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Recipe of the Day

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Smoked Whiskey Wings

 

  • 2 dozen whole chicken wings
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3/4 cup Only Sauce, plus more for serving, optional
  • 1/4 cup whiskey
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Using kitchen shears or a very sharp knife, cut each wing in half to separate the flat from the drumette; cut off and discard the tip or save it for stock. Wash the pieces well, pat them dry, season liberally with salt and pepper, and set them aside in a large zip-top freezer bag.

In a small saucepan, whisk the sauce with the whiskey and sugar and bring just to a simmer over medium-high heat. Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in the mustard. Cool completely. Pour the mixture in the bag with the chicken wings, seal the bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Prepare a smoker with soaked wood chips and heat it to 250°F (see Cook’s Notes). Alternatively, prepare a charcoal grill (see Cook’s Notes) or gas grill (see Cook’s Notes) for smoking and heat it to medium-low heat.

Remove the wings from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the wings in a large, shallow aluminum pan in a single layer. Place the uncovered pan in the smoker and cook, for 2 hours. Remove the wings from the smoker and serve with more sauce on the side if you like.

How to Prepare a Smoker for Smoking
Smokers are made for smoking, but there is a wide range of options from the charcoal-burning “bullet”-style smokers to the ceramic Big Green egg. In any of these you need to choose which wood you’ll smoke, and I recommend fruit woods because they’re mild in flavor, and high in sap, and generally have fewer impurities in them; you can choose from whatever is easiest to find near you: apple, cherry, grape, and my personal favorite, peach. Soak your wood chips an hour before you plan to light your smoker. Start your charcoal in a charcoal chimney as described above. Place the coals in the bottom third of the smoker (the firebox). Scatter the pre-soaked wood chips on the coals. What I want you to do that you may not already know about is to put a pan of water in the bottom of your smoker. A water pan is not a requirement to cook barbecue; it’s a stylistic touch that I like. I like it because it has a significant benefit: the water pan creates a steamy water bath inside the smoker that helps maintain the meat’s moisture, which is found naturally in its marbling (or fat). The water helps maintain a moist juicy texture in the meat and prevent it from drying out. To set up a water pan, simply fill a medium heavy-bottomed pan (no bigger than a 13 by 9-inch lasagna pan) about halfway with water and place it in the bottom of your smoker. The grill racks (there are usually two) fit above the water pan. Close the lid and monitor the fire until it reaches your desired temperature.

How to Prepare a Kettle or Other Charcoal Grill for Smoking
Take about a cup of your favorite wood chips (I like peach wood, being from Georgia) and soak them in enough water to cover them for at least an hour or, even better, overnight. When you¿re ready to cook, drain the wood chips. Wrap them in aluminum foil and seal the edges; the best description I’ve seen of this technique is to make it like a “burrito”—a packet of soaked and drained wood chips. Using a long wooden skewer or a sharp-tined fork, poke several holes in the top of the packet. Set the packet aside. Then prepare the grill: on a standard kettle grill, bank your charcoal to one side, leaving a cold area for the meat to be placed (an “indirect” heat area, where the meat is not directly over the flame but is still being cooked by it). Then place that packet of wood chips underneath the charcoal. Place the lid on the kettle and control the level of the heat with the kettle grill’s vents, opening them up more to cool the smoker and closing them to raise it.

How to Prepare a Gas Grill for Smoking
Most models of gas grills have either two or three burners that can be controlled individually. Here’s what you do: Take about a cup of your favorite wood chips (I like peach wood, as I mentioned above) and soak them in enough water to cover them for at least an hour or, even better, overnight. When you’re ready to cook, drain the wood chips. Wrap them in aluminum foil and seal the edges; the best description I’ve seen of this technique is to make it like a “burrito”—a packet of soaked and drained wood chips. Using a long wooden skewer or a sharp-tined fork, poke several holes in the top of the packet. Set the packet aside. (Make 2 if you have a 3-burner grill.) On a two- burner gas grill, light only one side; on a three-burner unit, light the two outside burners and leave the middle one cold. Place the packet of wood chips on the lit section (or sections). The flame will smolder the wet chips, producing smoke to cook and flavor your meat. Then you will place your meat on the unlit section of the gas grill and cook it with indirect heat. That’s it. Don’t worry about the grill’s side vents and making them closed airtight; do the best you can to shut them, but don’t worry; none of my smokers are what you’d call “airtight” either. And I win money with my food all the time.

