Pie Dough Recipe

Makes 2 (9 inch) crusts

Whirl together 3 CUPS FLOUR, 1 TABLESPOON SUGAR, and 1 1/2 TEASPOONS KOSHER SALT in a food processor. Add 1 CUP COLD, CUBED UNSALTED BUTTER and pulse into pea sized pieces. Drizzle 2/3 CUPS VERY COLD WATER over crumbs and pulse just until moistened. Turn dough out onto a work surface and gather into a ball, turning to combine any dry crumbs. Divide dough in half, form each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill at least 30 minutes.

Cranberry Mold

This is an old family recipe. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

2 cups cranberries
1 1/4 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 package cherry Jello
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced apple
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Cook cranberries in water. When tender add sugar and cook five minutes. Pour boiling mixture over Jello powder and stir until dissolved. Chill and when partially set, add rest of ingredients.
Pour into ring mold or serving bowl and chill.

Parker House Rolls

From the Fannie Farmer Baking Book

Whisk 1 ENVELOPE ACTIVE DRY YEAST and 1/4 cup warm water in a small bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Heat 1 CUP WHOLE MILK in a small saucepan over medium heat until just warm. Combine 1/4 CUP VEGETABLE SHORTENING. 3 TABLESPOONS SUGAR, and 1 1/2 TEASPOONS KOSHER SALT in a large bowl. Add warm milk; whisk to blend, breaking up shortening into small clumps (it may not melt completely). Whisk in yeast mixture and 1 ROOM TEMPERATURE LARGE EGG. Add 3 1/2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR; stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until dough forms. Knead dough with lightly floured hands on a lightly floured surface until smooth, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl; turn to coat. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350. Melt 1/4 CUP UNSALTED BUTTER in a small saucepan. Lightly brush a 13×9 inch baking dish with some melted butter. Punch down dough; divide into 4 equal pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time, roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×6 inch rectangle.
Cut lengthwise into three 2 inch wide strips; cut each crosswise into 4×2 inch rectangles. Brush half with melted butter; fold unbuttered side over, allowing a 1/4 inch overhang. Place flat in 1 corner of the dish, folded edge against short side of dish. Add remaining rolls, shingling to form 1 long row. Repeat with remaining dough for 3 or 4 rows. Brush with melted butter, loosely cover with plastic, and chill for 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.
Bake rolls until golden brown and puffed, about 25-35 minutes. Brush with butter; sprinkle with FLAKY SEA SALT. Serve warm.

Cranberry Shrub

This is a refreshing holiday drink for those of us who do not care for any wine or cocktails. This drink can also be used to clean your palate.
Makes 3 1/2 cups

12 oz. fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp. lemon zest
2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Pour over ice and top with club soda or Pellegrino.

Oyster Stew

This is a traditional Thanksgiving Eve meal.
Serves 4 for appetizer, 2 for dinner.

1/4 cup butter
8 ounces whole oysters in jar with liquid
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
dash of paprika
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley for garnish

In a medium saucepan, place the butter, oysters with liquid, milk, cream, salt, pepper and paprika. Cook on medium-low heat until butter has melted and oysters float and edges are curled. Ladle into bowl and garnish with parsley. Serve with oyster crackers.

Wine served: 2009 Domaine Collote, Marsannay

Creamy Piquillo Pepper and Chickpea Soup with Chicken

This unbelievably easy and deep flavored recipe is from Food and Wine magazine.

Ingredients

1 cup drained piquillo peppers (8 ounces), 1/4 cup cut into thin strips
3/4 cup hummus (7 ounces)
2 cups chicken or beef stock
1/2 cup cook white rice
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 Tbsp. chopped flat-leaf parsley
Olive oil and hot sauce, for serving

In a blender or a food processor (I used a bowl and immersion blender), combine the whole piquillos with the hummus and stock and puree until smooth. Transfer the soup to medium saucepan. Add rice and chicken, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the parsley, sliced piquillos, olive oil and hot sauce.