Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad Michael Chiarello Food

PIADINE WITH GRILLED CHICKEN AND SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the grill or grill pan. Carefully oil the grill or grill pan with a cloth dipped in a little olive oil. If using a grill, have the grilling surface 8 to 10 inches above the embers. Regulate the amount of coals under the grill so that it maintains a consistent medium-hot heat (the oil on the grill will begin to smoke).
• Prepare the chicken. Coat each chicken breast with the extra-virgin olive oil. Season each side evenly with a little salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill, skin side first, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Turn over and continue to cook in the same manner another 4 or 5 minutes until the meat is slightly firm to the touch. Season 1 side evenly with the roasted garlic rub. Remove from the heat and reserve until cool. Cut the chicken with the grain into bite-size pieces. Reserve.
• Divide the dough into 6 balls. Working on a surface free of flour, roll each ball under your palm. As it rolls, it will stick slightly to the surface, creating tension that helps form a tight, round ball. Dust the work surface with flour, pat each ball down lightly, dust the tops with flour, cover with a towel, and let rise for about 15 minutes.
• With a rolling pin, roll each ball into a circle 8 or 9-inches in diameter and about 1/8-inch thick and place on a cookie sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal (to keep the dough from sticking).
• On a clean grill surface (use a wire brush then oil again as before) gently lay the piadine on the grill and cook until the bottom has set and is cooked, but not so well done that it is not pliable, about 4 minutes. Turn the crust and cook on the second side. The cooking time will vary with the heat of the grill. Remove crusts.
• Meanwhile, toss together the spinach, mozzarella, tomato wedges, red onion, Parmesan and chicken. Toss with vinaigrette to coat the greens and taste for seasoning with salt and pepper. Place the crusts on plates and divide the salad among them. Serve "open face." Diners should fold their piadine in half and eat without utensils!

GRILLED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Whisk olive oil, sea salt, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper together in a bowl; brush evenly onto zucchini strips.
• Cook on preheated grill until brown, 5 to 7 minutes per side; transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over zucchini to serve.

GRILLED ZUCCHINI RIBBONS

Steps:

• Set up your grill for direct grilling and heat to high (450 to 600 degrees). Brush or scrape the grill grate clean and oil it with a tightly folded paper towel dipped in vegetable oil and drawn across the bars of the grate with tongs. If using bamboo skewers, soak in cold water.
• Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, 1 tablespoon barbecue rub and lemon zest, and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool.
• Cut off and discard the ends of the zucchini. Using a mandolin outfitted with a finger guard, thinly slice one zucchini lengthwise into slices scant 1/8-inch thick. You can also use a chef's knife to cut slices lengthwise just shy of 1/8-inch thick. (Try folding your first or second strip. If it breaks at the fold, it means it's too thick.) Lay the slices flat on a sheet pan. Lightly brush the tops with enough barbecue butter to lightly coat and lightly sprinkle with some of the remaining 2 tablespoons barbecue rub.
• Fold a zucchini slice into an accordion shape (like multiple Ws or ribbon candy) and thread it onto a metal or soaked bamboo skewer. Continue threading until all the slices from the zucchini are on the skewer. Slice, brush, season and skewer the remaining zucchini the same way. You should wind up with 6 skewers.
• Arrange the zucchini kebabs, skin sides down, on the grate. Grill (covered if using a gas grill), basting with any remaining barbecue butter and turning to evenly brown, until singed at some of the edges, 1 to 2 minutes per side (4 to 8 minutes in all). Season with salt if needed and serve.

BALSAMIC GLAZED FRUIT (MICHAEL CHIARELLO)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
• Peel and core apples and pears, cut each into 8 wedges. Place in large bowl and toss with 2 T. lemon juice.
• Melt butter over medium heat in skillet until it stops foaming and is slightly brown.
• Add rosemary, bay leaves, remaining 3 T. lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar.
• Heat to boiling and reduce slightly.
• Pour over fruit and toss to coat.
• Pour into roasting pan or onto a cookie sheet WITH SIDES.
• Bake for 3-8 hours, turning each hour.
• Fruit should be slightly dried, but not dried to the extent of fruit leather.
• Store tightly covered in refrigerator for up to one week.