10-12 minutes.*

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

*This can also be baked for 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees F.

COWBOY BEANS

This is from Derrick Riches, About.com’s Barbecues & Gilling expert. Derrick wrote, “In Texas, beans mean Pinto Beans. These beans are cooked up with brisket burnt ends and barbecue sauce to make them the perfect side dish for barbecue brisket. If you don't have burnt ends try a grilled steak cooked well. You will want a smoky flavor for these barbecue beans.” Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 180 minutes; Total Time: 194 minutes; Yield: Serves 6 to 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans

2 quarts water

2 cups brisket burnt ends, chopped

1 14-ounce can whole tomatoes

1 large onion, chopped

1 cup barbecue sauce

6 cloves garlic, minced

3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Preparation

Wash beans and pour into a large saucepan or dutch oven. Add all other ingredients except the salt. Bring to a boil while stirring. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for two hours, covered. Stir occasionally, bringing up the beans from the bottom to prevent burning to so they will cook evenly. Add the salt after 1 hour. The beans are done when soft but still hold their shape.

LEMON POTATO SALD WITH MINT

This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This light and refreshing potato salad is the antithesis of the usual, creamy, mayonnaise-based recipes. The mint and scallion add a bright, herbal flavor while the sprinkle of chile lends a kick. Make this the morning you plan to serve it and let it marinate at room temperature all day long. Or refrigerate for longer storage but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving. Other herbs like cilantro, parsley, tarragon and sage can be substituted for the mint; adjust the quantity to taste.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 45 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds small waxy white or yellow potatoes, roughly about the same size

Juice of 1 lemon, more for serving

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and light green parts, more for serving

1/4 cup torn mint leaves, more for serving

1/4 teaspoon Turkish pepper, more for serving

Preparation

Place whole unpeeled potatoes in a large pot with enough salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are just tender, 15 to 25 minutes depending upon size. Drain and cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks as soon as you can handle them.

In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, salt and olive oil.

Transfer hot potatoes to a large bowl and toss with dressing, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper. Let cool to room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to use. Just before serving, top with additional lemon juice, scallions, mint and Turkish pepper.

BARBECUED BEEF RIBS

This comes from Steven Raichlen, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Steven wrote, “Just before being served, these ribs are grilled, imparting a crisp, charred crust and an inviting whiff of wood smoke.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 4 hours.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

Four 1-pound beef short ribs

Sea salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grill grate

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, peeled

5 stalks lemon grass, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 two-inch piece ginger, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup rice vinegar

For the Glaze:

3/4 cup ketchup

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons mirin

2 teaspoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed with side of knife

3 1/4-inch slices fresh ginger

Preparation

For the Ribs:

For the ribs: Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Season the ribs all over with salt. In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and brown on all sides, turning with tongs, 5 minutes a side. Transfer to a platter and pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat.

Add the onion, carrots, garlic, lemon grass and ginger to the pot. Cook over high heat until lightly browned, 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and 3 cups water, and bring to a boil. Return the ribs to the pot, immersing them in the liquid. Tightly cover and bake, turning the ribs once or twice until very tender, about 3 1/2 hours. Let the ribs cool in the liquid, then drain well. (Ribs can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)

For the glaze: In a heavy saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients and simmer over medium heat until thick, about 10 minutes. Strain.

Prepare a grill for direct grilling over high heat. Brush and oil the grate. Cook the ribs until dark brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes a side, basting with the glaze. Serve with the remaining glaze drizzled on top or passed separately in a bowl.