Main Courses

Exciting entrees to dazzle your guests!

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Recipe Index
Feel free to browse the recipes or use these links to jump to a specific one.

 
Baked Ham With Marmalade Horseradish Glaze and Cranberry Mustard

Baked Salmon Stuffed With Mascarpone Spinach

Baked Whole Sea Bass With Citrus

Beef Tenderloin Steaks With Dried Cherry Port Sauce

Braised Lamb Shanks With Rosemary

Braised Short Ribs With Red Wine Gravy

Brisket With Portobello Mushrooms And Dried Cranberries

Chutney Grilled Pork With Sweet Potatoes And Onions

Cinnamon Lacquered Loin Of Pork With Glazed Sour Apples

Citrus And Ginger Smoked Pork With Pineapple Salsa

Coriander-Spiced Loin Of Lamb With Orange-Chartreuse Sauce

Cranberry And Pecan Crusted Rack Of Pork

Crown Roast Of Lamb With Herb Crust And Wild Rice Stuffing With Raisins And Pine Nuts

Crown Roast Of Pork With Dried Fruit Stuffing

Espresso Roast Duck With Honey-Tangerine Glaze

Fennel And Orange Salmon Baked In Parchment

Greek Style Stuffed Red Snapper With Tomato Coulis

Grilled Duck Breast

Grilled Lamb Chops With Apple-Onion Chutney (Tom's First Place Winner in the Better Homes & Gardens 2006 Easter Recipe Contest

Grilled Lamb Chops With Green And Black Olive Salsa

Hazelnut Stuffed Veal With Madeira And Horseradish Sauces

Individual Beef Wellingtons

Lamb Loin With Mustard And Rosemary

Lobster Macaroni And Cheese

Maine Lobster With Wild Mushrooms

Oysters Rockefeller Stew

Pecan-Crusted Beef Tenderloin With Juniper Juice

Pork Roast With Peppercorn Mustard Crust And Cider Gravy

Pork Tenderloin With Apples And Cider Cream Sauce

Pork Tenderloin With Rhubarb Currant Chutney

Pork Tenderloin With Sweet Riesling Sauce And Toasted Almonds

Rack Of Lamb With Dried Cherry And Green Peppercorn Sauce

Rack Of Lamb With Hazelnut Crust And Caramelized Onions

Rack Of Lamb With Rosemary Scallion Crust

Roast Chicken Provencal

Roast Chicken Stuffed With Spiced Apples

Roast Cornish Hens With Date And Orange Compote

Roast Duck With Port-Marjoram Sauce

Roast Pork Loin With Three-Mushroom Sauce

Roast Pork Tenderloins With Fall Fruit Stuffing

Roast Prime Ribs Of Beef With Herbed Crust, Madeira Sauce And Yorkshire Pudding

Roast Prime Ribs Of Beef With Pink And Green Peppercorn Crust And Red Wine Sauce

Roast Salmon With Bell Pepper-Tomato Vinaigrette

Roast Tenderloin Of Beef With Mushroom-Tarragon Sauce

Roasted Pork Tenderloin With Kumquat Jalapeño Marmalade

Roasted Racks Of Lamb With Malagueta Pepper And Farofa Crust

Salmon With Sesame And Orange Ginger Relish  

Slow Roasted Chipotle Salmon

Spinach Stuffed Leg Of Lamb In Pastry

Tenderloin Of Beef With Walnut-Port Stuffing

Veal Breast Stuffed With Corn Bread And Sausage

Veal Rib Roast With Pancetta And Rosemary

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ROAST PRIME RIBS OF BEEF WITH HERBED CRUST, MADEIRA SAUCE
AND YORKSHIRE PUDDING

One 4 rib standing rib roast (trimmed weight 10 to 10 1/2 pounds)
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 1/2 bay leaves, crumbled (about 3/4 teaspoon)
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons coarsely ground white pepper
1 teaspoon salt 1 pound large shallots (about 1 ½ inches
long), peeled, leaving the ends intact 2 heads of garlic,
separated into cloves but not peeled
Sauce:
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 cups canned beef broth
3 cup Sercial Madeira
1 tablespoon cornstarch parsley sprigs for garnish
Yorkshire Pudding:
1 cup milk at room temperature
2 large eggs at room temperature
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup reserved rib-roast pan-drippings, fat or    lard
Make the Beef:
Let the rib roast stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
In an electric spice or coffee grinder grind fine the
peppercorns and the bay leaves, in a small bowl combine
well the butter, the flour, the white pepper, the salt,
and the bay leaf mixture, forming a paste, and rub
the meat with the paste. In a roasting pan roast the
meat, rib side down, in a preheated 500F. oven for 30
minutes, reduce the heat to 350F, and roast the meat for
1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours more, or until a
meat thermometer inserted in a fleshy section registers
130 F. for medium-rare. Forty minutes before the roast
is done add the shallots and 30 minutes before the
roast is done add the garlic. Transfer the roast to a
heated platter and discard the strings if necessary.
Transfer the shallots and garlic to paper towels to
drain and keep them warm, covered loosely. Let the
roast rest for at least 20 minutes and up to 30 minutes
before carving.
Make the Sauce: Skim the fat from the pan drippings, 
reserving it for the Yorkshire pudding. Add the
red wine, and deglaze the pan over moderately high
heat, scraping up the brown bits. Boil the liquid
until it is reduced by half and transfer it to a
saucepan. Add the broth and 1/4 cup of the Madeira
and boil the mixture for 5 minutes. In a small bowl
dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining 4 teaspoons
Madeira and add the mixture to the pan in a stream,
whisking. Bring the sauce to a boil, whisking, and
boil it for 1 minute until thickened to desired
consistency. Season the sauce with salt and pepper
and transfer it to a heated sauce boat.
Make The Yorkshire Pudding: In a blender blend the
milk, the eggs, and the salt for 15 seconds. With
the motor running add the flour, a little at a time,
 and blend the mixture at high speed for 2 minutes. Let
the batter stand in the blender at room temperature
for 3 hours. In a l0-inch cast-iron skillet heat
the re served fat in a preheated 450F. oven for
10 minutes, or until it is just smoking. Blend the
batter at high speed for 10 seconds and pour it
into the skillet. Bake the pudding in the middle
of the 450 F. oven for 20 minutes, reduce the heat
to 350F, and bake the pudding for 10 minutes more.
Transfer the pudding to a platter and serve it
immediately. Serves 8.
Assemble the Roast: Arrange the shallots, the
and the parsley around the roast and serve the roast
with the sauce and the Yorkshire pudding. Serves
8 generously.

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BEEF TENDERLOIN STEAKS (FILET MIGNON)
WITH HERB CRUST AND CABERNET SAUCE

4 Servings

Herb Crust:
2 1/4 cups fresh egg-bread bread crumbs
2 cups chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried,
crumbled
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Sauce:
2 bottles Cabernet Sauvignon wine
1 bottle tawny Port
4 cups beef stock or canned no fat low salt broth
Beef And Potatoes:
4 medium baking potatoes
3/4 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons butter
Ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 1 inch-thick beef tenderloin steaks (about 8 ounces
each)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

Make HERB CRUST:
Combine bread crumbs with herbs.  Pour butter over and
mix well.  Season with salt and pepper.
Make Sauce:
Pour red wine, Port and stock into heavy large pot.
Bring to simmer over medium-high heat.  Continue to
simmer until reduced to 1 cup, about 1 hour 45 minutes.
(Can be prepared 2 days ahead.  Cover sauce and crust
mixture separately and refrigerate.  Bring to room
temperature before using.)
Make Beef And Potatoes:
Bring large saucepan of salted water to boil.  Add
potatoes and cook until tender.  Drain potatoes and
return to pan.  Cook over low heat until dry, about 3
minutes.  Peel warm potatoes; press through ricer into
bowl.  Using electric mixer, add cream and 2 tablespoons
butter and beat until potatoes are smooth. Season with
salt and nutmeg.  Place potatoes in pastry bag fitted
with 3/8 inch (no. 8) plain tip.  Season steaks with
salt and pepper.  Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large
skillet over high heat.  Brown steaks about 4 minutes
per side.  Remove from heat and let stand 20 minutes. 
Preheat broiler.  Spread bread crumb mixture on top of
steaks, pressing to adhere.  Broil until bread crumbs
are golden brown.  Reduce oven to 450F.  Place steaks
on ovenproof plates.  Pipe potatoes onto plates. 
Transfer to oven and bake until potatoes and steaks
are heated through, about 10 minutes.  Heat sauce in
medium saucepan whisk in butter.  Nap steaks with sauce
and serve.

