Showing posts with label Soups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soups. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

A Southern Gentleman's Kitchen - PRE-ORDER TODAY

Well gents (and gals) . . .

That day has finally come!  My new book, A Southern Gentleman's Kitchen, Adventures in Cooking, Eating, and Living in the New South is now available for pre-order on Amazon! 

As you know, I've been quite busy putting this lifetime's work together over the past few years - I know, my posts have been slacking - sorry about that.  But that doesn't mean I haven't been busting my tail!

It's been an honor to partner with Southern Living to tell my tales - those of family, friends, tradition, history, and adventure.  My hope is that you will use this book as a template to open your home, set your kitchen table, and share great food with your own friends, family, and yes, strangers.

I believe we can all become better versions of ourselves by spending more time in the kitchen.  It's a place that fosters hospitality, generosity, humility, chivalry, intellectual curiosity, and autonomy.  Cooking a meal from scratch is just as manly as fine tuning a carburetor on a motorcycle.

So come along on the journey with me - from Louisiana to Tennessee to Texas to Florida to the Carolina's.  Together we shall cook, eat, drink, and live gloriously!

Head on over to Amazon and place your order now before the release rush on 4/28.  Follow me on Instagram @MattMooreMusic for behind the scenes on the release, and head on over to MattRMoore.com for more info on what I'm up to.

It's been an incredible journey since the release of my first book - I'm thankful to all of you for your support and encouragement.  Cheers to making this next one a bigger success - to good food and good gentleman!

Very best regards,

Matt R. Moore

CLICK HERE to check out the book trailer below, produced by Wet Paint.


 BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Today, in addition to being chivalrous, honest, and generous, a Southern gentleman is socially connected, well-traveled, and has an appetite for life. In this part-cookbook and part-guidebook, Matt Moore embraces a fresh perspective on what it means to cook, eat, and live as a true Southern Gentleman in the 21st century. Moore takes readers on an entertaining walk through the life of a Southern gentleman using recipes for 150 distinctly simple Southern dishes for every meal of the day, plus tales from family and some well-known friends. Gorgeous full-color photography graces this culinary update on authentic Southern cuisine. Featured recipes include everything from Seafood Gumbo and Gameday Venison Chili to desserts like Grilled Georgia Peach Crisp and favorite cocktails like The Brown Derby and NOLA Sazerac.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The son of a cattleman and the grandson of a butcher, Matt Moore is, for all intents and purposes, the quintessential Southern gentleman. With the philosophy of "Work hard, play harder," this Nashville, Tennessee-based musician, husband, traveler, and entrepreneur cooks the way he lives--simply, honestly and with great gusto. This self-taught chef, who invites friends Luke Bryan, NFL standout Jon Stinchcomb, Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum and more to join him at the stove, is the go to resource for reliable recipes created for the man's-man. His food-writing has garnered critical acclaim by publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune, and the New York Times--who named Moore's first book, Have Her Over For Dinner: A Gentleman's Guide to Classic, Simple Meals, as one of the year's best cookbooks. With national television appearances on the likes of The Today Show, Fox & Friends, BetterTV, and WGN under his belt, Moore, with his camera-ready looks and Southern charm, is quickly and unquestionable becoming a favorite mainstay in the world of food personalities. 

Grilled Flank Steak + Coca Cola Marinade

Sitty's Fried Chicken
Pimento Mac & Cheese
Sweet Potato Cupcakes

Monday, November 24, 2014

Broccoli + Cheddar Soup

It was dreadfully cold, rainy, and windy yesterday.  I was also busy as hell.  One of those Sundays where you are trying to snag a workout, go to church, shop/prep for Thanksgiving week, and also get prepared for a trip that I'll be taking to Abu Dhabi in less than 10 days.  More on that later.

Anywho - I decided that I needed a good ole bowl of comforting soup - but I didn't have hours to make gumbo.  Instead, I whipped up this comforting Broccoli + Cheddar Soup in no time flat.  Damn was it ever good - and not that bad for you either.

I threw it up on Instagram (@mattmooremusic - I need to change my account name) and immediately my phone got about a dozen texts asking for the recipe.  Not that many likes on the picture though?  Oh well.  I need to work on my "social media".

No - this recipe will not be in the new book - so I'll oblige and share it with you.  Got 15 - 20 minutes?  Good, you can make this soup.

