Chabernet

Another Glass of Chabernet

German Know-how

by Leave a Comment

In the days before "German Engineering", the German's were known for sausage and for beer. I can't think of a more satisfying meal than grilled bratwurst with a cold beer. Sauerkraut and mustard cut the heaviness of the fatty pork, and the beer rinses your pallet for the next big bite. In Germany, sausages (or, Wurst in German) are regional specialties. Nuremberg is renowned for tiny grilled bratwurst. Many diners order these small treats by the platter. Platters of varying sizes are hung on the wall or described. The smell of the grilled porky deliciousness is so entrancing that you will be inclined to over-platter. Read more [...]

Risotto alla Milanese

by 11 Comments

Risotto alla Milanese  BRAISED RICE WITH SAFFRON To serve 6 to 8 7 cups chicken stock, fresh or canned 4 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup finely chopped onions 1/3 to 1/2 cup chopped uncooked beef marrow (optional) 2 cups plain white raw rice, preferably imported Italian rice 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/8 teaspoon powdered saffron or saffron threads crushed to a powder 4 tablespoons soft butter 1/2 cup freshly grated imported Parmesan cheese Bring the chicken stock to a simmer in a 2- to 3-quart saucepan and keep it barely simmering over low heat. In a heavy 3-quart flameproof casserole, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over moderate heat. Cook the onions in the butter, stirring frequently, for 7 or 8 minutes. Read more [...]

Zuppa di Pesce

by 9 Comments

  FISH SOUP When cooked, this dish does not provide as much liquid-for the number of people it serves-as a conventional soup might seem to require,' it is more a dish of fish served in a seasoned liquid. It is nevertheless eaten as a soup, with a spoon. To serve 6 to 8       2 pounds fish heads, bones and trimmings 3 cups water 1 cup dry white wine 2/3 cup sliced onions 2 celery tops with leaves 3 parsley sprigs 1 bay leaf 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 cup olive oil 2 pounds each of 3 kinds of white fish fillets or steaks-such as haddock, flounder, cod, perch, pollack, snapper, mackerel, bass or rockfish -cut into 2-inch serving pieces 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh tomato pulp Read more [...]

Zuppa di Fagioli con la Pasta

by Leave a Comment

BEAN SOUP WITH PASTA  The Bean Eater - Zuppa di Fagioli   To serve 4 to 6 1 cup dry white beans - marrow, Great Northern, navy or white kidney (cannelini beans) 2 to 2 1/2 quarts water 1 1/2 pound cooked smoked ham, cut in 1 1/4-inch cubes (about 2 cups) 1 1/2 cup finely chopped onions 1/4 cup finely chopped celery 1 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 pound lean salt pork in 1 piece 1 1/2 teaspoons salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 cup of l-inch pieces of spaghetti (break it by hand) or, substitute your favorite pasta Freshly grated imported Parmesan cheese In a 3- to 4-quart saucepan, bring the beans and 2 quarts of water to a boil over high heat and boil Read more [...]

Cooking Stocks

by Leave a Comment

Basic to good French cooking, and by extension, to all cooking, are good stocks and sauces. Good soups require good stocks. Many sauces demand them. Vegetables gain in appetizing flavor when they are cooked in stock. No self- respecting cook should think of poaching a fish in other than a fumet, a fish stock made with fish scraps, aromatics and wine. However, you will use such a fumet or court bouillon only when you poach a fish, so that it is not necessary to keep fish stocks on hand, especially because they are best made from the scraps and skeletons of the fish to be poached. However, the usefulness of meat and chicken stocks is so great that every cook should make her own. They keep very well for considerable periods in a deep Read more [...]

Corvina a la Chorrillana

by Leave a Comment

Corvina a la Chorrillana FISH STEAKS IN TOMATO AND CHILI SAUCE To serve 6 3 tablespoons Annatto oil 2 large onions, thinly sliced 3 large tomatoes, peeled and cut into ¼ -inch slices, or substitute 1 1/2 cups chopped, drained, canned Italian plum tomatoes 2 fresh hot red or green chilies, each about 3 1/2 inches long, seeded, de-ribbed and cut lengthwise into 1/8 -inch strips 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 pounds Corvina or Sea Bass, cut into 1/2-inch steaks, or substitute any other firm white fish Fresh Cilantro to garnish In a heavy 4-quart flameproof casserole, heat 1 tablespoon Read more [...]

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

by 9 Comments

SPAGHETTI WITH EGG AND BACON SAUCE To serve 4   4 tablespoons soft butter 2 whole eggs 2 egg yolks 1 cup freshly grated imported Parmesan cheese 6 to 8 quarts water 1 teaspoon salt 1 pound spaghetti, spaghettini or linguine 8 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (optional) 1/2 cup heavy cream Freshly ground black pepper In a small bowl, cream the soft butter by beating it against the sides of the bowl with a wooden spoon until it is soft and fluffy. In another small bowl, beat the eggs and egg yolks with a fork or whisk until they are well blended, then stir in 1/2 cup of grated cheese. Set both bowls aside. Heat a large ovenproof serving Read more [...]

Spaghetti con le Vongole

by 9 Comments

  SPAGHETTI WITH CLAM SAUCE Spaghetti alle Vongole   To serve 4 to 6   6 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons soft butter   6 cloves finely chopped or grated garlic 1 tsp dried Oregano Red Pepper flakes   1/2 cup dry white wine or Vermouth   1 cup clam broth, fresh from the clams (below) or bottled.   6 to 8 quarts of water 1 tablespoon salt 1 pound spaghetti, spaghettini or linguine   3 dozen small hard-shell clams 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, preferably the flat-leaf Italian type   Salt Black pepper   In a heavy 10- to 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil until a light haze forms over Read more [...]

Gnocchi alla Romana

by Leave a Comment

POLENTA (SEMOLINA) CAKES BAKED WITH BUTTER AND CHEESE To serve 4 to 6 3 cups milk 1 1/2 teaspoons salt Pinch of ground nutmeg Freshly ground black pepper 3/4 cup semolina or farina 2 eggs 1 cup freshly grated imported Parmesan cheese 4 tablespoons butter, melted Butter a large baking sheet and set it aside. In a heavy 2- to 3-quart saucepan, bring the milk, salt, nutmeg and a few grindings of pepper to a boil over moderate heat. Add the semolina or farina gradually, so the milk never stops boiling, stirring it constantly with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking and stirring until the semolina or farina is so thick that the spoon will stand up unsupported in the middle of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat. Beat Read more [...]

Gnocchi Verdi

by Leave a Comment

SMALL SPINACH DUMPLINGS To serve 4 to 6 4 tablespoons butter 2 ten-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thoroughly defrosted, squeezed completely dry, and chopped very fine (about 1 1/2 cups), or 1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach, cooked, squeezed and chopped 3/4 cup ricotta cheese 2 eggs, slightly beaten 6 tablespoons flour 3/4 cup freshly grated imported Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Pinch of ground nutmeg 6 to 8 quarts water 1 tablespoon salt 4 tablespoons melted butter In an 8 to 10-inch enameled or stainless-steel skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over moderate heat. Add the chopped fresh or frozen spinach and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to Read more [...]