Cooking in Quarantine: Fancy Favorite Foods!
Cook up your kid’s favorite foods but with a fancy twist!
During a time like this comfort food and comfort cooking can really nourish the soul. Lay down a nice table cloth, put some flowers out and enjoy a home cooked meal. It’s just as fun to make as it is to eat :)
Whats on the menu?
Chicken strips
Risotto (AKA fancy mac n cheese)
Roasted broccoli with crispy parmesan
Homemade whipped cream with fruit
Crispy Chicken
Serves 4
1-2 large chicken breasts Skinless chicken breasts
2 Egg(s)
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup Flour
Salt/pepper to taste
Paprika and garlic powder to taste
2 cups Oil for frying
Instructions:
Lay plastic wrap under and over breast
Using a rolling pin, gently beat and flatten the breasts
When done add coating: Seasoned flour → egg wash → Seasoned Panko
Heat oil in wok or large, wide heavy bottomed pot (at least 2-3 inches of oil) until simmering
Gently add chicken and cook, turning every 2-4 minutes until dark golden brown
Chicken done when reaches internal temp of 165!
Season with salt and enjoy!
Build Your Own Risotto
Serves 4
2 cups Arborio (or sushi) rice
1 cup Dry, white wine
6 tbsp Butter
1 medium onion, diced
~2/3 cup Grated parmesan
8-10 cups Vegetable or chicken stock: fresh or from bullion
Desired protein (optional) - pancetta, cooked sausage
Desired veggies (optional)- Mushrooms, peas, summer or winter squash, parsley, or anything else!
Instructions:
Make stock and keep warm in a pot nearby when cooking risotto
Prepare optional meat, veggies, and onion
Heat 3 tbsp of butter in large high-rimmed saute pan and add onion.
Cook until translucent, then add rice and brown for 3-5 min. Stir.
If adding mushrooms or squash: add now (do not add peas or parsley)
Turn heat up to high and add cup of wine
After 3-5 minutes, wine should be cooked off- add 1/2 cup stock
Continue stirring semi-often
Once rice has soaked up stock, add another 1/2 cup and continue to stir
Repeat using stock until rice is chewy, yet tender (should not be crunchy). ~ 20 minutes
Once rice is creamy and cooked. Turn off heat, add 3 tbsp of chopped up butter and most of grated cheese. Add peas or parsley now!
Serve right away and top with more cheese
Roasted Broccoli
Serves 4
2 heads of broccoli
3 tbsp oil
Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450F
Chop broccoli into equal sized florets
Mix broccoli with oil and a generous amount of salt & pepper
Lay out on a sheet tray or two, careful not to crowd. There should only be 1 “layer“ of broccoli to ensure maximum browning and flavor
Bake until a little browned, mixing every 10 minutes- for a total of 20-30 mins
Parmesan “Snowflakes”
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Use a tablespoon to make 16 evenly spaced mounds of cheese on a nonstick baking sheet. Pat each mound into flat cohesive disks.
Place baking sheet in oven until cheese has melted and is just beginning to brown, about 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to sit for 1 minute, then transfer to paper towels until cooled and crunchy.
Strawberry parfait
Serves 4
Pint of strawberries (~20)- fresh or frozen & defrosted
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2-4 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions:
Chop strawberries into small pieces (fine dice) and mix with powdered sugar. Mash a little bit with the back of a fork to release juices
Whip cream in sealed jar by shaking or using a whisk until soft peaks form
Mix 1/3 of strawberry mixture with whipped cream
Layer, first whipped cream, then strawberries 2-3 times in 4 nice cups. Chill in fridge until you are ready to eat!
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