Wednesday, December 8, 2010. Chicken And Chanterelles. I remained home today, so Mary Ann would have company on her first full day back in town. Judging by her demeanor, though, I think she might have liked it better if she hadn't seen me all day. What happened to that nice, warm lady who looked just like her last week, right before she left for Los Angeles?
Things became more domestic after the radio show. Mary Ann went to a farmer's market in Los Angeles and came home with a few large chanterelle mushrooms. She thought I would find them exciting to cook with.
Indeed I did. The dish started out with pounded, very lightly floured slices of chicken breast meat, browned in butter. After removing the chicken to a warm oven, I deglazed the pan with a half-cup of Chardonnay, and added tarragon, sage, and Worcestershire. When the liquid was about half boiled away, I added the mushrooms and cooked them until tender.
Then took the pan off the stove and whisked in about half a stick of butter. Back came the chicken to soak up the sauce. About a half-pound of cooked rotini pasta joined the party in getting tossed. Finished. Mary Ann didn't seem excited by the dish, but I think she was still miffed about having to leave Los Angeles behind. For my palate, it was as fine an improvisation as I've ever performed. A recipe worth writing down.
Ristorante Del Porto. Covington: 501 E Boston St. 985-875-1006.
