Seasonal foods are better for our health and the environment
Following their natural life cycle, fruits and vegetables not only have more nutrients and active substances, you get extra bonuses—more intense taste and aroma. FIGS, GRAPES, PEARS, ELDERBERRIES, BEANS, PRICKLY PEARS, APPLES, CHERRIES, DATES, MUSHROOMS
APPLE CIDER CHICKEN
- 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil – divided
- 1-1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs – (about 8, depending on size)
- 1 tsp kosher salt – divided
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper – divided
- 1/2 cup fresh apple cider
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 med firm, sweet apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium high.
Sprinkle top of chicken evenly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add chicken to the pan, top-side down. Cook 4 minutes, then flip and continue cooking until the meat is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°; 3 to 4 additional minutes.
Remove to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
In small bowl or large measuring cup, mix apple cider and mustard. With a paper towel, carefully wipe the skillet clean.
Add remaining 2 tsp oil to the pan over medium high. Once the oil is hot, add apple slices, remaining salt, pepper, and rosemary.
Cook 5 minutes, until the apples are lightly tender and begin to turn golden.
Return chicken to the pan and pour cider mixture over the top. Let cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half.
Serve warm, sprinkled with additional chopped rosemary as desired.
This recipe is best enjoyed the day it is made, but can last 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat leftovers gently in microwave or on stovetop with a bit of chicken broth to keep chicken from drying out. You can swap chicken breasts for the thighs; be sure to watch cooking time to ensure internal temperature on larger cuts.
Wild Rice with Roasted Grapes
Grapes are high in A and B1, contain vitamin B3 and C, and have a lot of mineral salts. They help detoxify and mineralize the body and tackle anemia. By chewing a grape with its seeds you will benefit of the effects of a natural anticholesterol. Or, just whip up this perfect Fall side dish.
- 1 cup wild rice, cooked according to package directions
- 2 cups red seedless grapes • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces, toasted • 1 tbsp + 2 tsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar • 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Toss the grapes and shallot with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Transfer to a baking sheet that’s been sprayed with oil or lined with parchment paper and roast for about 20 minutes, or until the grapes are softened, but not burst.
Transfer grapes and shallot to a large bowl. Add rice, walnuts, remaining oil, vinegar, and sage; gently toss, careful not to smash grapes. Salt & pepper to taste.
MICHAELMAS DRAGONBREAD
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
- 3 3/4 cups flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
DIRECTIONS
Mix together the yeast and warm water and allow it to rest.
In another bowl, mix eggs, oil, salt, and sugar. Add flour; then yeast and water mixture, mix until blended. Knead dough on a floured surface until firm and smooth.
Round into a bowl coated in a little oil. Turn the ball over once to coat both sides of dough with oil, then let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Place dough on a greased cookie sheet and shape into a dragon. Use scissors to cut legs, a mouth, scales, etc.
Poke in almonds for teeth, or dried fruits for spikes.
Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake at 350° until done.
Devour with righteousness!
Dragons?
“Michaelmas,” September 29, is a Christian festival of angels. Michael was the archangel who threw Lucifer, often represented as a dragon, out of heaven.
Because it falls near the equinox, this celebration is associated with the beginning of Autumn and the shortening of days.
Michael the Archangel is not only a dragonslayer, he is also the patron saint of police officers, and military personnel, he also favors children, grocers, mariners, and paratroopers.
Plenty of reasons to bake some bread!