Pan Fried Olives And Chiles Stuffed With Goat Cheese Food

GOAT CHEESE STUFFED BABY PEPPERS

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the top third of the oven and preheat the broiler to high.
• On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the peppers with the olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt and arrange them cut-side down. Broil until beginning to brown and soften slightly, about 4 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.
• In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, mascarpone, orange zest, lemon zest and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well with a rubber spatula. Place the cheese mixture in a piping bag with a decorative tip. Fill each pepper evenly with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill. Sprinkle with the chives. Store in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.

CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH OLIVES AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mash the goat cheese and milk together until smooth.
• Mix in the garlic, parsley, oregano, and chile flakes.
• Stir in the olives and season with salt and pepper.
• On the thickest side of each breast, cut a deep, 3-inch-long pocket.
• Using your fingers, stuff the goat cheese mixture into each pocket.
• Close by pressing the flesh together, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
• In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
• Have ready a lid that's too small for the pan but will cover all the breasts.
• Cook the chicken on one side until golden brown, 5 to 6 minute Turn the breasts over, season with salt and pepper, and set the small lid on top of them.
• Continue to sauté until the chicken is cooked through, about another 10 minute Transfer the chicken to a warm serving plate.
• Pour the wine into the pan and cook, scraping up the flavorful brown bits stuck to the pan, until it's reduced to a glossy syrup.
• Drizzle the reduction over the chicken and serve.
• If you choose to serve with the ROASTED CHILE-CILANTRO SAUCE: In a blender or food processor, combine the poblanos, onion and lime juice and blend until smooth.
• While the blender is running, add the oil slowly until emulsified.
• Add the spinach and cilantro and blend until smooth.
• Add the honey and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Serve at room temperature.

POTATO- AND CHEESE-STUFFED CHILES RELLENOS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F Cut slit in end of each chile to allow release of steam during cooking. Brush chiles with oil and roast in oven 5 to 10 minutes, until skins are lightly charred and blistered. Place in plastic bag and seal. Let them steam 5 minutes; using small knife, carefully peel off skin. Slit each chile open from top to bottom and remove seeds.
• In boiling salted water cook potatoes until just tender, then drain and place in bowl. Crush with fork, mix in goat cheese, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stuff chiles with this mixture and arrange single layer in baking dish.
• For sauce, in frying pan heat oil, then add red chiles, garlic, and scallions and cook about 2 minutes, until softened. Add tomatoes, corn tortillas, brown sugar, and oregano, and cook over gentle heat 10 minutes. Pour into blender and blitz to almost smooth but slightly textured sauce. Pour sauce over stuffed chiles and bake 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle top with grated cheddar cheese, pour sour cream over that, and serve. Makes 4 servings.

FRIED OLIVES

Steps:

• Soak olives in cold water for 15 minutes to reduce brininess. Drain, and pat dry. Stuff each with blue cheese.
• Put flour, egg, and breadcrumbs in 3 bowls. Dredge olives in flour, dip in egg, then dredge in breadcrumbs. Refrigerate until ready to fry.
• Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium until hot but not smoking. Working in batches, fry olives until golden, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Serve warm.