Episode 113

Makes 4 servings… Hands-on time: 15 minutes Total preparation time: 30 minutes Duck and fruit are a classic combination, humans having long ago figured out that the acid in oranges, apples, or pears acts as a great counterbalance to the richness of the duck. Here I’ve used grapes, because I think grapes are unjustly overlooked in cooking – they add sweetness, acidity, and crunch. And once they’re cooked, they become even more grapey. By the way, if you’ve never before tried duck, more »

Makes 4 servings… Hands-on time: 15 minutes Total preparation time: 35 minutes For the longest time torikatsu chicken was one of my favorite Japanese takeout items. In fact, I loved this dish so much that I pretended it wasn’t fried. Alas, one day I confirmed the awful truth. Heartbroken, I decided to invent a non-fried version and add lemon to it. Here it is. The chicken comes out very moist from the marinade and crunchy from the coating. 1/2 cup fresh lemon more »

Makes 4 servings… Hands-on time: 20 minutes Total preparation time: 50 minutes This is based on an Italian dish called scarpariello – sort of a “turf and turf.” I love the combination of chicken and sausages to begin with, and when you throw in the pickled peppers, the whole dish takes on a lively peppery taste. When I first made this, I braised the chicken in the sauce and it came out a little tough (my stove is electric and it is more »