Substituting Frozen Pearl Onions For Fresh Food

PEARL ONIONS IN CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• In large heat proof bowl, pour boiling water over onions to loosed papery skin. Let stand 10 minutes then drain. Carefully cut off very end of each *pearl onion and slip off the skin.
• *Cut the pearl onions in half if you wish.
• Cream Sauce::.
• Melt butter over medium heat then add flour stirring with wire whisk constantly until all butter is absorded.
• Turn heat down to low and add milk slowly (or milk/whipping cream), continuing to stir constantly with wire whisk to break up lumps. Add sherry, (or substitute), Tabasco sauce, nutmeg, white pepper and salt. Fold in cooked onions and mix well.
• Just prior to serving, garnish with fresh parsley.
• Variation: When folding in cooked pearl onion add 3/4 cup fresh or frozen (defrosted) green peas.

BRAISED ONIONS A LA JULIA CHILD

Steps:

• If you are using fresh pearl onions, they are easier to peel if you blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then run them under cold water to cool.
• If you are using frozen pearl onions, make sure they are defrosted and drained.
• Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet and add the onions to the skillet.
• Saute over medium heat for about ten minutes, rolling the onions about so they brown as evenly as possible without breaking apart.
• Pour in the stock, add the herbs, and cover.
• Simmer over low heat for about 40 to 50 minutes until the onions are perfectly tender but retain their shape and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
• Remove the herbs, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.