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PORK ROAST WITH PEPPERCORN MUSTARD CRUST
AND CIDER GRAVY

6 Servings

Pork Roast:
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room
temperature
1 4 ½ pound boneless pork loin roast, rolled and tied
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon cracked black peppercorns
1 tablespoon cracked dried green peppercorns
1 tablespoon cracked white peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole mustard seeds
2 teaspoons golden brown sugar
2 teaspoons dried thyme, crumbled or 1 1/2 tablespoon
fresh thyme chopped
Gravy:
1 1/2 cups apple cider
3 tablespoons applejack or Calvados
2 tablespoons all purpose floor
3/4 cup chicken stock or no fat, low salt canned
chicken broth
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and pepper

Make Pork:
Position rack in lowest third of oven and preheat to
475F.   Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large skillet
over medium-high heat. Add roast and cook until brown,
about 4 minutes per side.  Remove from skillet.  Cool
10 minutes.  Transfer to roasting pan.  Combine
remaining 1/4:cup butter with flour, mustards,
peppercorns, mustard seeds, sugar and thyme in bowl. 
Spread paste over top and sides of roast.  Roast 30
minutes.  Reduce heat to 325F.  Continue cooking about
1 hour 20 minutes for medium.  Transfer roast to
cutting board and tent with foil.
Make Gravy:
Transfer 2 tablespoons drippings in pan to heavy small
saucepan; discard remaining drippings.  Heat roasting
pan over medium-low heat.  Add cider and boil until
liquid is reduced to 3/4 cup, scraping up any browned
bits, about 8 minutes.  Stir in applejack or Calvados;
boil 1 minute.  Heat drippings in saucepan over
medium-high heat.  Add flour and stir until golden
brown, about minutes.  Whisk in cider mixture and
stock.  Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally,
about 2 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Mix in cider
vinegar and mustard.  Season with salt and pepper. 
Carve roast and serve with gravy.

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ROAST PORK WITH FALL FRUIT STUFFING
10 Servings

3 3/4 cups (or more) chicken stock or canned no fat,
low-salt broth
1/2 cup dried tart cherries
1/3 cup dried apricots, cut into 1/4 inch dice
1/3 cup dried apples, cut into 1/4 inch dice
2 tablespoons dried currants
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup chopped shallots
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
chopped
3/4 teaspoon dried rubbed sage or 2 teaspoons fresh
sage chopped
4 pork tenderloins (about 14 ounces each), fat trimmed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup apricot fruit spread or apricot preserves
2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
fresh thyme and sage sprigs for garnish

Make Pork:
Bring 3/4 cup stock to boil in heavy medium saucepan. 
Add fruit. Remove from heat; let stand 20 minutes. 
Strain fruit mixture through sieve set over bowl,
pressing down on fruit with back of spoon to extract
as much liquid as possible.  Transfer fruit to bowl;
reserve liquid.  Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy
large skillet over medium heat.  Add shallots and sauté
3 minutes.  Add bread crumbs, thyme and sage and sauté
1 minute.  Add to fruit mixture. Place pork on work
surface.  Using sharp knife, make lengthwise cut down
center of 1 tenderloin, cutting 2/3 of the way through. 
Open as for book. Make lengthwise cut down center of
each flap, cutting 1/3 inch deep.  Using meat mallet
or rolling pin, pound pork to 1/4-inch thickness.
Season with salt and pepper.   Repeat with remaining
3 tenderloins.  (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead.  Cover
Pork and refrigerate.  Bring to room temperature before
using. Let stuffing and fruit soaking liquid stand at
room temperature.)  Preheat oven to 350F.  Spread 1/4
of stuffing over 1 pork tenderloin, leaving 1/2 inch
border on all sides.  Starting at 1 long side, roll up
meat jelly roll style.  Tie pork with string at 1 1/2
inch intervals to hold shape.  Repeat with remaining
pork and filling.  Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter
with 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large roasting pan over
medium-high heat.  Add pork and brown on all sides,
about 7 minutes. Remove pork from pan; do not clean
pan.  Place rack in same roasting pan. Set pork on rack. 
Mix reserved fruit soaking liquid and 3 cups stock. 
Pour mixture over pork.  Roast until meat thermometer
inserted into center of pork registers 150F, basting
every 10 minutes with pan juices, about 35 minutes.
Transfer pork to platter; tent with foil to keep warm. 
Make Sauce:
Strain liquid from roasting pan into measuring cup.
Add more stock if necessary to measure 2 cups.  Place
roasting pan over medium-high heat.  Add wine and 2
cups cooking liquid; bring to boil, scraping up browned
bits.  Boil until reduced to 2 cups, about 15 minutes. 
Mix in apricot spread.  Add cornstarch mixture and
bring to boil, stirring constantly.  Season with salt
and pepper. 
Assemble Pork:
Remove strings from pork.  Slice pork and overlap on
platter. Spoon some of sauce over.  Garnish with thyme
and sage sprigs.  Serve, passing remaining sauce
separately.

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CROWN ROAST OF PORK WITH DRIED FRUIT STUFFING
Serves 8 to 10

Pork Roast:
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
I tablespoon. finely chopped fresh sage leaves
I tablespoon. finely chopped fresh rosemary
I tsp. grated fresh ginger
12 juniper berries, crushed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 crown roast of pork, about 5 pounds.
Stuffing:
1/2 cup brandy
2 cups fresh orange juice
I cup roughly chopped dried pears
I cup roughly chopped dried pitted prunes
1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
6 tablespoons. butter
½ lb. sweet pork sausage
8 cups fresh bread crumbs, torn in coarse, irregular
pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Make Roast:
Preheat oven to 350F.  Mix lemon juice, garlic, sage,
rosemary, ginger, juniper berries, and salt and pepper
to taste in a small bowl.  Rub meat with spice mixture,
then place roast bone side down in a roasting pan. 
Cook 2 1/2 to3 hours (15-18 minutes per lb.), or until
interior reaches 160" on a meat thermometer.
Make Stuffing:
Meanwhile, pour brandy and 1/2 cup orange juice over
pears and prunes in a small bowl.  Set aside for an
hour to allow fruit to soften.  Cook onions and garlic
in butter in a large skillet over low heat until soft,
about 20 minutes.  Raise heat to medium, squeeze sausage
from casing, and cook until crumbly, about 10 minutes. 
Combine sausage mixture, fruit mixture, remaining 1 1/2
cups orange juice, bread crumbs, and salt and pepper to
taste in a large bowl.  Bake in a 9" x 11" pan during
last 35 minutes that meat is roasting.
Assemble Roast:
To serve, invert roast on platter and fill with stuffing. 
Serve remaining stuffing on the side.

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VEAL RIB ROAST WITH PANCETTA AND ROSEMARY
4 Servings

2 ounces pancetta,* coarsely chopped (or bacon)
1 medium garlic clove, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup fine dry unseasoned bread crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
One trimmed 4 chop veal rib roast (about 3 pounds)

*Italian cured bacon-available at specialty stores and
some supermarkets

Preheat the oven to 375F.  In a medium skillet, cook
the pancetta over moderately high heat, stirring
occasionally, until it begins to brown and render its
fat, about 5 minutes.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer
the pancetta to a cutting board.  Discard all but 1
tablespoon of the fat in the skillet.  Mince the
pancetta and garlic together and transfer to a small
bowl.  Add the reserved pancetta fat, the bread crumbs,
1 teaspoon of the olive oil and the rosemary, salt and
pepper.  Place the veal roast, meaty side up, in a
roasting pan and spread the bread crumb mixture over
the exposed meat, pressing firmly to adhere. Drizzle
the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil on the bread crumbs. 
Roast the veal for about 1 hour, until the crumbs are
golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted
in the thickest part of the roast without touching the
bone reads 125F.  Tent roast with foil and let the veal
roast stand for about 15 minutes before carving it into
individual chops.

