Cooking Fearlessly

Austin Texas Style Cooking

 

 

February 5, 2005

6PM

 

 


 

 

Bock Beer Marinated Portobello Mushrooms

 

NOTE:  Cook through step 4 prior to the dinner; bring in sauté pan and complete at the dinner.  Prepare Goat Cheese Sauce ahead and reheat at dinner.

Serving Size  : 4  

 

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------  ------------  --------------------------------

   4      Lg            Portobello Mushroom Caps -- stems removed

   2      Bottles       Shiner Bock Beer

     1/2  C             Brown Sugar, Packed

   2      Tbsp          Garlic -- finely chopped

   2      Tbsp          Red Onion -- finely chopped

     1/4  C             Worcestershire Sauce

   6      Shakes        Tabasco Sauce

     1/4  C             Lime Juice

   2      Tbsp          Creole Mustard

   1      Tsp           Salt

     1/4  C             Olive Oil

                        -------Goat Cheese Sauce-------

   1      C             Chardonnay

   2      Tbsp          Red Onion -- fine dice

   2      Tbsp          Garlic -- minced

   2      C             Heavy Cream

   1      Tsp           Dried Basil

   1      Tsp           Dried Oregano

   1      Tsp           Dried Tarragon

   1      Tsp           Dried Thyme

   8      Oz            Goat Cheese

   1      C             Monterey Jack Cheese -- shredded

     1/4  C             Sour Cream

   1      Tsp           Salt

 

1.  Combine beer, sugar, spices, and half the oil.

 

2.  Pour over mushrooms and marinate 24 or more hours before serving.  We like to marinate in an airtight plastic bag. 

 

3.  Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat.

 

4.  Pat the mushrooms dry and sauté gill side up for two minutes.  This will caramelize the tops and add flavor. 

 

5.  Turn the mushrooms after two minutes and cook an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.

 

6.  Remove from pan and slice at intervals with a serrated knife on a 45 degree angle.  Transfer to a plate and top with goat cheese sauce.

 

                             -------Goat Cheese Sauce----------

1.  Combine wine, read onion, and garlic and reduce over medium-high heat until almost dry.

 

2.  Add heavy cream.

 

3.  Heat and reduce by 25 percent over medium heat.

 

4.  Reduce heat to low and whip in herbs, goat cheese, Jack cheese, sour cream, and salt.

 


 

 

 

                        Smoked Turkey Quesadillas

 

Note:  Complete through step 8 prior to the dinner.  Reheat at dinner, slice and serve.

 

Serving Size  : 6   

 

 

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------  ------------  --------------------------------

   6                    Flour Tortillas - 8 Inch

     1/3  Lb            Smoked Turkey – thick slice julienned

   8      Oz            Pepperjack Cheese -- grated

   4      Oz            Goat Cheese

   1      Tbsp          Garlic -- minced

   2      Tbsp          Sour Cream

   1                    Red Bell Pepper -- julienned

     1/4  Tsp           Dried Green Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Tarragon) each

   2      Tbsp          Olive Oil

 

1. Microwave the red bell pepper slices for 3 minutes.  Cool.

 

2. Combine goat cheese, grated jack, garlic, sour cream, red pepper, and herbs in a stainless steel bowl.

 

3.  Place bowl over simmering water. Heat to release herb flavors and stir together until smooth.

 

4.  Remove from heat and slather generously over each tortilla.

 

5.  Divide the smoked turkey evenly on the top half of each tortilla.  Fold each tortilla in half.

 

6.  Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.  When hot, the oil will begin to shimmer.

 

7.  Add quesadillas and cook two minutes until browned.

 

8.  Flip and cook an additional two minutes.

 

9.  Cut each quesadilla into thirds and serve.

 


 

 

                        Southwestern Caesar Salad

 

Note:  Prepare all components prior to dinner and assemble at dinner.