Recipe of the Day

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Grilled Chicken with Board Dressing

 

  • 1 dried guajillo or New Mexico chile or
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • 1/4 cup olive oil plus more for grill
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 1 4-pound chicken, halved, backbone removed
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

If using whole chile, toast in a dry skillet, turning often, until slightly puffed and darkened, about 4 minutes. (Do not toast red pepper flakes.) Discard stem and seeds. Finely chop chile and transfer to a small bowl. Stir in cilantro, oregano, lime zest, and 1/4 cup oil; season dressing with salt and pepper.

Prepare grill for medium indirect heat (for a charcoal grill, bank coals on 1 side of grill; for a gas grill, leave 1 burner turned off). Brush grill rack with oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and place, skin side down, on grill. Grill chicken, turning occasionally, until skin is crisp and browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh registers 165°, 10-15 minutes per side (move chicken to cooler part of grill if it’s cooking too quickly). About 5 minutes before chicken is done, baste with some of dressing.

Pour remaining dressing onto a carving board (or platter, if you don’t have a large board) and place chicken, skin side up, on top. Let sit at least 10 minutes to rest and absorb flavor from dressing before carving. Drizzle chicken with some dressing from board and serve with limes.

DO AHEAD: Dressing can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Recipe of the Day

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Orange-Scented Bluefish

 

  • One 1 1/4-pound skin-on bluefish fillet, soaked in Fish Brine
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Finely shredded zest of 1 orange

Remove the fish from the brine and pat it dry. Brush it with a mixture of the olive oil and orange zest. Place the fish, skin side down, on the grill away from the coals of a small fire. Add a few chunks of wood to the coals and cover the grill. For bluefish, I prefer a fruit or nut wood such as peach, pecan, apple, or cherry. Orange wood is also a fun choice. Close the air intake to just a sliver and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet and intensity of the fire. When the fish is cooked, it will have a beautiful rusty hue and the meat will flake under gentle pressure. Gently remove the filets to a platter and serve immediately. I like to remove the skin of bluefish and the underlying darkly colored bloodline just beneath it, as these can have strong flavors that some guests do not appreciate. It also helps to remove some of the toxins that are a concern with bluefish, as they tend to aggregate just under the skin.

Recipe of the Day

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Hot Smoked Salmon with Apples, Dried Cherries, Hazelnuts and Greens

 

Salmon

  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons crushed black peppercorns
  • 1 (3- to 3 1/2-pound) piece center-cut salmon fillet, skin on, pin bones removed

Salad

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
  • 2 teaspoons clover honey
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 4 ounces organic baby greens
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small white onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup dried cherries
  • 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted

1. Cure the salmon: Mix together the salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peppercorns in a medium bowl. Line a piece of extra-wide aluminum foil that’s a little longer than the length of the fish with an equally long layer of plastic wrap. Sprinkle half of the salt rub on the wrap. Lay the salmon on the rub. Sprinkle the remaining rub on top of the salmon. Cover with plastic and wrap in foil, crimping the edges together tightly around the fish. Put the wrapped fish on a rimmed baking sheet and top with another baking sheet. Weight with a brick or two and refrigerate for 24 hours.

2. Unwrap the salmon and rinse off the cure mixture with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and put the salmon in a cool, dry place (not the refrigerator) until the surface of the fish is dry and somewhat matte, 1 to 3 hours, depending on humidity. A fan may be used to speed the process.

3. Soak 2 cups alder wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.

4. Heat your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If using a charcoal or gas grill, set up a drip pan with water on the bottom grates and heat the grill to low for indirect grilling. For a charcoal grill, put the drained wood chips over the hot coals, add the cooking grate, and close the cover. For a gas grill, add the wood chips to a smoker box or foil pouch, put on the cooking grates toward the back, and close the cover. For both grills, open the vents halfway and maintain a temperature of 200°F. Let smoke build for 10 minutes.

5. Add the salmon to the smoker, skin side down, and cover the smoker. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the temperature and smoke until the thickest part of the fish registers 150°F, about 1 hour. Serve immediately or cool to room temperature, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

6. Make the salad: Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and honey in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the oil until emulsified. Add the greens, apple, onion, cherries, and hazelnuts and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Put the salmon on a platter and arrange the salad on top.