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HAZELNUT STUFFED VEAL WITH MADEIRA AND HORSERADISH SAUCES
8 Servings

For Madeira and Red Wine Vinegar Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup minced shallots
2 1/2 cups Madeira
1 3/4 cups Browned Beef Demiglace (highly reduced beef
stock)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
For Stuffing:
1 cup hazelnuts, toasted, husked and coarsely chopped
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
4 ounces thinly sliced  thinly sliced prosciutto, diced
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons (l/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
For Veal Roast:
1 3 1/2 pound boned leg of veal
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup (l/2 stick) butter
Horseradish·Veloute Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups Veal Demiglace (highly reduced veal stock-
could also use the beef above)
5 to 6 teaspoons prepared horseradish

Make Madeira Sauce:
Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low
heat.  Add shallots and cook until tender, stirring
occasionally, about 3 minutes.  Add Madeira and boil
until reduced to 1/3 cup, about 30 minutes.  Strain
sauce. Return to clean pan.  Add demi-glace and vinegar. 
Boil until thickened to sauce consistency, about 2
minutes.  Season with cayenne and salt. (Can be
prepared I day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Reheat
before serving.)
Make Stuffing:
Combine first 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Melt 2
tablespoons butter in heavy medium skillet over medium-
low heat.  Add onion and cook until tender, stirring
occasionally, about 8 minutes.  Cool completely.  Add
to bread crumb mixture.  Season with salt and pepper.
Make Veal:
Preheat oven to 450F.  Open veal on work surface, cut
side up.  Season with salt and pepper.  Mound stuffing
down center.  Fold short ends in, then roll roast
into cylinder, starting at one long side.  Tie with
string at 1 inch intervals to hold shape.  Place in
roasting pan, fat side up.  Add broth and 1/4 cup
butter to pan.  Roast 20 minutes, basting meat
frequently.  Reduce temperature to 350F and continue
cooking until thermometer inserted in thickest part
of meat registers 165F, basting occasionally, about 1
1/2 hours.  Transfer meat to heated platter. Tent
with foil and let rest 20 minutes
Make Horseradish Sauce: 
Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low
heat.  Add flour and stir 3 minutes.  Remove from heat
and whisk in demi-glace.  Boil until thickened and
sauce coats spoon, stirring constantly, about 5
minutes.  Add horseradish as desired. 
Assemble Roast:
Cut meat into 3/8 inch-thick slices, discarding string.
Spoon 3 tablespoons Madeira sauce on half of each
heated plate. Spoon 3 tablespoons horseradish sauce
on other half of plate.  Arrange 2 veal slices in
center of plate.

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VEAL BREAST STUFFED WITH CORN BREAD AND SAUSAGE
4 Servings

Ask your butcher to make a "pocket" in the veal breast
for you.

Stuffing:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage casings removed
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
3 cups 3-day-old corn bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 eggs, beaten to blend
1/2 cup pine nuts toasted (about 2 1/2 ounces)
Veal Breast:
1 4 pound veal breast, trimmed, with pocket
2 tablespoons dried basil, crumbled or 4 tablespoons
fresh basil chopped
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled or 2 teaspoons
fresh rosemary chopped
8 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 ½ cups chicken stock or no fat, low salt canned
chicken broth

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over
medium-high heat.  Add sausage, celery and onion and
cook until brown, stirring frequently, about 12 minutes.
Transfer mixture to large bowl.  Add corn bread
crumbs, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Mix in
eggs and pine nuts.  Set stuffing aside.  Position
rack in center of oven and preheat to 400F.  Arrange
veal bone side down on work surface.  Fill pocket with
stuffing.  Close with skewer.  Place any remaining
stuffing in small baking dish; covered with foil. 
Place veal in large roasting pan.  Rub outside with
basil and rosemary.  Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons
vinegar.  Roast veal 30 minutes.  Reduce oven
temperature to 350F.  Combine remaining 5 tablespoons
vinegar with chicken stock. Continue roasting veal 2
hours, basting every 30 minutes with stock mixture
and pan drippings. (Place stuffing in baking dish in
oven for last 30 minutes.)  Transfer veal to heated
platter.  Slice thinly. Serve with any extra stuffing.

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SPINACH STUFFED LEG OF LAMB IN PASTRY
Serves 6 to 8

One 7- to 8-pound leg of lamb, bone, butterflied and
pounded to an even thickness
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled or 1 teaspoon
fresh rosemary chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled or 1 teaspoon fresh
thyme chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach, stems discarded and the
leaves washed and well and drained
1/4 cup olive oil
I pound frozen puff paste, thawed
an egg wash made by beating 1 large egg yolk with 1/2
teaspoon water

Sprinkle the lamb, boned side up, with the rosemary,
the thyme, the garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. 
In a large saucepan cook the spinach with the water
clinging to the leaves, covered, over moderately high
heat until it is wilted, drain it, and squeeze it
between several layers of paper towels to remove any
excess moisture.  Spread the spinach over the lamb,
roll up the lamb, starting with a long side, and tie
it securely with kitchen string to hold its shape. 
In a large heavy skillet heat the oil over moderately
high heat until it is hot but not smoking and in it
brown the stuffed lamb on all sides.  Transfer the
lamb to several layers of paper towels, let it stand
until it is cool enough to handle, and remove the
string. Roll the puff pastry l/8 inch thick on a
lightly floured surface, transfer the lamb to the
pastry, being careful to keep it rolled up, and wrap
it in the pastry, tucking in the ends and trimming off
any excess pastry.  Transfer the lamb, seam side down,
to a roasting pan, brush it with the egg wash, and
bake it in the middle of a preheated 425F oven for 30
to 40 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers
140F for medium-rare meat.  Transfer the lamb to a
platter, let it stand for 20 minutes before carving.

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CROWN ROAST OF LAMB WITH HERB CRUST AND WILD RICE
STUFFING WITH RAISINS AND PINE NUTS

10 Servings

For Lamb Roast:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 garlic cloves
4 teaspoons dried rosemary crumbled or 3 tablespoons
fresh rosemary chopped
1 bay leaf, crumbled
1 crown roast of lamb made from 4 well-trimmed racks
of lamb (about 6 pounds total)
Paper chop frills (optional)
For Wild Rice Stuffing with Raisins and Pine Nuts:
1/2 cup golden raisins
5 tablespoons tawny port
1/2 pound thinly sliced pancetta* or bacon, chopped
2 small onions, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 cups wild rice
1 teaspoon dried crumbled rosemary, or 2 teaspoons
chopped fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf, crumbled
l/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled or 2 teaspoons
chopped fresh thyme
3 cups chicken stock or no fat, low salt canned
chicken broth
1/2 large granny smith apple, peeled, finely chopped
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

*Italian cured bacon

Make the Lamb Roast:
Blend first 6 ingredients in processor until well
combined.  Place lamb in roasting pan.  Rub herb
mixture over lamb.  Cover; chill overnight. Let stand
1 hour at room temperature before continuing.  Preheat
oven to 450F.  Roast lamb 20 minutes. Reduce oven
temperature to 350F.  Continue roasting lamb until
meat thermometer inserted into center registers 130F
for medium-rare, about 20 minutes. Transfer roast to
platter.  Fill center of roast with rice stuffing.
Flare paper chop frills over bone tips, if desired. 
Surround with vegetables.
Make the Stuffing:
Combine raisins and Port in small bowl.  Let stand 1
hour at room temperature.  Cook pancetta in heavy
large skillet over medium-high heat until brown,
stirring often, about 8 minutes. Transfer to bowl
using slotted spoon.  Add onions, carrots and celery
to skillet and sauté until tender, about 12 minutes. 
Mix in rice, rosemary bay leaf and thyme.  Add stock. 
Cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is
absorbed, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour I5 minutes.
Can be made I day ahead.  Cover; chill.  Bring to room
temperature before continuing.) Preheat oven to 350F. 
Mix pancetta, raisin mixture, apple and pine nuts into
stuffing. Season with salt and pepper.  Transfer to
baking dish.  Cover and bake until hot, about 20
minutes. 

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RACK OF LAMB WITH ROSEMARY SCALLION CRUST
Serves 2

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons thinly sliced scallion including the
green part
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled or 2 teaspoons
fresh rosemary chopped
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
a 1 ¼ pound trimmed and frenched single rack of lamb
(7 or 8 ribs)
watercress sprigs for garnish if desired

In a small skillet heat the oil over moderate heat
until it is hot but not smoking, add the red pepper
flakes, and cook them, stirring, for 10 seconds.  Add
the garlic and cook it, stirring, for 30 seconds.  Add
the scallion and the rosemary and cook the mixture,
stirring, for 10 seconds.  Stir in the bread crumbs and
salt and pepper to taste and remove the skillet from
the heat. Heat an ovenproof skillet over moderately
high heat until it is hot and in it brown the lamb,
seasoned with salt and pepper, turning it, for 5 minutes,
or until the sides and the ends are browned evenly. 
Pour off any fat from the skillet, arrange the lamb,
fat and meat side up, and pat the crumb mixture evenly
on the fat and meat side of the lamb.  Bake the lamb
in the middle of a preheated 475F. oven for 15 minutes,
or until a meat thermometer registers 130F. for medium-
rare meat.  Transfer the lamb to a platter, let it
stand, uncovered, for 10 minutes, and garnish it with
the watercress. 