 

Serving Size  : 6 

 

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------  ------------  --------------------------------

  24                    Shrimp - 21-50 – peeled; boiled and cooled

   2      Heads         Romaine Lettuce

                        Dressing

                        Tabasco Croutons

                        ------- Southwestern Caesar Dressing------

   1      C             Parmesan Cheese -- grated

   3      Lg            Egg Yolks

   8      Cloves        Garlic

   2                    Shallots -- peeled and chopped

   8                    Anchovy Fillets

   2      Tbsp          Dijon Mustard

   1      Tbsp          Balsamic Vinegar

   4      Tbsp          Fresh Lime Juice

   1                    Jalapeno -- seeded & diced

     1/2  Tsp           Cumin -- ground

   1 1/2  C             Extra Virgin Olive Oil

                        ------------------Tabasco Croutons--------

   1      Lg            French Bread Loaf

     1/2  Lb            Butter

   3      Oz            Tabasco Sauce

   1      Tbsp          Granulated Onion

   1      Tbsp          Granulated Garlic

   2      Sprigs        Rosemary Leaves

   2      Sprigs        Oregano Leaves

   1      Tsp           Salt

 

1.  Remove the cover leaves of the romaine.

 

2.  Quarter the heads.

 

3.  Slice these quarters across into 1"widths.  After cutting the romaine, wash and thoroughly drain the lettuce.  Refrigerate.

 

4.  To serve, toss lettuce with dressing, place on serving plates, and top with croutons and 4 shrimp per person.

 

 

Southwestern Caesar Dressing

 

1.  Combine all ingredients except oil and salt and puree in a blender.

 

2.  Add the oil in a thin stream while blender is running.

 

3.  Taste the dressing before adjusting any seasonings.  The parmesan and anchovies provide a lot of saltiness.

 

 

Tabasco Croutons

 

1.  Cube your bread into 1/2 inch cubes.

 

2.  Toast in the oven on a cookie sheet at 250 degree until dried, about 2 hours, turning every 30 minutes until dry.

 

3.  To make the Tabasco butter for the croutons, combine the rest of the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.

 

4.  Toss over croutons and arrange as a single layer on cookie sheet.

 

5.  Bake at 250 degree for another hour, turning every 15 minutes.

 


 

               Butternut Squash And Granny Smith Apple Soup

 

Note:  Prepare prior to dinner except for garnish.  Prepare and apply garnish (apple) at dinner.

 

Serving Size  : 6

 

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------  ------------  --------------------------------

   1                    Butternut Squash

   3      Med           Granny Smith Apple -- peeled, cored, slice

             reserve one apple whole for garnish

   2      Qt            Poultry Stock

     1/4  Tsp           Nutmeg

     1/4  Tsp           Cinnamon

   3      Tbsp          Pernod

     1/2  C             Heavy Cream

   1 1/2  Tbsp          Salt

     1/2  Tsp           White Pepper

                        ----------Jerked Pumpkin Seeds------------

   1 1/2  C             Pumpkin Seeds

   3      Tbsp          Butter -- melted

     1/3  C             Dry Jerk Seasoning

                        -------------Jerk Seasoning---------------

   1      C             Sugar

     3/4  C             Garlic Powder

   4      Tbsp          Salt

   1      Tbsp          White Pepper

   1      Tsp           Allspice

   1      Tbsp          Dry Mustard

     3/4  C             Onion Powder

     1/4  C             Dried Thyme

   1      Tbsp          Black Pepper

   1      Tbsp          Cayenne Pepper

   3      Tbsp          Curry Powder

     1/2  Tsp           Clove -- ground

 

1.  Preheat oven to 375.

 

2.  Cut the stems from the squash and place squash in a roasting pan.

 

3.  Set in oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the necks of the squash are tender.  Use a fork to check for doneness.  It should pierce the skin and squash should feel soft.

 

4.  Cook for 30 minutes or so, until you can handle squash.

 

5.  Cut in half lengthwise and remove the meat of the squash.  Discard seeds and skin.

 

6.  In batches, combine squash with 2 of the peeled and cored apples and hot poultry stock in a blender.  It will take several times to blend all the apples and squash.  Hold the vented lid down with a dry kitchen cloth to prevent dangerous spills.