B+C Soup

1 Tbsp. EVOO
1 onion, diced
1 carrot, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg (optional)
1 Tbsp. minced fresh dill (optional)
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
4 cups 2% milk
1 dash hot sauce (optional)
10 oz. frozen cut broccoli
4 cups grated reduced fat cheddar cheese


1.  Heat a Dutch oven over medium high heat, add oil.   Next, add onions and carrots and saute until tender - about 5 minutes.

2.  Add garlic, followed by the next four ingredients.  Sprinkle in flour and cook for a minute or so, while stirring, to cook out the flour taste and incorporate with the softened vegetables.

3.  While whisking, stir in the milk and a dash of hot sauce, reduce heat to medium and add broccoli.  Allow the mixture to come to a slow simmer, while stirring, until the broccoli is tender and the mixture has actually reached a simmer (full thickening power from the flour).  Reduce heat to medium low.

4.  Use an immersion blender, or work in batches with a standard blender, and puree mixture until smooth and consistent.  Fold in cheese until melted, and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve.

*You can heft up this dish with 2 cups milk and 2 cups heavy cream.  Or you could sub chicken stock for 2 cups of the milk, and finish with 2 cups cream/milk.  Your choice since it all gets blended together.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Keep That Carcass: How to Turn Your Holiday Leftovers Into Delicious Stocks and Soups

Originally posted on The Art of Manliness, 12/21/13

I hate letting things go to waste - especially when it comes to time, money, and food. Hopefully, most of you share that same belief. After all, being wasteful is not a quality most gentlemen strive to achieve.

Fortunately my wife appreciates my frugalness with money and time. And the food part? Well, let’s just say that she feels I take things to the extreme. You see, in my kitchen, my freezer is filled with bones, scraps, stems, sticks, rinds, and other mysteries known only to yours truly.
Over the past few years, we’ve spent a lot of time here on AoM teaching you the fundamentals when it comes to cooking. From knife skills, to cast-iron cooking, to perfectly roasting a chicken - these are all skills a man needs to have in his culinary tackle box. So as I was casually perusing the grocery aisles the other day, I uncovered a culinary crime that I had to share with all you loyal readers.

Since it’s the holidays, folks were stocking up on all the essentials: turkeys, rib roasts, stuffing, vegetables, pie crusts, and especially cooking stock. After all, a bit of stock or broth is called for in almost every holiday recipe. Four cups of store-bought stock costs over $5 bucks in most places. Gentlemen, it shouldn’t be so.

Perhaps I’m partly to blame, as I’ve never detailed how easy it is to create your own stocks at home. And there’s no better time to learn than now. Christmas’ turkey carcass or leftover standing rib roast can turn into a luscious turkey or beef stock. The pork shoulder cooked on New Year’s Day can create a delicious stock for other soups and stews (and even chili!). Of course, all of that cold weather and hectic holiday travel calls for a comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup. Better yet, you don’t have to use it all right now - as these stocks keep well frozen for months in your freezer. Just pop ‘em out and thaw when needed. In this post, I’ll lay out how to make stock from four types of meat, and then give you a recipe with which to use that stock. Win-win!

So this year, I encourage you to keep ‘stock-ing’ through the holidays. Spend a bit of time to save what you typically discard and enjoy good eats and cost savings in the New Year!


Basic Chicken Stock

I like to pick up whole chickens when on sale at the market, often purchasing them for less than $1 per pound. Though most folks use the bones or carcasses when creating their stocks, I often just slowly braise the whole bird. I remove the cooked chicken for use in soups or stews, or turn it into a quick chicken salad for use throughout the week. Either way, this is a simple, foolproof way to perform double duty - cook a chicken while creating stock.
  • 1 4 lb. whole chicken
  • 3 carrots, cut in half
  • 3 ribs celery, cut in half
  • 1 onion, cut in half
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 5 whole peppercorns
  • 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
  • 8 cups water
Add all ingredients into a stockpot and bring to a slow boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 hours, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface. Strain ingredients, discarding the vegetables and setting chicken aside. Allow the stock to completely cool and chill overnight in the fridge. Skim the fat off the surface, discard, and use stock immediately or freeze for later use.