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ROAST CHICKEN PROVENCAL
4 Servings

8 large shallots, peeled
6 ripe plum tomatoes, quartered
1 9-ounce package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
1 fresh fennel bulb, trimmed, cut lengthwise into eighths
1 garlic head, cloves separated, unpeeled
2/3 cup brine-cured olives (such as Nicoise)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons
dried, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried,
crumbled
1 cup (about) no fat, low salt canned chicken broth
1 4-pound chicken

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350F. 
Place shallots, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fennel,
garlic and olives in large roasting pan.  Pour lemon
juice and oil over, moistening evenly. Sprinkle with
herbs.  Season with salt and pepper.  Pour 3/4 cup
chicken broth into pan. Cover pan with foil and bake
vegetables 20 minutes.  Season chicken with salt and
pepper. Add chicken to vegetables in pan.  Cover pan
with foil and roast 1 hour.  Baste chicken and
vegetables with pan juices.  Increase oven temperature
to 450F.  Roast uncovered until chicken is brown and
crisp and juices run clear when thigh is pierced with
knife, basting frequently, about.20 minutes longer. 
Transfer chicken to platter. Using slotted spoon,
transfer shallots, artichokes, fennel, olives and all
but 6 garlic cloves to platter with chicken.  Cover to
keep warm. Remove skin from 6 garlic cloves reserved
in roasting pan and place garlic in processor; add
contents of roasting pan.  Process until sauce is
smooth.  Thin sauce with remaining 1/4 cup broth if
necessary. Season with salt and pepper.  Transfer
sauce to serving bowl.  Serve chicken and vegetables,
passing sauce separately.

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BRISKET WITH PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS AND DRIED CRANBERRIES
8 Servings

1 cup dry red wine
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup frozen cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, thawed
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 large onion sliced
4 garlic cloves chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 4-pound trimmed flat-cut brisket
12 ounces medium Portobello mushrooms, dark gills
scraped away, caps thinly sliced
1 cup dried cranberries (about 4 ounces)

Preheat oven to 300F. Whisk wine, broth, cranberry
concentrate and flour to blend in medium bowl; pour
into 15xl0x2-inch roasting pan. Mix in onion, garlic
and rosemary. Sprinkle brisket on all sides with salt
and pepper. Place brisket, fat side up, in roasting
pan. Spoon some of wine mixture over. Cover pan
tightly with heavy-duty foil. Bake brisket until
very tender, basting with pan juices every hour,
about 3 1/2 hours. Transfer brisket to plate; cool
1 hour at room temperature. Thinly slice brisket
across gram. Arrange slices in pan with sauce,
overlapping slices slightly. (Brisket can be prepared
2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Preheat oven
to 350F Place mushrooms and cranberries in sauce
around brisket. Cover pan with foil. Bake until
mushrooms are tender and brisket is heated through,
about 30 minutes (40 minutes if brisket has been
refrigerated). Transfer sliced brisket and sauce to
platter and serve.

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PORK TENDERLOIN WITH APPLES AND CIDER CREAM SAUCE
Serves 2

1 3/4-pound pork tenderloin, cut crosswise into
1-inch slices, reserving 3 inches of the narrow end
for another use
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 Granny Smith apple
1 shallot, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh minced sage, or to taste
l/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup canned chicken broth
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves

Flatten the pork slices, cut sides up, to
about 1/4-inch thickness between sheets of
plastic wrap and pat them dry. In a large heavy
skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter over
moderately high heat until the foam begins to subside
and in it sauté the pork. seasoned with salt
and pepper, turning it once, for 4 minutes. Transfer
the pork with tongs to a platter and keep it warm,
covered. Peel and core the apple and cut it into
16 wedges. In the skillet cook the apple wedges in
the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, covered, over
moderate heat, turning them once, for 3 minutes, or
until they are golden and just tender. Transfer the
apple wedges with tongs to the platter of pork and
keep the mixture warm, covered. Add the shallot to
the skillet and cook it over moderate heat, stirring,
for 30 seconds. Add the sage, the cider, and the vinegar,
deglaze the skillet, scraping up the brown bits, and
boil the liquid, stirring occasionally, until it is
reduced to about 2 tablespoons. Add the broth and boil
the mixture, stirring, until the liquid is reduced by
half. Add the cream and the pork with any juices that
have accumulated on the platter, leaving the apples on
the platter, and boil the mixture, stirring and turning
the pork occasionally, for 1 minute, or until the sauce
is thickened slightly. Transfer the pork with tongs to
the platter, pour the cider cream sauce over it, and
sprinkle the dish with the parsley.

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ROAST PRIME RIBS OF BEEF WITH PINK AND GREEN PEPPERCORN
CRUST AND RED WINE SAUCE
 
Serves 8

a 4 rib standing rib roast (about 7 1/2 to 8 pounds
trimmed)

For crust:
2 teaspoons whole allspice berries, crushed
3 tablespoons pink peppercorns, crushed lightly
3 tablespoons freeze-dried green peppercorns,
crushed lightly
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
For sauce:
2/3 cup dry red wine
2 cups low-salt beef broth
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon water
For garnish:
rosemary sprigs

Let rib roast stand at room temperature 1 hour. Preheat
oven to 500F.
Make crust:
In a small bowl combine crust ingredients, stirring
to form a paste. Pat beef dry and sprinkle with salt
and pepper. In a roasting pan roast beef, ribs side
down, 30 minutes. Transfer beef to a platter. Into a
heatproof bowl pour 5 tablespoons drippings, reserving
for rosemary popovers (page 176), and discard remaining
drippings. Reduce oven temperature to 350F. Return beef
to roasting pan, ribs side down, and spread with
peppercorn paste. Roast beef 1 to 1 1/4 hours more,
or until a meat thermometer inserted in fleshy section
registers 135F. For medium-rare meat. Transfer beef to
a cutting board and discard strings if necessary. Let
beef stand, covered loosely, at least 20 minutes and
up to 30 minutes before carving.
Make sauce:
Skim fat from drippings in roasting pan. To pan add
wine and deglaze over moderately high heat, scraping
up brown bits. Boil mixture until reduced by about
half and transfer to a saucepan. Add broth and boil
5 minutes. In a small bowl dissolve cornstarch in
Worcestershire sauce and water and add to pan in a
stream, whisking. Bring sauce to a boil, whisking,
and boil 1 minute. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
Garnish rib roast and serve with sauce.

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RACK OF LAMB WITH HAZELNUT CRUST AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS 
4 Servings

For sauce:
2 pounds lamb neck bones
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3/4 cup finely chopped shallots
2/3 cup Madeira
2 cups unsalted beef broth
2 cups low-salt chicken broth
For onions:
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large onions, sliced
2 tablespoons golden brown sugar
1 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
For hazelnut crust:
1 3/4 cups fresh white bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted
1 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
3 tablespoons (about) olive oil
2 2 1/3-pound racks of lamb, excess fat trimmed
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) chilled unsalted butter,
cut into pieces

Make sauce:
Preheat oven to 400F. Place neck bones in large
roasting pan. Roast until very brown, about 1 hour.
Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
Add shallots and sauté 3 minutes. Add Madeira and boil
3 minutes. Add bones and both broths and bring to boil.
Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced to
1 cup, about 35 minutes. Strain into bowl.
Make onions:
Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add onions and cook until deep golden brown, stirring
frequently, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium.
Sprinkle sugar over onions and sauté 5 minutes.
Increase heat to high. Add wine and vinegar and boil
until almost no liquid remains in pan, about 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Make crust:
Finely chop bread crumbs, parsley, hazelnuts and thyme
in processor. Blend in honey. Add enough oil by
tablespoons to form mixture that holds together
when pressed in palm of hand. (Sauce, onions and
hazelnut crust can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover
separately and chill.) Preheat oven to 400F. Place
lamb racks in large roasting pan. Season lamb with
salt and pepper. Press hazelnut crust mixture over
rounded side of lamb racks. Roast until meat thermometer
inserted into center registers 130F for medium-rare,
about 25 minutes. Let lamb stand 10 minutes. Stir onions
over medium heat until heated through. Bring sauce to
simmer. Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter to sauce and whisk
until melted. Spoon onions onto plates. Cut lamb
between bones and divide among plates. Spoon sauce
around lamb and serve.

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ROASTED CORNISH HENS WITH DATE AND ORANGE COMPOTE 
4 Servings

1/2 cup hazelnuts (1/4 pound)
1/2 cup water
Zest of 2 oranges, slivered
2 tablespoons sugar
8 large dates, pitted and chopped
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon granulated onion
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Four 1-pound Cornish hens
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons dry white wine
1/2 cup low salt, no fat chicken broth

Preheat the oven to 400F. Put the hazelnuts in a pie
plate and bake for about 10 minutes, or until fragrant
and browned. Transfer the nuts to a kitchen towel and
rub well to remove as much of their skin as possible.
Coarsely chop the hazelnuts. Leave the oven on. In a
small saucepan, combine the water, orange zest strips
and sugar. Simmer over low heat until the zest is
tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer the zest and its
syrup to a bowl and let cool to room temperature. In
a mini-processor, combine the hazelnuts with the dates,
orange zest and syrup and chop coarsely. In a small bowl,
blend 1/3 cup of the olive oil with the granulated garlic
and onion. Add the cumin, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of salt and
1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Rub the oil all over the hens,
working it under the skin. Put 2 tablespoons of the orange
compote in the cavity of each hen and truss the birds with
kitchen string. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in
a large ovenproof skillet. Add 2 of the hens and brown them
well on al sides. Transfer to a plate and repeat with
the remaining 2 hens. Pour off the oil and melt the butter
in the skillet. Return the hens to the pan, breast up and
roast in the oven until until the juices run clear, about
30 minutes. Transfer the hens to a cutting board and
discard the trussing strings. Set the skillet over high
heat. Add the remaining orange compote and cook,
stirring, until the zest starts to caramelize, about l
minute. Add the wine and bring to a boil, stirring.
Add the stock and boil for 4 minutes. Season the sauce
with salt and pepper. Set one hen on each plate and
pass the sauce separately. Make ahead: The orange zest
mixture can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated
overnight.

