CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

I struggled with the title of this post. I wanted to call it "The Best Condiment in the Whole Wide World" or "The King of All Sauces", but I couldn't come up with anything  royal or prestigious enough to describe its worth. The bottom line is, I just cannot say enough about Chimichurri!

A long time ago, I found the recipe in a pamphlet that Willams-Sonoma was giving out. Back then, I started making it to accompany Argentinian Steak Kabobs, and it was a huge hit. Slowly over the years though, I have discovered that Chimichurri can be used as a mouthwatering topping for any cut of steak, beef, chicken, sausage, fish, even seafood!

Every time I serve it, guests beg for more, even after eating it with the main course. Usually they just slather some on their plate and then mop it up with bread! Mmmm....



Once, I was even asked for an entire vatful, "To Go", apparently so this person (who shall remain nameless) could take it home, and bathe in it.....               ?

That is taking it a tad bit too far if you ask me, but anyway.....

Here is the recipe. Enjoy!

(A quick note: I am happy to say that the subscription feature to my posts seems to be working again. But in order to enjoy all the fun my blog has to offer, feel free to go directly to the blog itself. www.fifisfinefoods.blogspot.com  


CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

1 CUP PACKED FRESH CILANTRO LEAVES
3/4 CUP PACKED FRESH FLAT LEAF PARSLEY LEAVES
4 LARGE GARLIC CLOVES, CHOPPED
2 FRESH JALAPENO CHILI PEPPERS, SEEDED
1 TABLESPOON OREGANO
1 1/2 TEASPOON SALT
1/2 CUP OLIVE OIL
3 TABLESPOONS WHITE WINE VINEGAR
3 TABLESPOONS FRESH LIME JUICE

IN A FOOD PROCESSOR OR BLENDER COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS AND PROCESS TO FORM A SMOOTH PUREE. COVER AND REFRIGERATE UNTIL READY TO SERVE. (CAN ALSO BE FROZEN FOR UP TO TWO WEEKS. DEFROST BEFORE SERVING.)

SATISFYING Stove Top Cassoulet

Brr!!! A wintery chill has definitely arrived here in New Jersey. The snow flurries we had all day today caused me to ponder the benefits of becoming a hibernating bear....but alas, the reality is that I will continue on as a human. And as hard as it may be, I must stay awake... and continue to function during the approaching dark, shivery days of winter.

This can only mean it is time to start breaking out my heartiest recipes... the kind of meals that give us all the warm fuzzies after we have eaten them! This stove top cassoulet is definitely one of our favorites. I like it because it is a one dish meal that the whole family enjoys, and it even satisfies the most exuberant of appetites.

SATISFYING STOVE TOP CASSOULET

1.5 to 2 lbs any variety sausage links (I have used sweet Italian sausage many times in the past. This time I used chicken sausage with roasted red peppers/spinach in it.)
4 slices of bacon, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3/4 tsp. dried thyme
2 carrots and 2 ribs of celery, diced
freshly ground salt & pepper to taste
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes ( for a more smoky flavor, use Muir Glen Organic Fire Roasted tomatoes)
2 15oz cans small white beans or white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Rustic bread of your choice

Grill the sausages or prepare stove top. Cool and slice, set aside.

In a fairly large stockpot cook the diced bacon in the olive oil, add the onion and thyme, vegetables, and white wine. Season with the salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat about five minutes. Then stir in the tomatoes, beans and sausages, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve in bowls topped with grated parmigiano reggiano and a side of warm crusty bread.  This is guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out!

(Oh yeah, did I mention that it is full of things that are good for you, too?)

If you want to make it ahead for a crowd, just follow the directions above, and then transfer it to a slow cooker and set it on "warm".  Then it is ready to serve when you are! Be sure to put out some butter on the table (for slathering onto the crusty bread) and some extra grated cheese. Serve with your favorite wine, or winter lager.

Then finish the meal with some good quality pieces of dark chocolate. With minimal effort, you are suddenly everyone's hero! (At least for one night.) Lemme know whatcha think!