My daughter is engaged to a Jewish guy. He's wonderful, but I haven't

C

clofthwld

Well-known member
met his family and I don't know anything about the family as far as food goes, and I'm hosting a dinner party. I grew up in a little teeny weeny town with one African-American guy named "Bubba" who lived by the railroad tracks. I'm serious here.

I need help with food. I know I sound naive, but there is no diversity around here and I commuted to college. I read a lot, but .... I'm Irish Catholic and I'm freaking out!

 
Hey Collette! Was wondering when you'd pop up smileys/smile.gif I don't see anything to worry about -

There wouldn't be any food restrictions unless they're Kosher, and a simple question to your daughter's fiance would enlighten you on that. And if they are Kosher, you'll still have a lot of choices for the menu.

 
Well, you never go to bed when you should. Just like me. I love staying up

until I wake up the next morning!

 
This is a fantastic recipe, and it's now in T&T. Calvados-Braised Chicken with Apples...

(Suggestion: Use 2 cups cider reduced to 1 cup for more concentrated apple flavor).

CALVADOS-BRAISED CHICKEN WITH APPLES

Ingredients:
1 chicken, about 3 pounds, quartered
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp. good-quality olive oil
1 Tbsp. butter (1/8 stick)
Flour for dredging
2 shallots, minced
1 large sprig fresh thyme
1 cup apple cider
2 Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into very thin slices

1. Trim the wings and backbone off the chicken along with any excess fat. Season the pieces well on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the oil and butter in a Dutch oven or deep heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the chicken pieces in flour to coat both sides, then shake off the excess. Working in batches if necessary, add the chicken parts to the pan, skin side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes on a side. Remove to a platter.

2. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan. Lower the heat to medium and add the Calvados, stirring to scrape up any crusty bits off the bottom (it may flame briefly). Add the shallots and thyme and cook until the liquid is reduced to a glaze, about 1 minute. Return the chicken to the pan, skin side up, and pour the cider around the pieces. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook 20 minutes, or until the juices run clear when the pieces are pricked. (The legs may take a few minutes longer.)

3. Remove the chicken pieces to a platter and keep warm. Raise the heat under the pan and add the apple pieces. Cook, stirring, until the apples are soft but not mushy and the sauce is thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

4. Divide the chicken pieces among serving plates and spoon the sauce and apples alongside.

Servings: 4

From the Los Angeles Times via The Chicago Tribune

Recipe reviews:

http://www.finerkitchens.com/swap/forum/index.php?action=display&forumid=1&msgid=31026

http://www.finerkitchens.com/swap/forum/index.php?action=display&forumid=1&msgid=31160

 
Night owls are we??? Mornings can be ROUGH! smileys/smile.gif

I'm making myself go to bed now, though! Too many 5 hour nights are wearing on me.

You two have fun at the slumber party! smileys/smile.gif

Niters!

 
Thanks, Meryl. I will be the first official member of the

"Who Hates Their Name" Fan Club. Sign up, people! If you like the name "Colleen", you have to like the name "Meryl". What other names should be added to our fan club list?

 
I've always disliked the name "Meryl." Especially because so many people mispronounce it - they

end up calling me "Merle," which I depise!

 
Clofthwld, if his family keeps kosher you probably would have heard about it by now>>>

Ask this wonderful guy if his family has any dietary restrictions, or better yet, what they would like. He'll probably be touched that you worried about it.

Failing that, ask your daughter.

Failing that, avoid pork, shellfish and cheeseburgers on this first getting-aquainted menu.

Whatever you serve, everyone will appreciate you taking this first step to host a dinner party. Wonderful guys usually have wonderful parents!

 
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