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ESPRESSO ROAST DUCK WITH HONEY-TANGERINE GLAZE
6 Servings

For ducks:
4 cups cold espresso
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 (4-to5-lb.) ducks
For glaze:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 cup tangerine or orange juice
3 tablespoons honey

In large bowl, combine espresso, cocoa, brown sugar
and salt; mix well. Place each duck in a resealable
plastic bag. Pour half of the espresso mixture over
each duck; seal bags. Refrigerate 8 to 12 hours to
marinate, turning bags occasionally. When ready to
cook, heat oven to 375F. Place racks in shallow
roasting pans. Remove ducks from marinade; discard
marinade. Pat ducks dry; place on racks in pans.
Bake 1 hour. Meanwhile, make glaze. Melt butter in
medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots;
cook 1 minute. Increase heat to high. Add tangerine
juice; bring to a boil. Boil until glaze is reduced
by half. Add honey; continue to boil until glaze is
slightly thickened. Brush ducks with glaze. Bake an
additional 30 to 45 minutes or until juices run clear
and internal temperature reaches 175F, brushing
frequently with glaze. If duck begins to brown too
quickly, loosely tent with foil. Remove from oven
and cover loosely with foil; let rest 10 to 15
minutes before carving. TIP 1/2 cup instant espresso
powder mixed with 4 cups water, or 4 cups strong
black coffee, may be substituted for espresso.

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BRAISED SHORT RIBS WITH RED WINE GRAVY 
6 Servings

1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon (generous) ground allspice
12 3-to 4-inch-long meaty short ribs (about 5 1/2 pounds),
top membrane trimmed
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 large onions, chopped
3 large carrots, peeled, chopped
3 large celery stalks, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons caraway seeds
8 ounces plum tomatoes, chopped
3 small bay leaves
3 cups no fat, low salt beef broth
2 cups dry red wine
Chopped celery leaves

Stir flour and allspice in medium bowl to blend.
Sprinkle short ribs all over with salt and pepper.
Add 6 ribs to flour mixture and turn to coat. Heat
3 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high
heat. Add floured ribs; sauté until brown, turning
occasionally, about 6 minutes. Transfer to large bowl.
Repeat flouring and browning with remaining 6 ribs;
reserve remaining flour coating mixture. Add 1
tablespoon oil to pot. Add onions, carrots and
celery stalks; sauté until vegetables begin to
brown and are very tender, scraping bottom of pot
often, about 15 minutes. Add garlic, thyme and
caraway seeds to pot; stir 1 minute. Mix in tomatoes
and bay leaves. Return ribs and accumulated juices
to pot, arranging ribs in single layer. Add broth
and wine. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low,
cover and simmer until meat is almost tender, about
1 hour. Uncover pot. Simmer ribs 30 minutes,
occasionally spooning fat from surface; reserve 2
tablespoons fat. Stir reserved flour-coating mixture
and reserved 2 tablespoons fat in small bowl until
smooth; mix paste into sauce around ribs. Simmer
until meat is very tender and gravy thickens, about
45 minutes longer. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer short ribs and gravy to large bowl. Sprinkle
with celery leaves.

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TENDERLOIN OF BEEF WITH WALNUT-PORT STUFFING 
6 Servings

For stuffing:
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1/2 cup minced onion
1/4 cup Port wine
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup fine fresh white bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts (about 2 ounces)
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried,
crumbled
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 large egg, beaten to blend
For tenderloin:
1 3-pound beef tenderloin (preferably center cut), trimmed
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup (l/2 stick) butter, melted

Make stuffing:
Melt butter in heavy over medium heat. Add onion and
sauté until soft, about 6 minutes. Mix in Port and
cook until liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally,
about 5 minutes. Transfer onion mixture to medium bowl.
Add parsley, bread crumbs, walnuts, thyme and orange
peel to mixture. (Filling can be prepared to this
point 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to
room temperature before using.) Mix in egg.
Make tenderloin:
Place meat on work surface. To butterfly, cut 2/3
through tenderloin down length of meat. Open meat
as for book. Make another lengthwise cut down center
of each cut side, cutting 1/3 through. Press to
flatten. Rub mustard over both sides of meat. Season
with salt and pepper. Arrange meat cut side up.
Spread stuffing over meat leaving 1-inch border on all
sides. Fold in half lengthwise, enclosing filling. Tie
string around tenderloin at 1-inch intervals to hold
shape. (Tenderloin can be prepared up to 6 hours ahead.
Cover and refrigerate.) Preheat oven to 400F. Place
tenderloin in roasting pan and brush with butter. Roast
until thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the
meat registers 120F for rare, basting occasionally
about 35 minutes. Let meat stand for 15 minutes before
carving tented in foil. Remove string and cut into 1/4
inch thick slices.

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INDIVIDUAL BEEF WELLINGTONS 
Makes 8 Servings

8 beef tenderloin steaks (502.), cut 1 inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 package frozen puff pastry sheets
1/2 pound creamy liverwurst
1/4 cup chopped green onion
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Lightly brown steaks in hot oil over medium-high heat.
Drain on paper towels; chill. Thaw pastry 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400F. Stir together liverwurst, green
onions and parsley. Spread evenly on top and sides of
each steak. On lightly floured surface, roll each
pastry sheet into a 14 inch square. Then cut into
four 7-inch squares. Place a steak on each pastry
square. Brush pastry edges with egg wash and wrap
around steak. Pinch edges to seal. Place on ungreased
baking sheet, seam side down. Decorate with pastry
trimmings. Bake for 25 minutes or until pastry is
golden. If necessary, cover loosely with foil during
the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning.

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ROAST PORK LOIN WITH THREE-MUSHROOM SAUCE 
4 Servings

2 cups water
1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms**
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 ounces fresh Portobello mushrooms, stemmed, caps sliced**
6 ounces fresh shitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps sliced**
6 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
3/4 cup cream Sherry
3 1/2 cups low fat no-salt beef broth
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons dried rosemary or 4 tablespoons fresh chopped
2 l0-ounce pork tenderloins

See my Supplier page for mushroom dealers

Combine 2 cups water and porcini in heavy small saucepan.
Bring water to boil. Remove from heat. Let stand until
porcini are soft, about 30 minutes. Drain porcini,
reserving soaking liquid. Coarsely chop porcini. Heat
oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add
Portobello's, shiitakes and shallots and sauté until
shallots are tender, about 5 minutes. Add Sherry and
boil until most of liquid evaporates, about 4 minutes.
Add stock, chopped porcini and reserved soaking liquid,
discarding any sediment at bottom. Boil until sauce
thickens slightly and liquid is reduced by half, about
30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1
day ahead. Cover; chill.) Preheat oven to 425F. Combine
garlic and rosemary in small bowl. Sprinkle pork with salt
and pepper. Rub garlic mixture over pork. Place pork on
heavy baking sheet. Roast 10 minutes. Reduce oven
temperature to 350F. Continue to roast until meat
thermometer inserted into thickest part of pork
registers 155F, about 10 minutes. Transfer pork to
work surface. Tent with foil. Bring sauce to simmer.
Stir in any pan juices from pork. Cut pork into 1-inch
thick slices. Arrange on plates. Spoon sauce over
and serve.

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LAMB LOIN WITH MUSTARD AND ROSEMARY
Serves 2 to 4

1/4 cup coarse-grained mustard (preferably Pommery)
1/4 cup Sercial Madeira
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
1 eye of loin of lamb, trimmed (about 1 1/2 pounds)

In a bowl combine well the mustard, the Madeira, the
rosemary, the garlic, and the pepper, rub the lamb with
the mixture, and chill it, covered, overnight. Roast the
lamb on the rack of a roasting pan in the middle of a
preheated 400F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat
thermometer registers 140F, for medium-rare meat. Transfer
the lamb to a cutting board and let it stand for 10 minutes
before slicing. Serves 2 to 4.

