Squid With Brandy Cream Food

SQUID INK PASTA WITH SHRIMP AND CHERRY TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Add the shrimp shells to a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer until it has reduced by half. Strain and keep on the heat at a low simmer until ready to use.
• Add the olive oil, fennel, onions, a pinch of salt and crushed red pepper flakes in a saute pan over medium heat. Let the fennel and onions cook until translucent. Then add the tomatoes, garlic, oregano and white wine. Let it reduce until there is about 1/4 cup of liquid left. Then add the squid, shrimp and 1/2 cup of the shrimp stock. Stir in the parsley.
• Cook the fresh squid ink pasta in salted boiling water until tender, but still has a bite. Add the cooked pasta to the saute pan and toss to coat. Garnish the pasta with fennel fronds, a drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmesan.
• Mound the flour on a clean, dry work surface. Make a hole (this is also called a well) in the center of the flour pile that is about 8 inches wide (bigger is definitely is better here). Crack the eggs into the hole and add the egg yolk, olive oil, squid ink and some salt.
• Using a fork, beat the eggs together with the olive oil, squid ink and salt; then begin to incorporate the flour into the egg mixture, being careful not to break the sides of the well or else the egg mixture will run all over your board and you will have a big mess! Also, don't worry about the lumps. When enough flour has been incorporated into the egg mixture that it will not run all over the place, begin to use your hands to really get everything well combined. If the mixture is tight and dry, wet your hands and begin kneading with wet hands. When the mixture has really come together into a homogeneous mixture, THEN you can start kneading.
• When kneading, it is VERY important to put your body weight into it; get on top of the dough to really stretch it and not to tear the dough. Using the heels of your palms, roll the dough to create a very smooooooth, supple dough. When done, the dough should look VERY smooth and feel almost velvety. Kneading will usually take from 8 to 10 minutes for an experienced kneader, or 10 to 15 minutes for an inexperienced kneader. Put your body weight into it; you need to knead! This is where the perfect, toothsome texture of your pasta is formed. Get in there and have fun!
• When the pasta has been kneaded to the perfect consistency, wrap it in plastic and let it rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes. If using immediately, do not refrigerate.
• Roll and cut the pasta into the desired shape.
• How smooth and supple!

SQUID WITH BRANDY & CREAM

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a casserole dish, then add the onion, thyme and bay leaves with a good grind of black pepper. Gently fry for about 15 mins until the onion is golden and soft. Only at this point stir in the garlic. Turn off the heat and stir in the passata. Leave to stand.
• Cut the squid in half lengthways down the cone. Chop each half widthways into 2.5cm/1in ribbons. Cut up the fins and the tentacles to a similar size. Dry off any wetness from the squid with kitchen paper. It must be as dry as possible so it will fry and colour better.
• Get a large frying pan and put on a high heat. When the pan is intensely hot, throw in a third of the squid with a small slug of sunflower oil and a generous pinch of salt. Fry hard, stirring occasionally, until well coloured. Tip the squid into the casserole. Repeat with the remaining squid, cooking it in batches twice more, adding more salt and oil with each.
• Return the casserole to the heat and add 100ml water. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Add 100ml of the brandy and put the lid on. Simmer very gently for 40 mins, then another 20 mins with the lid slightly off, allowing the juices to reduce a little. When tender, stir in the rest of the brandy and the cream, and serve scattered with parsley.

BRANDY CREAM SHRIMP

Steps:

• In saucepan combine broth and shallots.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
• Simmer, covered for 3 minutes.
• Stir in whipping cream and brandy.
• Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes, or until reduced to 1 cup.
• Add butter, one piece at a time, whisking well.
• Stir in lemon juice and white pepper.
• In skillet, saute shrimp in oil for 4 minutes.
• Add sauce; heat through; sprinkle with chives.