Recipe of the Day

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Shrimp Tikka with Fresh Mango Chutney

 

For shrimp:

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 (1-inch) piece fresh jalapeño, chopped (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 (1-inch) piece peeled ginger, chopped
  • 1 large garlic clove, smashed
  • 2 teaspoons ground garam masala
  • 3/4 teaspoons turmeric
  • 1/8 teaspoons grated nutmeg
  • 2 pound large shrimp in shell, peeled, leaving tail fan attached

For chutney:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 (3/4-pound) unripe mango, chopped
  • 1/3 seedless cucumber, peeled and chopped (3/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons minced fresh jalapeño with seeds
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons thinly sliced mint
  • 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

 

  • Equipment: 10 (12-inch) wooden skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes
  • Accompaniment: lime wedges

Marinate shrimp:
Purée all ingredients for marinating shrimp, except shrimp, with 1/2 tsp salt in a blender until smooth. Pour into a sealable bag, then add shrimp and marinate at cool room temperature, turning bag occasionally, 30 minutes. Make chutney while shrimp marinate: Toast cumin in a dry small skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir together remaining chutney ingredients with 1/4 tsp salt, then sprinkle with toasted cumin.

Make kebabs:
Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas);

Thread 4 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving small spaces between them. Put on a tray.

Oil grill rack, then grill skewers, covered only if using a gas grill, turning once, until just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes total. Serve with chutney.

Recipe of the Day

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Grilled Radicchio and Kale, Sauerkraut Style

 

  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon canola oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1 large shallot, chopped
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 8 juniper berries
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, to taste
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 heads radicchio, halved lengthwise
  • 2 big bunches kale, soaked in cold water

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the vinegar, juniper berries, caraway seeds, mustard seeds, thyme, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar and salt are dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Let sit for 15 minutes then strain into a small bowl, discarding the solids. Slowly whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup oil until emulsified.

2. Heat your grill to high for direct grilling.

3. Brush the cut sides of the radicchio with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill, cut side down, until golden brown and slightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes. Brush the tops with oil, flip over the radicchio, and continue grilling until just heated through, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Remove from the grill. Thinly slice the radicchio and put it in a bowl.

4. Remove the kale from the water and shake gently to get some of the water off. Season with salt and pepper and place on the grill. Cook until slightly wilted and charred on all sides, about 30 seconds per side. Remove from the grill. Thinly slice and add to the radicchio.

5. Add the dressing to the radicchio and kale and toss to coat. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Recipe of the Day

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Pappardelle with Arugula and Prosciutto

 

  • 1/2 pound pappardelle or fettuccine
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 leeks, white and pale greens only, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest plus more for serving
  • 1 bunch arugula, thick stems trimmed, leaves torn (about 4 cups)
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan plus more for serving
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 ounces prosciutto, torn into 1″ pieces

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 2 cups pasta cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, heat oil and butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, 5-8 minutes.

Add pasta, chives, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, and 3/4 cup pasta cooking liquid. Cook, tossing and adding more cooking liquid by 1/4-cupfuls as needed, until a glossy sauce forms that coats pasta, about 4 minutes.

Add arugula and 1/3 cup Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Add prosciutto and toss again. Top pasta with more lemon zest and Parmesan.

Recipe of the Day

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Chicken Under a Brick with Avocados and Chiles

  • 1 3 1/2–4-pound chicken, backbone removed
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt plus more
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more for seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 large fresh poblano chile, quartered, seeded
  • 1 large red bell pepper, quartered, seeded
  • 1 red onion, cut into 1/2″ slices
  • 1/4 cup (or more) red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 4 avocados, halved and pitted
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

 

  • Ingredient info: Poblano chiles are available at Latin markets, specialty foods stores, and some supermarkets.
  • Special equipment: One brick, wrapped in foil, or a cast-iron skillet

Open chicken and place on a work surface, skin side up. Using your palms, firmly press on breastbone to flatten the breast. Season chicken all over with 1 tablespoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and cayenne. Place in a baking dish; rub with 1 tablespoon oil, sprinkle with lemon zest, and scatter rosemary over. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

Build a medium-low fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to medium. Place chicken, skin side down, on grill and place a brick or heavy skillet on top of chicken to weigh it down. (This will expose more skin to direct heat, making it crispy; the chicken will also cook faster.) Cook until skin is crispy and golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Using tongs, set brick aside. Turn chicken, cover grill, and cook for 10 more minutes. Continue cooking and turning chicken every 10 minutes, covering grill between turns, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F, about 50 minutes total. Transfer to a carving board; let chicken rest for 10-20 minutes. (Resting will make for juicier meat.)

