Frisee And Fennel With Dried Apricots And Crumbled Roquefort Food

FRISEE AND FENNEL WITH DRIED APRICOTS AND CRUMBLED ROQUEFORT

Steps:

• Discard outer leaves of frisee. Tear remaining frisee into bite-size pieces, and place in serving bowl.
• Using a mandoline or very sharp knife, shave fennel as thin as possible. Transfer to the serving bowl.
• Scatter apricots over salad. Crumble Roquefort directly into serving bowl. Just before serving, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper; toss, and serve.

AUTUMN FRUIT AND FRISEE SALAD WITH PANETTONE CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Scatter the panettone cubes on a baking sheet and bake, tossing occasionally, until crisp and brown, about 1 hour. Be careful that they do not burn. Set aside. Put the cherries, apricots, and raisins in a medium bowl. Measure the honey and vinegar into a small pan or microwave safe bowl. Heat together just until warm. Whisk in 4 tablespoons olive oil and taste for balance. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, if necessary. Pour over the dried fruits. Add the pear, fennel, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour the fruits and dressing over the greens in a salad bowl and toss well. Add the croutons and toss again. Serve immediately.

SEASONED FRENCH FRIES

Steps:

• Arrange french fries in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with onion salt and paprika; toss to coat. Bake at 450° for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese; toss to coat.

HOMEMADE CRISPY SEASONED FRENCH FRIES

Steps:

• Slice potatoes into French fries, and place into cold water so they won't turn brown while you prepare the oil.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, sift the flour, garlic salt, onion salt, (regular) salt, and paprika into a large bowl. Gradually stir in enough water so that the mixture can be drizzled from a spoon.
• Dip potato slices into the batter one at a time, and place in the hot oil so they are not touching at first. The fries must be placed into the skillet one at a time, or they will clump together. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

PORK TENDERLOIN WITH APRICOT-FENNEL RAGOUT

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine mustards. Salt and pepper the pork; rub with mustards; sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Pat coating. Set aside.
• Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. Sear pork, turning, until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan; set aside. Add remaining oil and butter to pan. Add shallots and fennel. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup stock; cook until liquid evaporates, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Return pork to pan; add apricots, 1/2 cup stock, and cognac. Roast in oven, stirring vegetables, until pork registers 160 degrees, about 20 minutes. Transfer pork to a cutting board; place pan over medium-low heat. Add remaining stock and thyme; stir, loosening brown bits from bottom. Simmer 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; slice pork. Serve with vegetables and sauce. Garnish with thyme.