Spicy Sicilian Butter Food

SPICY SRIRACHA BUTTER

Steps:

• In a medium sized bowl mix together the butter with the sriracha. It takes a few minutes, so be patient. Store in the fridge for several weeks.
• Enjoy!

CARRABBA'S OLIVE OIL BREAD DIP

Steps:

• Mix together the dry spices. Add minced garlic to the dry spices. Place on a small saucer. Pour olive oil over mixture. Dip with your favorite hot French or sourdough bread.

SEARED STRIP STEAKS WITH NORTH AFRICAN-SPICED BUTTER

Steps:

• For the butter: Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, work butter in a bowl until it is softened and very spreadable. Add all other ingredients, and mix until thoroughly combined. Place butter in the middle of a piece of plastic wrap, shape butter into a log, wrap it up, and twist the ends of the plastic to close. Place in the refrigerator until firm, at least 30 minutes.
• For the steaks: Pat steaks dry with paper towels, coat with olive oil, and set aside to come to room temperature, at least 5 minutes.
• Heat a large seasoned cast iron skillet or large frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, about 3 minutes. Place steaks in pan and cook, undisturbed so they can get well-browned, about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove steaks to a dish, top with pats of compound butter, and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

CARRABBA'S SPICY SICILIAN CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• In a large stockpot (16 quart minimum / 20 quart recommended) heat olive oil under fairly low to medium heat.
• "Sweat" onion, celery, green pepper and some salt (to draw off moisture) for perhaps 30 minutes -- this is lower than browning, and makes the veggies somewhat translucent. I covered, and mixed every few minutes to prevent browning.
• Add carrots, garlic, some white pepper and some black pepper, and continue to heat under "sweat" conditions while mixing now and then.
• Add chicken stock, chicken breasts, tomatoes and potatoes -- and of course some more white pepper and black pepper.
• Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours (or use crock pot?).
• Remove chicken and let cool and stand to shred.
• Add chopped parsley and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
• Salt to taste at this point, and add more white and black pepper if your tongue is not twitching a bit when you sample. ;-).
• Simmer while cooking ditalini (or other stubby pasta).
• Serve soup over cooked pasta to taste.
• Note: Like many soups, this may be better made the day before and then served when needed. We will freeze some for ready-made meals and I think it will work out well.

CARRABBA'S ITALIAN BUTTER CLONE

Steps:

• Mix together herbs and spices.
• Place on a saucer.
• Add crushed garlic and mix well.
• Add melted butter; pour olive oil over mixture.
• Use as a dip for Italian bread.

BOLD & SPICY STEAK WITH CHIPOTLE BUTTER

Steps:

• Mix steak sauce, lime juice and 1 Tbsp. of the chipotle peppers until well blended. Remove 1/2 cup of the steak sauce mixture for brushing onto steaks as they cook. Pour remaining steak sauce mixture over steaks in large resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Turn bag over several times to evenly coat steaks. Refrigerate 30 min. to marinate.
• Meanwhile, mix butter and remaining 2 Tbsp. chipotle peppers until well blended; cover. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Preheat grill to medium heat. Remove steaks from marinade; discard bag and marinade. Grill steaks 8 to 10 min. for medium-rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally and brushing with the reserved steak sauce mixture. Remove steaks from grill; cut in half. Top with the butter mixture before serving.

SPICED BUTTER

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. As foam rises to the top, skim and discard it. Continue cooking, without letting the butter brown, until no more foam appears. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cumin, cardamom, oregano, turmeric, and basil and continue cooking for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from the heat and let stand until the spices settle. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve before using.