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BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH ROSEMARY
Serves 6

6 lamb shanks (about 5 pounds total)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
3 large carrots, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds

10 garlic cloves, minced
1 750-ml bottle dry red wine
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
1 14 1/2-ounce can low salt, no fat chicken broth
1 14 1/2-ounce can low salt, no fat beef broth
5 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

Sprinkle shanks with salt and pepper. Heat oil in heavy
large pot over medium high heat. Working in batches, add
shanks to pot and cook until brown on all sides, about
8 minutes. Transfer shanks to bowl. Add onions, carrots
and garlic to pot and sauté until golden, about 10
minutes. Stir in all remaining ingredients. Return
shanks to pot pressing down to submerge. Bring liquids
to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; simmer
until meat is tender, about 2 hours. Uncover pot;
Simmer until meat is very tender, about 30 minutes
longer. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill until cold;
cover and keep chilled. Rewarm over medium heat before
continuing) Transfer shanks to platter; tent with foil.
Boil juices in pot until thickened, about 15 minutes. 
Season with salt and pepper. Spoon over shanks.

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CINNAMON LACQUERED LOIN OF PORK WITH GLAZED SOUR APPLES
Serves 6

3 pound Pork Loin Whole untrimmed roast (You can also do this
with a pork tenderloin)
For Cinnamon Lacquer:
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 cup apple juice or cider
1 tablespoon butter
For Swiss Chard:
1 lb. Swiss chard (you may substitute spinach)
1 strip bacon chopped
1 tablespoon  butter
For Sour Apples:
2 granny smith apples
1
tablespoon butter
1/4 cup apple juice or cider

Melt butter, add the sugar and cinnamon, then the vinegar
and add the apple juice and reduce to a glaze consistency.
Season the pork with salt and pepper and roast the pork for
30 to 45 minutes in a 375F oven until the internal
temperature of the pork is 160F. (If you do the recipe with a
pork tenderloin, roast the tenderloin at 350 for 15-17 minutes
until medium.)  Let roast rest for 10 minutes and then slice.

Sauté the shallots and bacon in the butter, add the Swiss chard
and season with salt and pepper.

Slice the apples into rings width). Reduce the apple juice (cider) to a glaze.
Sauté and brown the apple slices in the cider butter, add the cinnamon
lacquer to coat the apples and then pour the apples and lacquer over
the sliced pork. Arrange the Swiss chard on the plate. Then place
the pork and apples on top of the Swiss chard.

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ROAST DUCK WITH PORT-MARJORAM SAUCE
4 Servings

Serve crisp potato cakes and braised cabbage with the duck.

1 5 1/2 pound whole duck, thawed if frozen
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrot
1 bay leaf
1 onion, quartered
1 apple, quartered
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon chopped fresh marjoram
1 1/4 cups ruby Port
1/2 cup beef stock or canned low salt, no fat beef broth
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 450F. Place duck on rack in roasting pan. Surround duck with chopped onion, carrot and bay leaf. Fill duck cavity with quartered onion and apple and 2 tablespoons marjoram. Sprinkle duck with salt and pepper. Prick the skin of the duck (not the meat) all over to ensure the fat renders and the duck is crispy.  Roast duck until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 160F, about 1 hour 25 minutes. Transfer
duck to platter. Tent with foil to keep warm. Strain pan juices into heavy large saucepan; spoon off fat and discard. Add Port and 1 teaspoon marjoram to degreased juices. Boil until reduced to 3/4 cup sauce, about 10 minutes. Mix butter and flour in small bowl. Whisk into sauce and boil until thickened, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Slice duck and arrange on plates. Spoon sauce around duck and serve.

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ROAST TENDERLOIN OF BEEF WITH MUSHROOM-TARRAGON SAUCE
Makes 4 servings   

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1 3/4-pound beef tenderloin), trimmed, tied
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1/4 cup minced shallots
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced (use any mushrooms you prefer, regular, Shitake, Cremini, or any type of wild mushroom)
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 1/4 cups beef stock or canned low salt, no fat broth
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400F. Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over high heat. Pat the beef dry. Add the beef to the skillet and brown on all sides, turning frequently, about 7 minutes. Place a rack in the roasting pan. Transfer the beef to the rack (do not clean skillet). Roast the beef to the desired doneness or until meat thermometer inserted into center registers 125F for rare, about 25 minutes. Remove the beef from the roasting pan and tent with foil. Meanwhile, pour the oil from skillet. Add the butter to the same skillet and melt over medium-low heat. Add the shallots; sauté 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, tarragon and salt. increase heat to medium, cover and cook until the mushrooms release juices, stirring once or twice, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Boil uncovered until almost no liquid remains, about 2 minutes. Mix in 1 cup stock. Stir the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup stock in a small bowl. Add the cornstarch mixture to the mushroom sauce and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove strings from the beef. Cut the beef into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Overlap beef slices  on plates. Spoon the sauce over and serve.

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OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER STEW
Serves 2 as a main course or 4 as an appetizer   

1 pint freshly shucked oysters, with liquor (liquid from oysters)
1/4 cup butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 cup low salt, no fat chicken broth
1 cup whipping or heavy cream
1/2 cup brut sparkling wine
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons celery salt
1/2 teaspoon anise seeds, finely crushed (using either a spice grinder or mortar and pestle)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper (could use black but will not be as esthetically pleasing)
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (10-ounce) bag baby spinach, coarsely chopped (about 8 cups)

Drain the oysters and reserve the oyster liquor. Melt the butter in very large saucepan or Dutch Oven over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in the broth, cream, wine and 1/3 cup of the reserved oyster liquor. Discard the remaining liquor. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the Worchester sauce, celery salt, pepper and cayenne and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the drained oysters and spinach. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 4 minutes or until the edges of the oysters are curled and spinach is wilted. Ladle into bowls and serve.

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CORIANDER-SPICED LOIN OF LAMB WITH ORANGE-CHARTREUSE SAUCE
Makes 6 servings   

3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 3-pound loin of lamb, at room temperature
3 tablespoons cracked coriander seeds
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 tablespoons demiglace*
2 tablespoons Chartreuse liquor
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest

*A highly concentrated beef or veal stock reduction, available at many supermarkets and from D'Artagnan

Preheat the oven to 325F. Stir together the mustard, salt and pepper and rub the mixture all over the lamb. Spread the coriander seeds on a sheet of waxed paper and turn the lamb to coat it with the seeds on all sides. Heat the oil in a large heavy ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the lamb and brown on all sides. Place the skillet in the oven and roast the lamb until medium rare, about 25-35 minutes. Remove the lamb from the skillet and cover with foil to keep warm. Discard the fat. Add the demi-glace and Chartreuse to the skillet and simmer, stirring, over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Stir in the orange juice, coriander, orange zest and pepper to taste. Season with salt, if needed. Carve the lamb and serve immediately with a little sauce drizzled over the top.

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BAKED SALMON STUFFED WITH MASCARPONE SPINACH
Makes 8 servings    

1 l0-ounce bag fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup cream cheese (about 4 ounces), room temperature
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature *
Pinch of ground nutmeg
8 6- to 8-ounce salmon fillets with skin (each about 1 inch thick)
Olive oil
2 2/3 cups fresh bread crumbs from French bread with crust
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

*Italian cream cheese sold at Italian markets and also at many supermarkets.  Also available at Ideal Cheese

Cook the spinach in boiling water just until wilted, about 30 seconds. Drain and rinse with cold water. Squeeze the spinach dry, then finely chop. Place the spinach in a small bowl. Mix in cream cheese, mascarpone and ground nutmeg. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cut one 3/4-inch-deep, 2 1/2-inch-long slit down the center of the top side of each salmon fillet, forming a pocket for the spinach mixture. Fill each slit with the spinach mixture, dividing equally among the salmon fillets. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Preheat the oven to 450F. Brush a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Sprinkle the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Mix the bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl. Top each salmon fillet with bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere. Place the salmon fillets, skin side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the salmon until opaque in the center about 12 minutes. Transfer to plates and serve.

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ROAST CHICKEN STUFFED WITH SPICED APPLES
Serves 8    

For the chicken:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Two 3 1/2- to 4-pound chickens, rinsed and patted dry
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the stuffing:
1 1/2 pounds tart apples (like Granny Smith)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a small bowl stir together the oil and the paprika. Put the chickens on a rack in a roasting pan, brush them with the paprika mixture, and sprinkle them with the black pepper, the thyme, the cayenne, and salt to taste. Peel and core the apples, cut them into 1/4-inch dice, and in a bowl combine them with the lemon juice, the sugar, the salt, the thyme, the cinnamon, the cayenne, and the black pepper, tossing the mixture well. Fill the chicken cavities with the stuffing and close them with wooden picks. Roast the chickens in the middle of a preheated 450 F. oven for 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 325F, and roast the chickens, basting them with the pan juices twice, for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the juices run clear when the meaty part of a thigh is pricked or a meat thermometer inserted in a breast registers 170F. Transfer the roasted chickens to a large platter and let them stand for 15 minutes covered with foil before carving.