While chicken rests, add more coals to fire if necessary to increase heat to medium, or heat gas grill to medium-high. Season chile, bell pepper, and onion with salt and pepper. Grill (or use a grill basket) over medium heat, turning occasionally, until softened and charred in spots, about 12 minutes. Transfer onion to a medium bowl. Transfer chiles and peppers to a work surface and cut lengthwise into 1″ slices. Add to bowl with onion. Add 1/4 cup vinegar to vegetables and toss to coat.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until soft but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add basil and stir to wilt. Add basil mixture to bowl with onion. Season vegetables to taste with salt and more vinegar, if desired.

Rub cut side of avocados with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, season with salt, and sprinkle with chili powder. Grill, cut side down, until avocado is gently warmed and flesh is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Serve chicken with vegetables and avocados.

Recipe of the Day

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Chinese Orange Chicken

 

For the chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, patted dry and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • About 2 cups canola oil for frying

For the orange sauce:

  • 2 oranges
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger (from 1-inch piece)
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (not seasoned) or cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Thinly sliced scallion greens, for garnish
  • Thinly sliced fresh red chile, for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked rice for serving

 

  • Equipment: 10-inch cast-iron skillet or other high-sided skillet (at least 2 inches deep), deep-fry thermometer, Microplane (for optional garnish)

Start the chicken: 
In a shallow, medium bowl toss the chicken pieces with the soy sauce and wine. Let stand while you make the sauce.

Make the orange sauce:
Using a vegetable peeler, remove 4 lengthwise strips of zest from 1 orange—each strip should be about 3/4 inch wide and 3 1/2 to 4 inches long. Arrange the zest in one layer between paper towels and microwave on high in 20-second increments until dry and brittle but not browned, 60 to 80 seconds total. Let the zest cool then finely chop it. If desired, use a Microplane to remove some of the remaining zest from the orange and reserve it for garnish. (If desired, zest the second orange for additional garnish.)

Squeeze enough juice from both oranges to measure 1/2 cup. In a small bowl, whisk together the juice and 2 teaspoons cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved.

In a 10-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking. Add the garlic, ginger, crushed red pepper, and dried orange zest and stir-fry until golden, about 30 seconds. Add the soy sauce, wine, vinegar, and sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves, about 5 seconds. Stir the orange juice–cornstarch mixture then add it to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside while you fry the chicken.

Fry the chicken: 
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels.

In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, heat 1/2 inch of oil until a deep-fry thermometer registers 365°F. Meanwhile, coat half of the chicken, a couple pieces at a time, in cornstarch, making sure they are well coated and gently knocking off any excess, then transfer to a plate. Carefully add all the coated chicken to the hot oil, spacing the pieces apart from each other. Fry the chicken, turning it once or twice, until deep golden, about 5 minutes. While frying, adjust the heat as necessary to keep the oil at 365°F. Using a metal spider or a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken as done to the paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Continue to coat and fry the remaining chicken in the same manner, returning the oil to 365°F between batches.

Once the chicken is fried, place the skillet of reserved orange sauce over moderately low heat and bring it to a simmer, stirring and thinning the sauce with a little water if necessary. Add the chicken, and stir until thoroughly coated in sauce.

To serve:
Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with the scallions, and, if desired, the red chile slices and the freshly grated orange zest. Serve immediately with rice.

Recipe of the Day

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Cider-Dijon Pork Chops with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples

Pork

  • 4 boneless pork loin chops (each about 7 ounces and 1 inch thick)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces

Vegetables and Apples

  • 1 pound red-skinned sweet potatoes (yams), peeled and cut lengthwise in half, then cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 Pink Lady or Fuji apples, cored and cut lengthwise into eighths
  • 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and cut lengthwise into eighths
  • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Remove the pork from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature while the oven preheats. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven and heat until very hot.

2. To cook the vegetables and apples: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes, apples, fennel, and rosemary with the olive oil to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and spread the vegetables and apples on it. Roast, turning the ingredients over halfway through, for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are nicely browned and tender.

3. Meanwhile, cook the pork: Season the pork with salt and pepper. Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then add the chops to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and barely pink when pierced in the center with the tip of a small sharp knife. Transfer to a platter (reserving the oil in the skillet) and let stand for 5 minutes.

4. Pour off all but 1 teaspoon of the oil from the skillet, leaving the brown bits in the pan. Return the pan to medium-low heat, add the apple cider, and bring to a simmer, scraping up the brown bits with a wooden spoon. Whisk in the mustard and simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter to lightly thicken the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. Divide the sweet potato mixture among four dinner plates. Place a pork chop alongside the vegetables on each plate. Drizzle with the pan sauce and serve.

 

 

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