Matt’s Avgolemono Soup

Lately I’ve been stealing a page out of your Greek grandmother’s cookbook with this lemony chicken and orzo soup. Though this dish is typically prepared without meat, you can throw in the reserved chicken if you want a heartier version. The key to making this dish silky smooth and perfect is tempering the egg appropriately. You want to slowly add the hot stock to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to create a smooth texture. Do it too fast, and your eggs will scramble - which won’t affect the flavor or ruin the dish - but your grandmother would be disappointed.
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 1 pinch fresh nutmeg
Bring stock to a slow boil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven. Add orzo pasta and cook for 5 minutes, remove from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, and nutmeg. While constantly stirring, slowly stream in about 3 cups of broth into the egg mixture - tempering the eggs slowly to bring them up to the same temperature as the stock. Add mixture into the Dutch oven and serve soup immediately.

Turkey Stock

Over Thanksgiving, my dad proudly smoked the family turkey on his beloved Big Green Egg. Needless to say, that bird was delicious, and I didn’t want that flavor to end. So, I threw the carcass into a pot and created a rich turkey stock. The next day, I made a big ole pot of turkey and sausage gumbo (below) - feeding the family again on the cheap. Simple, easy, and delicious.
  • 1 leftover turkey carcass, broken into smaller pieces
  • 3 carrots, cut in half
  • 3 ribs celery, cut in half
  • 1 onion, cut in half
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 5 whole peppercorns
  • 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
  • 10 cups water
Add all ingredients into a stockpot and bring to a slow boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 2 hours, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface. Strain ingredients, discarding the vegetables and carcass. Allow the stock to completely cool and chill overnight in the fridge. Skim the fat off the surface, discard, and use stock immediately or freeze for later use.

Turkey and Sausage Gumbo

Turkey leftovers get jazzed up in this hearty, Creole favorite. They key to making a great gumbo is all about the roux. Spend the time to slowly cook the roux as dark as you can stand it - without burning. That extra effort will yield rich, caramelized flavors that are sure to please the entire family - even if you are trying to kick out the in-laws!
  • 4 cups Andouille sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups fresh okra, washed with ends trimmed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 onions, finely diced
  • 2 bell peppers, finely diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can petite diced tomatoes
  • 10 cups turkey stock, warmed
  • 4 cups leftover turkey meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups hot cooked rice
Preheat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add sausage and brown for 5-6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove sausage to a plate; add okra and cook for another 6 minutes, or until slightly charred. Remove okra and combine oil and flour in the pot, reducing heat to low. Whisk oil and flour until combined, whisking constantly, until dark brown and caramel in color, 40-50 minutes. Add onions and peppers and sauté until tender, 10 minutes. Next add garlic, and sauté until just fragrant. Deglaze by adding tomatoes, followed by one cup of stock at a time, stirring to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. Bring mixture to a slow boil, adding sausage and okra back into the pot and simmering until tender, about 15 minutes. When okra is tender, add reserved turkey meat and heat through. Serve with hot cooked rice.


Rib Roast (Beef) Stock

Standing rib roast is a Christmas Day special, one which we’ve perfectly outlined before. The problem is that most folks tend to throw away that roasted rib bone - what a waste! This year, turn that leftover bone into a delicious stock for my hearty, beef + vegetable soup.
  • 2 lb. leftover roasted rib bone
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 3 carrots, cut in half
  • 3 ribs celery, cut in half
  • 1 onion, cut in half
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 5 whole peppercorns
  • 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
  • 8 cups water
Add rib bone into a preheated stockpot over medium heat. Sear the bone on all sides for a few minutes. Add wine, scraping up any of the browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon. Next, add remaining ingredients into pot and bring to a slow boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 3 hours, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface. Strain ingredients, discarding the vegetables and rib bone. Allow the stock to completely cool and chill overnight in the fridge. Skim the fat on the surface, discard, and use stock immediately or freeze for later use.