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PORK TENDERLOIN WITH SWEET RIESLING SAUCE AND TOASTED ALMONDS
Makes 4 servings   

2 tablespoons slivered almonds
1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch-thick medallions (you can also use the whole pork tenderloin)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, very thinly sliced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup late-harvest Riesling (sweet dessert wine)
1/2 cup chicken stock or low-salt, no fat canned broth
1  teaspoon minced green peppercorns packed in brine or a tiny sprinkle of dried pepper flakes
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dry thyme crumbled

In a small skillet, toast the slivered almonds over moderately high heat, tossing occasionally, until they are golden, about 2 minutes. Let cool. Season the pork medallions with salt and pepper, then coat in the flour. in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in the olive oil. Add the medallions and cook over moderately high heat until lightly browned on both sides and just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. (If you are using the whole prok tenderloin, preheat the oven to 400F.  Then brown the roast and pan roast it for 15-17 minutes.  Let it rest for about 5 minutes and slice 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices.) Add the onion to the skillet and cook over moderate heat until softened and just beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the Riesling, stock, peppercorns/flakes, vinegar and thyme and bring to a boil. Cook over high heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the liquid has reduced by 1/2 about 5-7 minutes. Return the meat to the skillet and simmer until hot, about 1 minute. Transfer to a platter. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce and cook over moderate heat, swirling, just until the butter is melted. Pour the sauce over the pork, garnish with the toasted almonds and serve.

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RACK OF LAMB WITH DRIED CHERRY AND GREEN PEPPERCORN SAUCE
Makes 4 Servings

1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/2 cups canned beef broth
1 1/2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
1/2 cup dried Bing cherries (Can also use dried cranberries or a combination)
1/4 cup ruby Port
1/4 cup brandy
6 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
6 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram
1/2 to 1 teaspoon drained green peppercorns in brine, chopped (depending on how
tangy you want it)
1 2 1/2-pound 8-rib racks of lamb
6 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: You can also add a small jar of red currant jelly to the sauce for an even fruitier flavor

Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots; sauté 2 minutes. Mix in tomato paste. Add both broths; boil until reduced to 1 1/4 cups, about 25 minutes. Strain sauce into small saucepan. Add cherries, Port, brandy, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon marjoram; boil until reduced to 1 cup, about 15 minutes. Mix in peppercorns. Set aside. Preheat oven to 450F. Sprinkle each rack of lamb with 3 teaspoons rosemary, 3 teaspoons marjoram and 3 teaspoons parsley; press to adhere. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large skillet over high heat. Add 1 lamb rack; brown on all sides, about 6 minutes. Place lamb, meat side up, in baking pan. Repeat with second rack. Roast until meat thermometer inserted into center registers 130F for medium-rare, about 15-17 minutes. Place lamb on carving board; let stand 10 minutes. Bring sauce to simmer. Cut lamb between bones. Serve lamb with sauce.

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MAINE LOBSTER WITH WILD MUSHROOMS  
Makes 4 Servings

1 cup distilled white vinegar
4 1 1/2-pound live Maine lobsters (to save time or if you are squeamish, you can ask your fish monger to steam the lobsters for you and remove the meat from the shell. You must ask for the shells for the broth.)
1/2 cup canola oil
3 carrots, peeled, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 fresh fennel bulb, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 fresh tarragon sprigs
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 cups (3 1/4 sticks) butter, room temperature
2 pounds assorted fresh wild mushrooms (such as oyster, Cremini, Chanterelle, and stemmed Shiitake), cut into 1-inch pieces
4 large fresh thyme sprigs
3 garlic cloves, halved

Prepare lobsters:
Bring 8 quarts water and vinegar to boil in 10- to 12-quart pot. Add 2 lobsters headfirst and cook until shells turn bright red and lobsters are just cooked through, about 11 minutes. Using tongs, remove lobsters from water. Repeat with remaining 2 lobsters. Twist claws and tails off lobsters. Crack claws and remove meat. Using kitchen shears or heavy large knife, cut lobster tails lengthwise in half; remove tail meat. Cut meat into large bite-size pieces. Place in medium bowl; cover and refrigerate. Reserve claw and tail shells for the lobster broth. Using kitchen shears, cut away lobster gills. Rinse shells under cold water. Place in large bowl. Pour cold water over and soak 10 minutes. Drain; rinse well. (Tip: Use kitchen shears to cut the lobster shells.)
Make lobster broth:
Heat 1/4 cup oil in large pot over medium heat. Add lobster shells, carrots, and next 4 ingredients. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add 4 quarts water and simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain lobster broth into large bowl, pressing on solids. Strain broth again through fine strainer into same pot. Boil over medium-high heat until broth is reduced to 2 cups, about 1 hour. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly; chill broth and lobster meat separately.)
Finish lobster dish:
Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1/4 cup oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, thyme, and garlic and sauté until mushrooms are tender, about 6 minutes; discard thyme and garlic. Add lobster and 1/2 cup butter to skillet and heat through, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, bring lobster broth to simmer in small saucepan. Pour hot lobster broth into blender; add 1 cup butter. Blend until butter is melted and mixture is frothy, about 30 seconds. Divide lobster mixture among 4 shallow bowls. Pour butter sauce and foam over lobster mixture and serve.

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PECAN-CRUSTED BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH JUNIPER JUICE
Makes 10 Servings

Two 2 1/2-pound well-trimmed center-cut beef tenderloins, not tied
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
4 large egg yolks
1 cup pecans, very finely chopped
3 shallots, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
1 carrot, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried juniper berries, crushed
1 1/2 cups full-bodied red wine, such as Syrah
1 cup beef demiglace*

*Beef Demiglace is available at D'Artagnan

Preheat the oven to 425F. Season the tenderloins all over with salt and pepper. In each of 2 large deep skillets, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the tenderloins to the skillets and cook over high heat until browned all over, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool slightly. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, mustard and egg yolks and brush the mixture all over the tenderloins. Transfer the meat to a large roasting pan. Sprinkle the pecans all over and press to help them adhere. Roast in the middle of the oven for about 25 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of each tenderloin registers 125F for medium-rare. Cover the roasts loosely with foil if the coating browns too quickly. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, pour off the fat in one of the skillets used for browning the meat. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the shallots, garlic and carrot and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste and juniper berries and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook over moderate heat, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, until the sauce is slightly thickened and reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Add the demiglace and bring to a boil. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve into a small saucepan, pressing hard on the solids. Season the jus with salt and pepper and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Carve the roasts and serve with the juniper jus on the side.

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ROAST SALMON WITH BELL PEPPER-TOMATO VINAIGRETTE
Makes 6 servings

1 large tomato, halved, seeds removed
1/2 red bell pepper
1 shallot, minced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
6 (6-oz.) salmon fillets, 1-inch thick, skin removed

Heat broiler. Place tomato and pepper, cut sides down on foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 4 to 6 inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until tomato peel blisters and shrinks. (You can also do this on your gas grill.) Remove tomato; place on plate. Return the pepper to the broiler. Broil and additional 4 to 5 minutes until it blackens and shrivels. Place on the plate with the tomato and let cool. When vegetables are cool enough to handle, peel and finely chop. Place in small bowl and stir in shallot, garlic, oil, vinegar, tarragon and salt and pepper. Heat oven to 450F. Arrange salmon filets on another foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette over each fillet. Roast 12 to 15 minutes or until salmon begins to flake. Let stand 3 minutes and drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over salmon or pass separately.

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GRILLED DUCK BREAST
Makes 4 Servings

4 duck breast halves, boned
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 lime, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
Salt and pepper

With a sharp knife, score the skin on each duck breast, In a small bowl, combine the garlic, lime juice and zest, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Use a small brush to paint the surface of each duck breast with the brown sugar mixture and let marinate for 1 hour. Prepare a very hot grill and cook the duck breast, skin-side down, for about 4 minutes (watch for flare-ups). Turn and continue grilling for 3 minutes, or until the duck breast is still pink in the center. To serve, slice and fan out on the plate.

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ROASTED RACKS OF LAMB WITH MALAGUETA PEPPER AND FAROFA CRUST 
Makes 8 servings

1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
3/4 cup Farinha de Mandioca* (manioc flour; not toasted)
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
5 garlic cloves
7 or less bottled red Malagueta Peppers**(Be careful how much you use--there are
VERY HOT)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 (1 1/2-lb) frenched racks of lamb (8 ribs each), trimmed of all but a thin layer of fat
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

*Farinha de Mandioca is a coarse, granular meal made from grated cassava root, and is available at some Latino markets and Sendexnet (866-736-3396; sendexnet.com).
**Fresh Malagueta Peppers are difficult to find in the US. Instead, look for them bottled in vinegar or in the clear, strong brandy called Cachaça, available at some Latino markets and Sendexnet (866-736-3396; sendexnet.com).

