Appropriate for both a Mid-Week Supper OR for Christmas Dinner
MENU
Lemon Zest Risotto with Green Peas and Pink Peppercorns
Pan Roast of Vinegar Chicken with Olives, Capers, and Parsley
Creamy Garlic Polenta
Baby Salad Greens with Fresh Fennel, Celery, Parmesan, Green Apples and Toasted Almonds
Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake
About the Class
I’ve had an influx of risotto requests lately as well as demands for interesting-but-quick Italian. This menu is another delicious, EASY, under-two-hour feast and, for those of you who are ready to branch out from turkey, goose or prime rib, the menu is festive enough to serve for Christmas dinner. An excellent alternative.
The risotto is a simple one but flavorful, fresh and bright with its tangy lemon zest and cracked black pepper. And the presentation is beautiful ( just the right colors for the holidays) with the bright green peas, chives and dark pinky-red peppercorns. If you aren’t familiar with pink peppercorns, do get to know them! Though, in point of fact, not true members of the pepper family, the brightly colored, tiny dried berries-- with their exotic, haunting-yet-delicious flavor and flaky crunch—are not to be missed. Ditto this divine risotto.
With so many people eschewing red meat, you can never have enough good chicken recipes and this one is my current fave. With a bit of North African turmeric plus green Castelvetrano olivesandcapers, it’s reminiscent what I ate on the very southern Italian island of Pantelleria (one of the caper capitols of the world) just 30 miles off the Tunisian coast. Amazingly flavorful, the dish is ideal for both for mid-week suppers and major entertaining as it requires just a few minutes of active prep. Creamy polenta (when made with fine corn meal) takes just 5 minutes once the water boils and is divine when drenched in the sauce from the chicken.
Serve the salad either with the main course (my preference) or between main course and dessert. Either way, people LOVE it. The lemony dressing echoes the risotto (a nice touch) but the toasty almonds, thinly sliced green apple and shaved Parmesan—along with the crunch of fennel and celery—are unique to the dish.
Everyone loves warm flourless chocolate cake. EASY with only 5 ingredients. I like to enhance it by adding instant espresso and vanilla extract—enough to deepen the flavor without actually adding noticeable flavors. And who can resist a dollop of homemade ice cream???
A perfect menu or mid-week or Christmas dinner!
xxxgail