 

7.  Transfer the squash/apple puree to a heavy-bottomed sauce pot.

 

8.  Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, Pernod and cream, and simmer for 15-20 minutes over medium heat.  Stir often because thick soups need movement.

 

9.  Taste and add salt and pepper.

 

10.  Serve piping hot topped with a garnish of 1 of the apples julienned and jerked pumpkin seeds.

 

Pumpkin Seeds

1.  Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

 

2.  Toss all ingredients together and bake in an oven for one hour, turning and tossing at 15 minutes intervals.

 

Jerk Seasoning

 

1.  Combine all ingredients.


 

 

                            Balsamic Asparagus

 

Note:  Complete through step 4 prior to dinner.  Complete remaining steps at dinner.

 

Serving Size  : 6   

 

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------  ------------  --------------------------------

   2      Bunches       Asparagus

   3      Qt            Water

     1/4  C             Sugar

   1 1/2  C             Balsamic Vinegar

   2      Tbsp          Garlic

   2      Tbsp          Red Onion -- minced

     1/4  C             Brown Sugar, Packed

   1      Tsp           Fresh Basil

   1      Tsp           Fresh Oregano

     1/2  Tsp           Fresh Thyme

   1      Tbsp          Salt

   1      Tsp           White Pepper

     1/2  C             White Wine

     1/4  Lb            Butter

 

1.  Trim the ends off the asparagus.  Bend an asparagus spear while holding each end.  Cut it where it snaps.

 

2.  Boil water and sugar.

 

3.  Plunge the cut asparagus into the boiling sugar water for approximately 4 minutes.  The sugar helps to strengthen the cell walls of the asparagus and hold the green, so you will have shockingly bright vegetables.  Drain quickly.

 

4.  Plunge the hot asparagus into a bowl of ice water.  This will stop the cooking and brighten the color even more.  Leave the spears in the ice water about the same length of time they were cooked.  Drain and reserve.

 

5.  Put all the other ingredients in a sauté pan and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add the asparagus.

 

6.  Simmer for 3 minutes and serve immediately.

 


 

                    Hudson's Nutmeg Scalloped Potatoes

 

Note:  Complete all assembly except adding cream prior to dinner.  Bring cream prepared, add at dinner, and complete baking at dinner.

Serving Size  : 12

 

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------  ------------  --------------------------------

   6      Lg            Idaho Potatoes

   1      Lb            Bacon -- chopped

   2      Lg            Yellow Onions -- peeled, julienned

   1      Qt            Cream

   1 1/2  Tsp           Black Pepper

   1 1/2  Tsp           White Pepper

   1      Tbsp          Nutmeg

   4      Tbsp          Cornstarch Mixed With 4 Tablespoons Water

                        Salt To Taste

   1      Tbsp          Butter

     1/2  C             Parmesan Cheese -- grated

 

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

 

2.  Put potatoes in a large saucepan with cold water to cover.  Bring to a boil.

 

3.  Boil potatoes in jackets until done but still firm.

 

4.  Cool and remove skin.  Cut lengthwise and then across in 1/2 inch slices.

 

5.  Place in buttered baking dish or casserole, overlapping rows of slice like shingles on a roof.

 

6.  Brown bacon, drain, and reserve drippings.

 

7.  Sauté onions in 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in the same pan.  Combine with bacon.

 

8.  Combine cream, peppers, and nutmeg in a clean saucepan over medium heat.

 

9.  Bring to a boil and add cornstarch slurry to make sauce.  It's better for it to be too thick than too thin.  Stir and adjust seasoning.

 

10.  Sprinkle bacon-onion mixture over potatoes.  Top with sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan.

 

11.  Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until bubbling and browned.


 

 

           Grilled Ostrich With Warm Strawberry Raspberry Sauce

 

Note:  Purchase the ostrich at Central Market.  Prepare sauce prior to the dinner.  Have ostrich at room temperature when you arrive to complete grilling at dinner.

