26 September 2008

Avec Eric



The photogenic Eric Ripert is the head chef at Le Bernardin, one of four restaurants in New York to be awarded the maximum 3 stars from Michelin. Over the summer, he started the website Avec Eric, which is frankly money. Basically, he posts simple recipes that can all be made in a toaster-oven set to broil (although I use an actual broiler). It's brilliant; he gets sponsored by Cuisinart's high end toaster to bring such venerable dishes as quail and smoked salmon toasts to the common man. While I have yet to make that, last night I made his Roasted Bananas to go along with a roast chicken I had cooking. Literally: so simple and delicious!

Roasted Bananas with Rosemary
1 tablespoon softened butter
3 finger bananas, peeled
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 small sprig of fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons bourbon or whiskey
fine sea salt
fresh ground black pepper
  1. Heat toaster oven to broil.
  2. Slice bananas in half lengthwise and arrange in a single layer on the tray.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Brush the bananas with soft butter and maple syrup.
  5. Sprinkle with the whole rosemary leaves.
  6. Broil for about 3-4 minutes until the bananas are lightly caramelized, finish lightly with whiskey or bourbon.

Other dishes from his collections I've made are equally easy and tasty: Parmesan Zucchini with Balsamic; Herb Roasted Chicken Tenders; Broiled Red Snapper Fillets. Go check it out.

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