RECIPE: RECIPE: German Chicken, Ham, and Cheese Roulades

RECIPE:

olga_d_ont

Well-known member
GERMAN CHICKEN, HAM, AND CHEESE ROULADES

A substantial and altogether winning appetizer.

2 whole chicken breasts (about 1 pound each), skinned, boned, and halved

4 thin slices Westphalian or Black Forest ham

4 thin slices Gruyere or Emmenthaler cheese

1 medium garlic clove, very finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon crushed dried thyme, marjoram, or sage

Freshly ground white pepper to taste

1/3 cup dry white wine

1/3 cup chicken broth

Watercress or parsley sprigs

Place each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap and pound it lightly with the flat side of a cleaver or a wooden mallet until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Trim the slices of ham and cheese so that they are the same size as the flattened pieces of chicken. Place a slice of ham on each piece of chicken and cover the ham with a slice of cheese. Season with the finely chopped garlic, thyme, marjoram, or sage and white pepper. Roll up the pieces tightly and fasten with wooden picks, or tie securely with string.

Arrange the roulades in a greased baking sheet just large enough to hold them comfortably in one layer and pour the wine and broth over them. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 350 F. oven 35 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is tender.

Transfer the roulades to a platter and cool to room temperature, then cover and chill. Remove the wooden picks or string. Slice the roulades crosswise into rounds and arrange on a chilled serving platter. Garnish with watercress or parsley sprigs and serve. Makes about 20.

VARIATION: In a medium sized, heavy skillet melt 2 Tablespoons Clarified Butter, or heat a mixture of 1 tablespoon each butter and flavorless vegetable oil or olive oil over moderate. Add the roulades and sauté, turning to brown lightly on all sides. Add the wine and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender. Cool, chill, slice, and serve as directed above.

The International Appetizer Cookbook..Sonia Uvezian..Tastemaker Award Winner`

 
Olga, I love these. Thanks for posting. more info...

In Austria, these are glazed with an aspic and it makes a stunning presentation. They're like jewels on the platter.

To glaze is simple. Use a strong chicken consomme that gels when cooled (it should be the consistency of jello when it comes from the fridge). If your consomme doesn't have enough gelatin in it, dissolve and add an envelope of unflavored knox gelatine, simmer, then recool.

When the roulades are completed, warm the aspic just enough so that it is a syrupy consistency, not hot, that will pour. Hold each cold sliced roulade over the pan of glaze (spatula works good) and spoon the aspic over them. The aspic should set up very quickly when it comes in contact with the cold roulade. Completely cover the surface of the roulades with an even layer of aspic and return to the fridge to set completely.

Another technique is to cover the uncut roulades with aspic, then slice so that the outer layer is a ring of clear aspic. Very pretty.

Aspic is not really an American thing, but this is practically a requirement for this dish in Austria. They would also garnish the platter of glazed roulades with very small cubes or cutouts of aspic. This makes a great first course for a fussy dinner party.

 
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