Anyone can make yogurt without the use or need for special equipment. A fermented milk product, it’s not only healthy and full of live active cultures for intestinal health, but it’s economical…and delicious! Be sure to reserve 1/3 cup of this batch as a starter for your next batch. (More good news: starters can be frozen up to 3 months and thawed when needed.)
This recipe requires patience – and not much more. It’s easy to make, requires no kneading and the reward for waiting lies between the tender layers in the lightest of dinner rolls. The method involves a long, slow, cold ferment of the dough. In bread making, this wait allows the gluten forming to calm down, relax and helps develop flavor.
Lactic acid fermentation relies on beneficial cultures to break down natural sugars in pickled products producing a variety of healthful substances, like lactic acid bacteria, helpful in aiding digestion and maintaining the nutritional benefits of foods. These cucumber pickles (you can also use zucchini, if preferred) undergo a relatively short fermentation period in the refrigerator so you’ll have to wait awhile to enjoy these pickles but they turn out perfectly crispy and crunchy, just the way everyone likes them.
The days of rugged granolas have given way to those with a bit more flair. Making your own is also a good reason to reach for flavor neutral oils that don’t compete with the salty, sweet or spicy nature of your favorite recipe.
Here’s the secret to moist, tender cakes: oil. Whether olive or vegetable, oils are natural emulsifiers that work to improve texture and moistness, features you’ll find in this sweet and easy recipe that makes a terrific birthday cake.
Sauteing is a basic cooking technique that’s important to many recipes. It relies on fat and high heat to cook food quickly. Oil, plus butter, are keys to success—vegetable oil because it has a high smoke point and butter because it adds great flavor.
Yikes! Two days to fry a French fry? Yes, but the small extra step is worth the results, a crispy fry with a tender middle. Vegetable oil, with its high smoking point and flavor neutral profile, is the only choice for turning out the ideal fry. (By the way—yes! You do rinse the fries after the first frying to get rid of excess oil. Don’t skip this step!)
Fresh red skinned potatoes make up the crust that crowns this dish. Underneath the golden finish are meaty and richly-flavored chicken thighs bathed in a garlicky balsamic sauce. Thick slices of crusty bread are recommended to catch every last drop.
A comforting meal on a cold winter’s day, this classic Hungarian inspired dish uses mixed chicken pieces so everyone—dark and white meat lovers—gets their favorite.
Stock may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
Enjoy this with rice and pita bread.
Pan Roasted Bottom Flat Summer Garden Salad, Goat Cheese Grits & Great Lakes Gastrique was created during the 2014 Chef Summit at the Certified Angus Beef brand Education and Culinary Center. It’s perfect for anytime you find yourself in the mood for a great steak and a reason to impress your dinner guests. (This recipe has not been tested by Our Ohio staff.)
