Gzs Cello Food

GZ'S CHICKEN STOCK

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Place the chicken pieces on a sheet tray fitted with a rack and roast until caramelized, about 20 minutes.
• Put the chicken pieces in a large pot with the carrots, thyme, peppercorns, bay leaves, leeks, onions, apple and 1 gallon water. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 2 to 3 hours (do not let it come to a boil or the stock will become cloudy).
• Ladle the stock from the top of the pot into a strainer set over a large bowl. Place in an ice bath to cool quickly. Transfer the cooled stock to resealable containers. The stock can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 6 months.

GZ'S MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• Combine the apple cider, cranberries, ginger, red chile flakes, star anise, cloves, allspice, orange slices and 2 of the cinnamon sticks in a medium pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the cider to sit for 5 minutes. Strain the cider to remove the spices.
• If desired, put 1 ounce dark rum in each of 4 large mugs. Divide the cider among the mugs and garnish with the remaining cinnamon sticks.

ANGELS' AND DEVILS' FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• For the raspberry sauce: Combine the raspberries and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes. Add the basil and lime juice and allow the sauce to cool in the fridge.
• For the meringue: Combine 1/2 cup water and the rum in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a simmer. Slowly stir in 1 cup of the sugar to combine, and use a pastry brush dipped in water to remove any sugar crystals from the side of the pot. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer using a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Slowly stream in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and beat to soft peaks.
• When the sugar syrup reaches the soft-ball stage (238 degrees F), remove from the heat. Increase the mixer speed to medium high and slowly stream the sugar syrup into the egg whites in the space between the beaters and the side of the bowl with the mixer running. Continue to beat until the meringue forms soft, glossy peaks.
• To assemble the cake: Place the angel food cake onto a cake stand or plate. Pour the raspberry sauce into the center hole. Spread the meringue evenly all over the sides and top of the cake, covering the hole at the top. Use your spatula to create peaks along the tops and sides if desired. Use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue all over before serving.

GZ'S RED SANGRIA

Steps:

• Combine the wine, orange liqueur, cherries, peaches, raspberries, elderflower liqueur and lemon zest in a large-mouth glass bowl or cruet. Stir gently with a wooden spoon, then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
• Just before serving, pour in the cava and stir very gently. Put large ice cubes in glasses, ladle the sangria into the glasses and garnish with fresh mint or basil sprigs.

GZ'S ULTIMATE BLT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place the tomato slices on a tray or large plate. Sprinkle with fleur de sel and black pepper. Drizzle the vinegar and oil over the tomatoes. Allow to sit for 15 minutes.
• Lay the bacon on a baking sheet, and season with a generous amount of black pepper. Brush some of the juices from the seasoned tomatoes onto the bacon and top with the red onions. Roast the bacon until it is golden brown and the fat has rendered, about 20 minutes.
• Spread 1 1/2 teaspoons mayonnaise on each slice of country toast. Top each with 3 slices of bacon and the onions. Reserve the bacon drippings. Season the avocado with salt and pepper, and place on top of the bacon. Follow with 2 marinated tomato slices on each sandwich.
• In a separate bowl, lightly toss the lettuce and tarragon with a small amount of the drippings from the bacon and season as needed with salt and pepper. Top the sandwiches with the salad and serve warm.