Monday, April 20, 2020

Brandied Chicken Breasts





Thank you all for welcoming me into what is arguably the hottest culinary quarantine destination on the internet. Certainly an upgrade from Antoni's haunted "Quar-eye" instagram series. It's an honor and a privilege to be here.

This first edition is a little wonky, since I had to use what I already had on hand. I couldn't find my copy of JoC, so I had to call my dad and have him text me chicken breast recipes, which also didn't include page numbers. Worry not, I just ordered a new (used) copy (from Thriftbooks, Jessie- no bezos blood money was exchanged), and future entries will be standardized.

Now onto the main event.



I was very pleased with how this turned out. I've never brandied meat before, and it effectively locked in the flavor and kept the bird juicy even though I overcooked it. I rubbed the chicken with brandy and the spice mixture and let it sit for about 20 mins. Instead of sherry I used regular red wine and I think it tasted just fine.

The sauce here came together really easily. It was similar to a hollandaise I think, and I was a little concerned bc I don't have a lot of experience with cream-based sauces. I reduced the amount of recommended heavy cream and used about 3/4 cup. Because I only cooked 2 breasts this left us with more than enough sauce. I didn't top with swiss cheese, because I don't think I've ever kept it in the house. JoC LOVES swiss, I see it in so many recipes! Maybe it's time to broaden my horizons.



I did top with bread crumbs and broiled, and it really did crisp up nicely on top. Coupled with a salad and some grains we had left over in the pantry, this one was a smash success.

Finished chickie
Louie couldn't be happier as we settle down to watch "DEVS",
a show I am bored by, but resigned to for lack of options. I was
lobbying for curb, but was denied bc he doesn't like "tense tv"...
.... .... ironic as this dumb opinion is the source of plenty of tension
in our household. King of the Hill is the great unifier, thanks to Beth
for showing me the genius of that perfect show so long ago. 

I apologize for this layout, it's nasty. I'm learning. 
Molly: 4/5 stars... but 5/5 stars for the preparation, it was easy and the flavor payoff was huge.
Louie: 4/5 stars
Blackbird: 5/5 stars

7 comments:

  1. That does look good! I imagine you can really change up the flavor profile just by switching to a different alcohol. And don't worry about missing out on swiss cheese...that stuff is icky.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is the validation I needed. Thanks, J

      Delete
  2. Great job Mol! I'm with Louie though...This no time for tense TV!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha just take breaks, its fine.

      Delete
    2. hahaha thank you guys! I have a sauce entry coming up. I tried another recipe but it was visually nauseating. I'm realizing I can either cook and take pics or cook and drink wine, but not all three. I'm split with the tense TV. People who are seeking out pandemic content are masochists, but I like getting lost in a heavy drama. As I told your mom on FB, I think we found equal ground in the Sopranos.

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Thank you! Securing those was a saga in itself. David Norton hates commissions. I asked him for some pasta bowls and got four different shapes and sizes. They're beautiful though, who needs uniformity?

      Delete