 

Serving Size  : 6

 

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------  ------------  --------------------------------

   2      Lb            Ostrich Fan Fillet

                        ---------Strawberry Raspberry Sauce-------

   1      Pint          Strawberries -- hulled

   1      Pint          Raspberries

     1/4  C             Raspberry Vinegar

   1                    Lemon -- juiced

     1/2  C             Chardonnay

   1      Stick         Butter

   1      Tbsp          Shallots -- minced

   1      Tbsp          Garlic -- minced

     3/4  C             Granulated Sugar

   1      Tsp           Salt

 

1.  Season the ostrich with salt and pepper.

 

2.  Grill over medium-high heat to obtain grill marks, about 30 seconds on each side.

 

3.  Move the ostrich away from direct heat and slowly cook to medium rare to medium.  This should take about 12-15 minutes.  Turn every 4-5 minutes.

 

4.  Remove from grill and let stand at room temperature for 4 minutes.  Slice into 1/8 inch thick slices.  Serve with Strawberry Raspberry Sauce,

 

Strawberry Raspberry Sauce

 

1.  In a blender, puree strawberries with raspberries, raspberry vinegar and lemon juice.  Set aside.

 

2.  Pour wine into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.  Bring to a boil and reduce to just a couple of tablespoons.

 

3.  Add butter, shallots, and garlic and lightly saute until softened and clear.

 

4.  Add sugar and salt and simmer two minutes.

 

5.  Mix in the pureed fruits and heat through.

 

6.  Adjust salt and pepper level and serve under grilled and sliced ostrich.  Garnish with fresh berries.

 

 

NOTES : Purchase ostrich at Central Market.

 


 

                          Tina Turner Mouse

 

Note:  Prepare fudge and mousse prior to dinner.  Assemble at host time.  Arrive 30 minutes early to allow for assembly.

 

Serving Size  : 6 

 

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------  ------------  --------------------------------

                        -------Chambord Mousse--------------

   1      C             Chambord Liqueur

   4      Oz            Semi-Sweet Chocolate

   2      C             Heavy Cream

     1/2  C             Sugar

   1      Pint          Raspberries

                        ---------Chocolate Fudge---------------

   2      C             Cream

     1/2  Stick         Butter

   1      C             Brown Sugar

   1      C             Sugar

     1/4  Tsp           Salt

   2      C             Dutch Cocoa -- sifted

 

Chambord Mousse

1.  In a small saucepan, simmer liqueur until reduced to 1/2 cup, and cool.  Add ¼ cup cream to thin.

 

2.  Melt chocolate in a double boiler or in a bowl over simmering water.  Stir until smooth and transfer into stainless bowl.  Hold at room temperature.

 

3.  Whip the heavy cream and sugar in a well-chilled bowl with an electric mixer.  As the cream begins to form soft peaks, add the Chambord syrup in a slow steady stream.  Stop mixing at medium-firm peaks.

 

4.  Take 1 cup of the Chambord whipped cream and fold it into the chocolate.  Vigorously whisk the two together until well blended.  This will keep the chocolate from seizing up when blending with cold shipped cream mixture.

 

5.  Add the chocolate cream mixture to the remaining shipped cream and gently fold together until smooth.

 

6.  Chill for two hours.

 

Chocolate Fudge

 

1.  In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and butter.  Bring to a boil.

 

2.  Add brown and granulated sugars and salt.

 

3.  Bring back to a boil and stir, making sure all the sugar is dissolved.

 

4.  Remove from the heat and whisk in cocoa, 1/2 cup at a time.

 

5.  Whisk vigorously until all cocoa has been added.  Hold at warm room temperature, or near warm stove.

 

6.  Make "legs of fudge" in a wine glass or tall parfait.

 

7.  Load a pastry bag with chilled mousse and fill fudged wine glass 1/2 full.

 

8.  Garnish with raspberries.