Roast Chicken with Ricotta Stuffing, Marsala Sauce, served on Crisp Toast

Roast Chicken with Ricotta Stuffing, Marsala Sauce, served on Crisp Toast

Serves: 4

Difficulty Level: Gourmet

Roast Chicken with Ricotta Stuffing, Marsala Sauce, served on Crisp Toast

I love a great roast chicken. There are so very many variations available today. This one is quite unique. Tosca, one of top 10 restaurants in 2014 featured in Bon Appetit, serves this dish to admiring fans. It’s been 53 years since Tosca sealed off its kitchen, became only a bar, before reopening as a restaurant under the guidance of famed British chef April Bloomfield. While it does take some work, well, more work than just shoving the chicken into the oven, the results are transcendent from the drippings-soaked sourdough toasts to the glossy pan sauce. Roasting the chicken is pretty easy. The lemon and pine nuts in the ricotta stuffing are savory and a wonderful part of the sandwich – bread soaked in chicken drippings, ricotta stuffing, roast chicken and then all draped in the wonderful Marsala sauce. Don’t wait to try this one!

Green Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

Green Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

Serves: 2

Difficulty: Easy

Green Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

Are you looking for a different green salad that is light yet with a special something – in this case an apple-y, slightly sweet, vinaigrette?  This goes great with the brined smoked salmon posted last week – but also with pork and any fish. 

Brined & Smoked Salmon

Brined & Smoked Salmon

Serves: 2

Difficulty: Moderate

Plan ahead – overnight brine

Brined & Smoked Salmon

If you have never smoked fish – you are missing quite the taste treat.  Many grocers are now offering smoked fish, but it is easy and so much better if you do it yourself. There are a myriad of methods and foods to smoke– fish, meat, cheese, and vegetables – multiple opportunities to test your skills and enjoy the results. I have a stovetop smoker made by Cameron. But you can also use a BBQ, electric smokers or modify some foil pans for use on the stove or BBQ.  Give it a try – you will be happy you did! 

Stovetop smoker--don't forget to turn on the fan when you are done!