Using store bought tortellini is the basis for this rich, creamy pasta dish that is very quick and easy to make. I’ve never made it for anyone who didn’t love it. Ingredients: 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 shallot, peeled & minced 1 garlic clove, peeled & minced 1 cup whipping cream 1/4 lb. thinly sliced prosciutto, julienned 1/2 cup peas, fresh or … [Read more...]
Rice Pilaf with Raisins & Cardamom
In last week’s Scheff’s Table I shared my favorite recipe for roasted chicken with cardamom. Well, here is an excellent side dish recipe for raisin and cardamom rice pilaf that would go great with the roasted chicken or many other main dishes. Ingredients: 1 1/2 Tbsp canola or vegetable oil 1 tsp. ground cardamom 1 tsp. salt 1 small onion, peeled & minced … [Read more...]
Roasted Cardamom Chicken
I love the taste of cardamom, which is very complex with citrus, herbal, floral and spicy notes. It’s delicious in an easy-to-prepare dish like this one: roasted chicken with a cardamom coating. Ingredients: 2 bone-in chicken leg & thigh quarters or 4 chicken leg or thigh pieces 1 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil Ground cardamom Salt ¼ tsp. … [Read more...]
Crispy Air Fryer Cod
It’s that time again, time for my monthly air fryer recipe installment. This month we’re tackling air fryer fish. The key to any “fried” fish is to give it a crispy, crusty coating, so we’re going to use both flour and panko bread crumbs to achieve that goal. I find that cutting the fish into smaller “tenders” - as opposed to cooking whole fillets - helps to keep the fish … [Read more...]
Pasta with Tomato-Cream Sauce
Here is a very simple recipe for pasta with a rich tasting creamy tomato sauce. You can use any of your favorite pastas for this, but I like a thick pasta such as rigatoni or pappardelle to soak up the sauce. Ingredients: 4 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and minced 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled plum tomatoes, crushed by hand and juices … [Read more...]
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
Every summer my wife and I grow Thai holy basil and fiery Thai chilies in our garden. This recipe for chicken with basil and Thai chilies is a really good one if you like your food spicy. Serve with jasmine rice. Ingredients: 1 Tbsp oyster sauce 2 tsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp sugar 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces … [Read more...]
Radiatore Pasta with Cream Sauce
Radiatore is a pasta shape that is short and squat with ruffled edges - some people say it looks like a radiator, hence the name. However it got its name, radiatore is the perfect pasta shape to enjoy with cream sauce, since the ruffles collect lots of the sauce. If you can’t find radiatore, just make this dish with your favorite pasta. I buy radiatore fresh from … [Read more...]
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
It’s time for my air fryer recipe of the month. With the Labor Day holiday in mind, I’m thinking that healthier air-fried Buffalo-style chicken wings would be a good option. This recipe makes excellent, crispy wings that you’d never know weren’t deep-fried in oil. It’s a keeper! Ingredients: 2 lbs. chicken wings - thawed, if frozen 1/2 Tbsp salt 1 tsp. ground … [Read more...]
Chicken with White Wine Sauce
Whenever I’m eating in France, one of the things I love is how French cooks can transform a simple chicken, cut into parts, into a divine dinner. The chicken is usually sauteed and then served with a light wine sauce. It's a very simple method of keeping the chicken tender and juicy while also imparting rich flavor. Here is a recipe I use at home frequently. Ingredients: … [Read more...]
Shrimp & Arugula Penne
Here is an easy summertime meal made with shrimp from the freezer, arugula from the garden, parmesan from the fridge, and penne pasta from the pantry. You could use any other pasta shape you like for this recipe, I just happened to have penne on hand. Ingredients: 1 lb. dried penne pasta (or your favorite pasta – spaghetti, fusilli; rigatoni, or whatever) 1/4 cup … [Read more...]