Beef + Vegetable Soup

This dish screams comfort cooking, not to mention the fact that it can cure any holiday hangover. I like to toss whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand into this dish - making it super filling and quite healthy too. Go easy on the carbs by omitting the potatoes.
  • 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 lbs. beef stew meat
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 3 ribs celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans stewed tomatoes
  • 8 cups beef stock
  • 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
  • 2 cups frozen lima beans, thawed
  • 2 Russet potatoes, diced
Preheat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add oil. Brown the meat, working in batches if necessary, for a few minutes on all sides. Next, add onions, carrots, and celery and sauté until tender, 10 minutes. Add garlic, followed by the tomatoes to deglaze the pot, scraping up any of the browned bits in the pan using a wooden spoon. Add stock, followed by the remaining vegetables and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Pork Stock

It’s been rumored that pork is served on New Year’s Day to provide good fortune and abundance throughout the year. Truth be told, I eat pork as much as possible, often in smoked BBQ or bacon form! That being said, when its cold outside, I don’t always feel like breaking out the smoker, so I like to brown and slowly braise my pork shoulder in a Dutch oven. The meat turns out moist, perfectly stringy, and delicious when served piled atop cooked greens, rice, and black-eyed peas (a la New Year’s Day), or in my pork green chili (below). You can also use this broth as a base for making homemade pho - which seems to be all the rage these days.
  • 1 6 lb. pork shoulder
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 3 carrots, cut in half
  • 3 ribs celery, cut in half
  • 1 onion, cut in half
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 5 whole peppercorns
  • 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
  • 10 cups water
Add pork shoulder into a pre-heated stockpot over medium heat. Sear the shoulder on all sides, except the fat cap, for 5-6 minutes. Add wine, scraping up any of the browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon. Next, add remaining ingredients into a stockpot and bring to a slow boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 4 hours, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface. Strain ingredients, discarding the vegetables and bone while reserving the pork meat for later use. Allow the stock to completely cool and chill overnight in the fridge. Skim the fat on the surface, discard, and use stock immediately or freeze for later use.


Pork Green Chili

I often get tired of tomato, beef, and bean-based chili, so I take a nod from one of Colorado’s most prideful, and fiercely debated dishes in the following recipe. Green or red chili, whatever side you stand on, I really don’t care; they are both delicious. This version is a bit sour and salty with the flavors of fresh lime and spice - a good bit of heat is also playing behind the scenes as well. Trust me, it’s a great dish and a nice change of pace when entertaining guests throughout the end of this year’s football season.
  • 1 lb. tomatillos, husks removed and cut in half
  • 2 onions, peeled and quartered
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, cut in half
  • 6 poblano peppers, cut in half with seeds removed
  • 8 cups pork stock
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 lbs. reserved braised pork, pulled into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, diced
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Arrange the tomatillos, onions, jalapenos, and poblano peppers onto a baking sheet, ensuring poblanos are skin side up, and roast uncovered until browned and charred, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, add stock, lime juice, and seasonings into a Dutch oven and warm over medium heat. Remove roasted vegetables from the oven and throw everything into the pot, except for the poblanos. Allow the poblanos to cool, remove the outer skin, and finely chop. Meanwhile, use an immersion blender to puree the roasted vegetables into the stock until rich and smooth. Add the chopped poblanos and pork meat into the pot and bring to a slow boil. Make a slurry with the flour and 1/4 cup water, pour into the pot (bring back to boil if needed), and reduce heat to low. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, just prior to serving.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Tuscan Grilled Chicken + Vegetable Soup

































The Holidays are about over - but I've still got a lot of leftovers.  Not to mention the fact that I'm trying to get back to eating as healthy as possible.  So it goes - I don't want to waste all of that food - nor do I want to get myself right back into a food coma.

With the colder snow storms making their way into Nashville - this was the perfect recipe to keep me warm, ditch some leftovers, and eat healthy - not to mention stay on budget.

By grilling the chicken, you really enhance the flavor of this soup.  At the same time, it helps to quicken the overall cooking process altogether.

I suggest making this over the weekend - serves 4 with filling and comforting ease.

Tuscan Grilled Chicken + Vegetable Soup

1.5 lbs Chicken Breasts
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper
Dried Italian Seasoning
EVOO


Grill chicken breasts until cooked through.  Rest for 5 minutes, dice, and add to soup when finished.