Make Farofa Crust:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400F. Heat butter in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides, then cook flour, stirring, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir parsley into Farofa mixture. (Farofa can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before stirring in parsley.)
Make Malagueta Puree:
Purée onion, garlic, peppers, sugar, vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons water if needed to facilitate puréeing. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook purée, stirring, until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. (Don't worry if mixture turns blue-green; this sometimes results from the interaction of vinegar and immature garlic.) Reserve 5 tablespoons purée in a small bowl (for coating lamb) and transfer remainder to another small bowl (to be served on the side with lamb). (Malagueta purée can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.)
Make Lamb:
Sprinkle lamb with remaining tablespoon salt. Heat remaining tablespoon oil in cleaned 10-inch skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown lamb 1 rack at a time, turning over once, about 4 minutes per rack. Transfer racks to a large roasting pan, arranging with bones curving downward. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons Malagueta purée over meaty part of each rack of lamb, excluding ends. (Watch how much you use--VERY HOT.) Then pat Farofa mixture onto lamb (over purée) to coat, pressing gently to adhere. Roast lamb until thermometer inserted diagonally 2 inches into center (do not touch bone) registers 125°F (for medium-rare), 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let racks stand 15 minutes (internal temperature will rise to about 130°F). Cut each rack into chops and serve remaining purée on the side.

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GRILLED LAMB CHOPS WITH GREEN AND BLACK OLIVE SALSA
Serves 6

1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus leaves for garnish
1/3 cup cured green olives, such as Sicilian, pitted and chopped
1/3 cup cured black olives, such as Calamata, pitted and chopped
1/3 cup green olives stuffed with pimientos, chopped
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 anchovy fillets, rinsed and minced
1 garlic clove, minced
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Twelve 4-ounce lamb rib chops
Lemon wedges, for serving

In a small bowl, combine the parsley, olives, lemon juice, anchovies, garlic and 5 tablespoons of the olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Brush the lamb chops with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Grill the chops over a medium-hot fire until browned outside and medium rare within, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Set 2 lamb chops on each plate and spoon the olive salsa on top. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley leaves and serve.

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PORK TENDERLOIN WITH RHUBARB CURRANT CHUTNEY
Makes 6 servings

3/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 cinnamon stick
2 cups 1/2-inch pieces fresh rhubarb
1/2 cup dried currants
2 1-pound pork tenderloins
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Bring first 6 ingredients to boil in heavy medium saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add rhubarb and currants; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until rhubarb is tender, about 5 minutes. Season chutney with salt. (Chutney can be made 3 days ahead. Cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before using.) Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Rub pork with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill pork until thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 150°F, turning occasionally, about 20 minutes. Using tongs, transfer pork to cutting board; let pork rest 10 minutes. Cut pork into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Serve with chutney.

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FENNEL AND ORANGE SALMON BAKED IN PARCHMENT
Makes 4 Servings

4 (5-oz.) salmon fillets, skin removed
1/4 cup julienned carrots
1/4 cup julienned fennel
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 thin peeled orange slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon orange juice

Heat oven to 425F. Cut 4 pieces of parchment paper (or foil) into 15x12-inch rectangles. Fold parchment papers in half to form 12 x 7 1/2-inch rectangles. Cut into half-heart shapes, beginning and ending cutting at folded edges. Unfold hearts. If you use foil, just make the packets rectangles. Place 1 salmon fillet next to fold line of each parchment heart. Sprinkle with carrots, fennel, green onions, salt and pepper. Top with orange slices; drizzle with oil and orange juice. Fold parchment paper over salmon to make half hearts; tightly fold edges to seal. Place on baking sheet. (Salmon can be prepared to this point up to 4 hours ahead. Refrigerate.) Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until parchment is golden brown and puffed and salmon just begins to flake. (To check, cut slit in 1 packet.) To serve, place packets on serving plates. At the table, make a slit in each packet; let guests open their own packets.

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CITRUS AND GINGER SMOKED PORK WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA
Begin marinating the pork at least four hours and up to one day ahead.
Makes 14 Servings

For Pork:
1 pound golden brown sugar
3 cups soy sauce
1 12-ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
6 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon dry mustard
4 1-pound pork tenderloins, trimmed
5 cups hickory-wood chips (soaked in water 1 hour, then drained)
1 disposable 13x9-inch aluminum pan or 4 disposable aluminum pie pans
For Pineapple Salsa (6 cups):
6 cups chopped peeled cored fresh pineapple (from 1 large)
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
7 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar, divided

Make Pork:
Combine the first 6 ingredients in a heavy large saucepan; whisk until sugar dissolves. Transfer 2 cups marinade to large heavy duty zip lock bag. Add the pork to the bag and seal. Refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 1 day, turning bag occasionally. Meanwhile, bring the remaining marinade to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until thick and reduced to 2 3/4 cups, stirring often to prevent burning, about 10 minutes. Transfer the glaze to bowl. Cover and chill up to 1 day. Using a charcoal grill, remove the top rack. Mound charcoal briquettes on the lower grill rack; burn until light gray. Using tongs, carefully divide the briquettes into 2 piles, 1 pile at each side of the rack. Sprinkle each pile with a generous 1/2 cup of the drained soaked hickory chips. Place a disposable 13x9-inch pan between piles. Return top rack to the grill. Position at least 6 inches above briquettes. Adjust barbecue vents so chips smoke and briquettes burn but do not flame. Drain all pork: discard marinade. Transfer 1 cup glaze to small bowl and reserve. Place all the pork in center of grill rack over 13x9-inch pan. Brush with some of remaining glaze. Cover barbecue. Cook until thermometer inserted into thickest part of pork registers 145F basting every 15 minutes with glaze, about 50 minutes. Transfer all pork to platter. Tent with foil and let stand 15 minutes. Slice pork crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds: arrange on a platter Serve with the salsa, passing reserved 1 cup glaze.
Make Salsa:
(If you wish, you can slice the fruit in half lengthwise and scoop out the fruit using the hollowed-out shell as a nice serving dish.) Combine first 5 ingredients in heavy large saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil until juices reduce and thicken slightly, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Mix in 1 tablespoon vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Cool 1 hour. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)

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GREEK STYLE STUFFED RED SNAPPER WITH TOMATO COULIS
Makes 2 to 3 servings

For the Coulis:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 shallot, large, chopped
1 garlic clove. minced
1 carrot, small, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, large, chopped
2 cups canned diced tomatoes plus their liquid
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Fish:
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, minced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
10-ounce box frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry or 1 pound fresh, trimmed, washed and chopped
1/2 cup fresh white bread crumbs, made from 6 to 8 slices white bread
1/4 pound Feta cheese, rinsed and crumbled
1 whole Red snapper, scaled and gutted
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Make the Coulis:
In a medium saucepan heat the oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add the shallot, garlic, carrot and celery. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables start to color, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Reduce the heat to low and simmer 30 minutes. Transfer to a food processor and puree. Season with the salt and pepper and reserve.
Make the Fish:
Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and brush it generously with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add the onions and sauté, stirring constantly, until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper and cook 1 minute longer. If using fresh spinach, add it to the pan and cook until it has just wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool 10 minutes. Using frozen, thawed spinach, cool the onion-garlic mixture and stir in the spinach. Add the bread crumbs and Feta. Season with the salt and pepper. Using a sharp paring knife, make 4 short diagonal slices into the flesh of one side of the fish. Brush the fish inside and out with the remaining oil and season with the salt and pepper. Fill the cavity generously with the stuffing. Bake the fish until it flakes easily with a fork or reads 135F on an instant thermometer, 45 to 50 minutes. Spoon the tomato coulis over the whole fish and serve.

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Lamb rib chops are brushed with oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and grilled. They're served with a cooked mixture of tart apple and sweet onion, seasoned with brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic and mint.
 
1 cup peeled & diced Granny Smith apples
1 cup diced Vidalia onions
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh minced mint
8, 4-ounce lamb rib chops
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan over medium heat combine apples, onions, butter, lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic and mint. Cook, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until thick and syrupy; remove from heat and set aside. Brush lamb chops with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Using a grill or grill pan, grill chops over medium-hot heat about 5-7 minutes per side. Set 2 lamb chops on each plate and spoon the apple-onion mixture over.  Serve with roasted red potatoes and roasted asparagus.

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1/4 cup dried cherries
1 cup port or madiera, divided
1/4 cup black cherry juice
4 (4-ounce size) beef tenderloin steaks, trimmed (about 1 inch thick)
Cooking spray for grilling
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons minced shallot
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-salt no fat beef broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Combine cherries, 1/4 cup port, and juice in a small bowl. Let stand 30 minutes for cherries to absorb most of the liquid. Coat steaks with cooking spray; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook steaks in grill pan over medium heat 5 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. After 2 minutes per side rotate steak half way counter-clockwise to get nice grill marks. Remove steaks; tent with foil to keep warm. Heat oil in sauté pan over medium­ high heat. Add shallot and garlic; sauté 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in cherry mixture, 3/4 cup port/madeira, broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil; cook 10 minutes or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Pour sauce over steaks. Serve immediately.

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