Thursday, January 26, 2012

stir it up

My latest inspiration in the kitchen comes from Stir: Mixing It Up In The Italian Tradition.The cookbook is written by chef Barbara Lynch, who has perhaps one of the most respected and inspirational coming of age success stories in Boston. Her tales of growing up in the Southie projects are told all over town, touching on her involvement with petty crime or reminiscing about the time she stole an MBTA Bus at age 13 (for fun), to the home ec class in high school where her passion for cooking ignited. With six highly acclaimed and well loved Boston restaurants (No. 9 Park, B&G Oysters, The Butcher Shop, Sportello, Drink and Menton) not to mention a catering business (No. 9 at Home), and a demonstration kitchen offering classes to the public (also named Stir), the time line from dropping out of high school to present day is nothing short of remarkable. Reading her cookbook gives a true insight into her powerful story, bold natured spirit and of course, her signature dishes. I find most of the recipes to be elegant and distinctive while remaining approachable and practical. They are extremely well written and the food turned out as a result, is exceptional. Two Sunday's ago I made her Lemony Panko Crusted Chicken and Ginger Glazed Carrots and served them alongside a garlic and herb couscous. (Chicken, carrots and couscous - apparently, I was going for a "C" themed dinner.)I adapted the carrot recipe only slightly, where chef calls for mustard seeds, I took the liberty of using real mustard. The glaze took on more of a honey mustard quality as a result, but the inherent depth from the ginger remained in tact. The carrots themselves are bright, buttery and perfectly tender.
Ginger Glazed Carrots
6 carrots, trimmed, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch lengths
1 tablespoon spicy yellow mustard
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper

Prepare to blanch the carrots by boiling a medium saucepan of water and setting aside a bowl full of ice water. Cook the carrots in the boiling water until just tender, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the carrots to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well.

Heat the mustard in a skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan to allow it to disperse, about two minutes. Add the butter and honey. When the butter is melted, add the ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Add the carrots and toss them well. Continue to stir everything until the carrots, butter and flavorings are well combined, about 5 - 7 minutes.
I did not adapt the Lemony Breaded Chicken Cutlets but I did find the recipe online if you want to make them. Scroll midway down the article linked just above and you will find it within the text. If the fact that the recipe calls for homemade tarragon, parsley and chive herb butter doesn't entice you, nothing will. This is easily my new favorite way to make carrots and undeniably the juiciest and most flavorful chicken to ever come out of my kitchen. I can't wait to share more of what I make from Stir.

Other Indulge Inspire Imbibe posts
featuring a piece of Barbara Lynch's empire
:

22 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great cookbook - for recipes and stories! Barbara Lynch definitely seems like a firecracker -- how hilarious that she actually stole an MBTA bus. Your meal looks so comforting!

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  2. I'm looking forward to reading more of Barbara Lynch's recipes! This "C"-themed dish looks great!

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  3. I have picked this book up a number of times but never bought it - love this recipe though and LOVE her!

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  4. i had no idea she had so much character, love it :) and this meal looks amazing, i'll have to add those recipes to the rotation!

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  5. I often think about picking up Stir. I'm not sure what has been holding me back!

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  6. I'd love to visit Stir, and at least take a look at the book. Those carrots look divine.

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  7. That's so funny we both wrote about Stir today! Barbara Lynch is great. I'll have to try this out - looks and sounds amazing.

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  8. First off, love the new blog design! Not sure if it's really that new because I usually read your blog in Google Reader. :)

    Secondly, the carrots look divine! I can't wait to try them.

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  9. I must get this cook book. I am on the list for Stir but have yet to attend a class. I am going to have to give a go. This chicken looks amazing!

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  10. I am down with everything but the carrots. I just dont groove on them.

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  11. Thank you for the information, the article is very well-written.

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  12. I love Barbara Lynch and your chicken looks amazing!I'm adding Stir to my "Want" list ASAP :)

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  13. Hmmm...did I give you this cookbook? I feel like I did! Somehow I have gifted this to several people but don't have it myself! Looks yummy...I miss cooking.

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  14. Love Barbara Lynch! The chicken looks so delicious. I have been dying to take a class at Stir.

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  15. Those carrots sound tasty! We need another Drink night. :)

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  16. Whoa, looks delish! I think I need to follow your workout routine because you look great - if I ate all the good food you eat I'd weigh 300 pounds! :)

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  17. Perfect meal! We love the near east boxes of brown rice pilaf. I haven't tried the couscous. I'll have to grab a box next time I'm at the store.

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  18. You are continuously inspired along the way. So glad your inspiration comes from Barbara's love for food and not her past antics of stealing a MBTA bus! Hehe....Your meal looks very appetizing, especially the ginger carrots!

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  19. yum looks good! that cookbook is so pretty- my dad and step mom have it and i loved the food porn! haha

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  20. oh my gosh, you're so killing me right now with this panko crusted chicken! it looks sooo delicious.. I just this a few times before but never came out quite right, certainly not the way yours looks.. Yum. :-) Also took a minute to look around your blog and you have cool stuff so adding you to my google.. maybe follow each other?..let's talk soon!

    Hugs from NYC!
    TravelDesignery.com

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