. . . Meanwhile

EVOO
1 Onion, finely diced
4 Carrots, thinly sliced
4 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 Can Fire Roasted Tomatoes
32 oz Chicken Stock
1/2 Cup Orzo Pasta
1 1/2 Cups Frozen Green Peas
10 Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Saute onions and carrots in EVOO in a dutch oven over medium high heat for 5 minutes, or until just tender.  Add garlic and continue to saute for another 3 - 5 minutes.  Next, add tomatoes and stock - adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.  Add orzo and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, or until orzo is tender.  Add green peas and cook for 2 minutes - taste and adjust seasoning w/ S+P.  Turn off heat, add fresh basil (add grilled chicken here too).  Stir until incorporated.  Serve w/ grated parmigiano.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Seafood Gumbo

There's just something about the Fall season that puts me in a New Orleans state of mind.  I suppose it has something to do with the Cajun style of cooking that seems to satisfy my cravings for comfort food.  Regardless of the reason, I can attest that a day of cooking Seafood Gumbo is a day well spent.

For me, it typically tends to happen on a Saturday or Sunday.  Once I get the urge, I head down to Little's Fish Company and pick up a mess of the best seafood I can find - shrimp, crawfish, crab, fish, etc.  That's what I like about Seafood Gumbo - the thick roux and base is simply just a carrier for whatever seafood you can find.  It's rustic, real, and delicious.

Keep in mind that a big pot of gumbo is meant to be shared.  I enjoy inviting 10 - 15 of my closest friends over for a day of watching football, drinking beer, and eating this delicious creole creation. 

Of course, I should come clean that everyone has their own 'style' when it comes to making this dish.  Mine is a melange of many different versions and experiences, ranging from my New Orleans friend's 95 year old grandma, to a simple quick shrimp gumbo that's been in my family for years.  Regardless of your method, one thing is certain - it's ALL about the roux.

Creating a dark, thick roux takes time and patience.  In fact, as the roux begins to darken and caramelize, the chances of burning the roux (and ruining the dish) increase each minute.  For that reason, I like to have all of my ingredients prepped and ready to go.  After that, I stand by my pot for 45 minutes, cold beer(s) in hand, and make sure that I get this most crucial element just right.  After that - it's simply just a matter of 'stirring and dumping' to complete the rest of the meal. 


Seafood Gumbo  

1 lb Andouille Sausage, cut crosswise into ¼ inch thick slices
3 Cups Okra, cut into ½ inch slices
1 Cup Vegetable Oil/Butter/Shortening
1  Cup Flour
1 Large Onion, finely diced
1 Large Bell Pepper, finely diced
2 Celery Stalks, finely diced
1 Tablespoon Creole Seasoning
1 14.5 oz Can Petite Diced Tomatoes
10 Cups Seafood Stock

1 lb Lump Crab Meat
1 lb Medium Shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb Crawfish Tail Meat
Hot Cooked Rice
Scallions, sliced

Preheat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned; remove and set aside on a plate. Next, add okra and sauté until just tender, about 3 - 4 minutes; remove and set aside on a plate. Combine oil and flour, stirring constantly, to make a dark brown roux, about the color of chocolate; 30 - 35 minutes. Add the onions, peppers, celery, and seasoning; sauté until tender, about 8 - 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, followed by the seafood stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add sausage and okra back into the pot, cover and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes, or until okra is just cooked through. Add the crab meat, shrimp, and crawfish; stir to make sure the seafood is immersed in the liquid. Turn off heat, cover, and allow the seafood to gently cook for 10 - 15 minutes. Shrimp and crawfish tail meat should be firm and bright in color. Serve in bowls topped with white rice and garnished with sliced scallions.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

See-Food


 Just yesterday, I bantered about the onslaught of Fall, hinting that some of my favorite foods and opportunities for entertaining come during this season.  I thought I'd share one of my favorite recipes that makes use of plenty of fresh seafood.  Enjoy!

MM 

Cioppino - A San Francisco staple, done southern style with plenty of fresh seafood from the gulf.  This hearty and satisfying stew is a nice dish to fight back the chill of autumn.  Substitute any of your favorite seafood below to create your own spin on this classic.

