Chicken Under a Brick

Ingredients: 1 whole chicken 3-4 pounds 1/4 cup 7 Spice Blend (see recipe in blog) or Za’atar spice Neutral oil Salt Directions Brine chicken and let rest in fridge overnight. One hour before cooking, remove from fridge, rinse brine, and let rest until it reaches room temperature; pat dry with paper towels. Heat an oven-proof…

Chicken Shawarma

Ingredients : Shawarma Marinade: 1 lb chicken breast 1/4 cup of plain greek yogurt 1 tsp of minced garlic 1 tsp of black pepper 1 tsp of ginger powder 2 tbsp of 7 spices 1 tsp of ground cardamon 1/2 tsp of salt 3 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp of vinegar…

Parmesan Stock for Risotto

Ingredients 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 1 Shallot 1 Cup Dry White Wine 3/4 Pound Parmigiano-Reggiano Rinds 1/4 Cup Parsley Leaves stems are OK 1/4 Cup Rosemary Sprigs stems are OK 2 Bay Leaves 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda 7 Cups Water Instructions Add the Olive Oil to your cooking vessel over medium heat and sauté the shallot for about 2-3 minute.  Take care not to brown the shallot as that will make the stock…

Apple Crisp

Ingredients: 6 apples, peeled and chopped  2 Tbsp granulated sugar 1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon, divided 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice 3/4 cup light brown sugar 3/4 cup old fashioned oats 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 stick cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes pinch of kosher salt Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.  Butter an 8×8 baking dish, or spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Set aside. In…

Lamb Chop with Chimichurri

Ingredients: 2 lb Lamb chop 1/2 cup zahtar 3 tbp aleppo pepper Salt 1/2 cup parsley 1 clove garlic 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tbsp lemon juice Directions: Rub lamb chop with 1/4 cup zahtar and 1 tbsp aleppo pepper Marinate for 1-6 hours in fridge Remove from fridge and let rest for 30 minutes…

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Ingredients: For the Bread Pudding: 3 cups brioche (or challah or french bread, cut into 1-inch cube) 2 large eggs (lightly beaten) 1 cups heavy cream 1/4 cup sugar 1 bananas (diced) 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1/8 nutmeg (preferably freshly grated) For the Rum Sauce: 2 oz dark rum 1 oz banana liqueur 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)…