food notes

[pantryslut]

Had my very first hot cross bun today after lunch. Odd. For those who are, like I was, hot cross virgins: not very sweet, filled with dried and candied fruit. Like a muffin fruitcake, maybe.

Made chicken braised in Sauternes with leeks, carrots, and celery last night. Not bad, but could use some tweaking. Maybe I should brown the chicken first? Brown the veggies more? Cut the Sauternes with some broth or other liquid? Cook the liquid down to make more of a sauce? Something else?

I am craving a spinach salad with almonds and dried cranberries and maybe a citrus vinaigrette. This seems a suspiciously specific craving. But I may have to make do with dried cherries.

Comments

[pantryslut.livejournal.com]

There was some thyme in the seasoning, and also a couple cloves, which I kinda liked. But I also like the bay leaf idea.

I just served it with French bread.

Maybe some brightness

[charleshaynes.livejournal.com]

Might need some acid to balance the aromatics sweetness and fat. Lemon juice and lemon zest would be traditional.

Definitely concentrate the drippings.

Re: Maybe some brightness

[pantryslut.livejournal.com]

I did rub the chicken with lemon as the first step, but more lemon may be in order nonetheless. Thanks!