4 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Large Vidalia Onion
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper
4 Cloves Garlic, minced
¼ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
¼ Cup Tomato Paste
1 Bottle Amber Ale or 1 ½ Cups Dry White Wine
1 Large 28 oz Can San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, broken apart by hand with juices reserved
4 Cups Seafood Stock
2 Bay Leaves
1 lb Littleneck Clams, scrubbed
1 lb Mussels, scrubbed and debearded
1 lb Large Fresh Gulf Shrimp, peeled and deveined with tail on
1 lb Halibut or Salmon Filets, cut into thick chunks
Parsley, chopped for garnish

Add olive oil to a Dutch oven over medium heat.  When oil begins to shimmer, add onions, salt, and pepper; sauté, stirring on occasion for 10 - 12 minutes, or until onions are translucent and tender.  Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for another 2 minutes.  Next, add tomato paste, mixing well to combine with the onions.  Deglaze the pan by adding either the beer or wine, scraping up any of the browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon.  Add the tomatoes and their juice, seafood stock, and the bay leaves; cover and reduce heat to medium low, simmer for 30 minutes.  Next, add clams and mussels to the pot and cook covered for 5 minutes.  When clams and mussels have just opened (discard any that do not open), add the fish and shrimp, cover and cook until both are just firm, about 5 more minutes.  Remove from heat and serve in large bowls, ensuring an even distribution of seafood and broth.  Garnish with parsley and serve.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Popular Plates Magazine

  
A few "first's" for me this morning.

#1.  I opened up my mail to find the new FALL issue of Popular Plates magazine.  I was excited to be included in this great publication, in fact this is my FIRST time in a NATIONAL magazine.  Sure, I've been lucky to score some great PR on national television and the like, but I am grateful for being a part of this issue.

#2.  I made the front cover!  Well, my food made the front cover . . . and it's pretty small . . . but hey, you've got to start somewhere right?  I suppose I'm most proud that it was my photography that had the chops to be showcased along such other great dishes on the front cover of the magazine.  Pretty cool!

The magazine will be out in the coming weeks at stores everywhere!  Go pick up a copy and make my Gameday Chili.

MM

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

French Onion Soup

Last week, the Southeast was crippled with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.  It's a rarity for us to see that kind of weather, especially in my adopted hometown of Nashville, TN.  Rest assured, the local media took full advantage of such an event by interrupting just about every program to report the latest snow flurry, fender bender, or icy patch on the road.  Nevertheless, everyone had plenty of warning to make that necessary run to the grocery store for white bread, milk, and cold beer.

Not to be outdone, I decided to up the ante and take advantage of my days off by spending some time in the kitchen.  I get it.  Most people don't view cooking as a leisure activity.  But for me, I can think of no better scenario: cold beer in hand, standing over a warm stove, the smell of onions sauteing, and a blanket of white snow on the ground.  Add to that a solid group of friends, the NFL Playoffs, and a night of honky-tonking, and you may have discovered my recipe for the perfect day off.

That is of course, assuming you serve up a bowl of my favorite soup, French Onion.

This recipe is very simple.  With just a few quality ingredients and a little patience, you can impress your guests with this beloved classic - in under an hour.  The best part?  This only gets better the next day, so save your leftovers.

It's cold outside.  Go find that girl's number, call her, make this soup, waste away the afternoon, and thank me later.

French Onion Soup

6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
5 Spanish Colossal Onions, peeled and sliced into 1/8 inch rings
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Teaspoon Fresh Cracked Pepper
3 Teaspoons All Purpose Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Dash Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Cup Cognac
2 Quarts Beef Stock
Croutons
Swiss Cheese, grated
Gruyere Cheese, grated
Parsley, garnish

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat.  Add onions and cook slowly, 10 - 15 minutes.  Stir onions, season with salt and pepper, and continue to slowly cook, stirring on occasion for 30 - 40 minutes, or until onions are caramelized and dark brown.  Sprinkle in flour and stir until evenly distributed, adding sugar and Worcestershire.  Increase heat to medium-high; add cognac and beef stock.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until ready to serve.

For service, preheat an oven to broil.  Fill an oven safe bowl with soup and top with a generous portion of croutons and grated cheeses.  Place bowl under broiler until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.  Remove from broiler and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.  Serve.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

5 Stick to Your Ribs Soups from Around the Country

It's a cold and rainy day here in Nashville, TN. 

Perhaps I could let that ruin my mood - but instead - I'm using it to my advantage.

Check out my latest post on some of my favorite dishes for a day just like today.

Of course, a big thanks to Brett and Kate over at The Art of Manliness for allowing me to contribute to their site.  If you haven't checked out their content/book - do yourself a favor and go - NOW!

As always, cook and eat passionately!

MM