Home Cook Maverick Vol. 3
What I'm Watching
I've been watching many Thom Straker videos, mainly because he consistently showcases a compound butter pairing with whatever he is making. Every time he plates the dish he quickly forms the butter into an egg shape. Here's posted some clips of the movement he uses to create it. It's called a Quenelle.
Speaking of Quenelle
Here's an article from the Michelin guide that describes the Quenelle in more detail. Needless to say I'll be trying this each time I get some ice cream from the freezer.
Solid Chef's Knife
I was always curious about the "&" logo on the aprons of chef's all over Youtube and Food Network. Turns out it's a company called Hedley and Bennett. They not only make aprons but also have a fantastic chef's knife. I have one in the Shiso Green color. It's a pretty good deal for a quality chef's knife when you compare it to other prices out there.
Your Grocery List
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 15 ounce can chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 1/2 bunch flat leaf parsley
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 red onion
- 1 jalapeno
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- basmati rice
- Chicken broth
- 1 pound baby potatoes halved
- 4 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt and black pepper
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
- 2 teaspoons smoked or regular paprika
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup mixed chopped fresh herbs: dill, basil, or thyme
- 2 tablespoons sliced pepperoncini
- 1 cup green olives, torn
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 cup Tzatziki sauce
- 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage (or mild (see note))
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small butternut squash (peeled, seeds removed, diced (about 2 1/2 cups) (see note))
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped sage leaves
- 1/2 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional plus more for serving)
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons minced shallot
- cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bunch lacinato kale (dinosaur/Tuscan, stem removed, chopped (3 cups) (see note))
- 1 pound shelf stable gnocchi
- 1 cup chicken broth
- parmesan
- Avocado oil for cooking
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp dry oregano
- 1/4 tsp dry thyme
- 2, 15oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 chipotle peppers from a can packed in adobo sauce, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 8–10 corn tortillas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
- Avocado
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach