Jean Georgess Orange Dust Food

JEAN-GEORGES'S SAUTEED SHRIMP IN ORANGE DUST

Steps:

• Cut off tops of artichokes to within 1 or 1 1/2 inches from the bases. Remove all but 1/2 inch of stems. Cut all around artichokes, removing all hard parts. Open centers; dig out chokes. Trim any remaining hard parts, leaving the artichoke bottoms.
• Heat 1/4 cup oil in a deep, large saute pan set over medium-high heat. Add the onion, and saute until it begins to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Lay artichoke bottoms on top of onion, then pour in wine.
• Bring liquid to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer, turning the artichokes after 15 minutes, until bottoms are tender but not mushy, 30 to 45 minutes.
• Remove cooked artichokes, reserving 3/4 cup cooking liquid in pan. Cut artichokes into bite-size chunks; return to pan. Add the remaining tablespoon oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Turn heat to very low, keeping artichokes warm.
• Season the shrimp with salt and a sprinkling of cayenne pepper. Heat a large nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the butter.
• Dredge one side of each piece of shrimp in the orange dust; place in pan. Cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes; turn, and cook 2 to 3 minutes more.
• When ready to serve, divide arugula among four plates. Top each with a portion of the artichokes and 6 shrimp; pour the artichoke liquid over tops; garnish with basil. Sprinkle a little orange dust around the outside of each plate, and serve.

JEAN-GEORGES'S BONELESS LAMB WITH MUSHROOM CRUST AND LEEK PUREE

Steps:

• Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add leeks, and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Drain, and transfer to a blender. Add butter; season with salt and pepper, and puree. Transfer to a warm place.
• Place dried mushrooms in a spice mill or coffee grinder; grind to the consistency of coffee. Transfer to a plate.
• Place egg in a bowl; add some salt and pepper, and beat lightly. Place flour on a plate. Dip lamb very lightly in flour; shake off excess. Dip into egg, then into mushrooms. Pat mushrooms to adhere so they coat the lamb heavily. Refrigerate up to 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 10-inch skillet; add the shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in an ovenproof skillet set over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the lamb; cook 2 minutes on one side, then turn. Place the skillet in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes for rare meat, a little longer for more well-done.
• Let the lamb rest 1 minute, then cut it into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place a dollop of leek puree on each plate, top with a portion of mushrooms, then place the lamb on top. Sprinkle with a little coarse salt, and serve.

ORANGE DUST

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil with grapeseed oil.
• Remove zest from oranges with a vegetable peeler and trim any white pith from zest with a sharp paring knife. Bring zest, sugar, and waterto a boil in a 3-quart saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until syrupy, about 6 minutes. Drain zest in a sieve and spread out on baking sheet.
• Bake zest in middle of oven until dry and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on baking sheet on a rack. Grind zest to a powder in electric coffee/spice grinder.