Braised Chicken Thighs, Killer Cheesecake and the Winner of the Free Lotion
March 7, 2010 at 1:20 am | Posted in Cakes, Dessert, Dinner, Giveaway, Poultry | 36 CommentsTags: Braised Chicken, Cheesecake, Chicken, Everyday Food, Giveaway, Lotion Giveaway, Martha Stewart, mascarpone, Mascarpone Cheesecake, SkinMD lotion
I’ve never been a fan of those network morning talk shows that dominate our TV’s from 9 am until noon. Regis and Kelly? The perky factor is just too much to take (how much caffeine runs through her veins?). When I was at the rehab facility for my knee last year, I had an older roommate, (for a month) who would blast Regis and Kelly every single morning. I almost smothered myself with pillows, 5 days a week, trying to cover every sense above the neck.
Last week, as I was getting dressed, my TV, which seems to have a mind of it’s own at times, decided it wanted to watch one of these shows. Well..it wasn’t too bad, since it was Martha Stewart, and loud, screechy and insanely perky aren’t adjectives you would use to describe Martha Stewart. Sure, there are a few others that would fit, but no need to bash Martha because, well..she cooks, bakes and makes elaborate chandeliers out of paper clips.
On this particular show, which stopped me mid-dress to actually pay attention, she had some of her slaves cooks from a show called Everyday Food, promoting a new cookbook. John Barricelli (the baker dude) made an apple brown betty and a ricotta lemon tart, and both looked great – but what really caught my eye and taste buds was a braised chicken with shallots that some nice lady whipped together. Naturally..I had to get the recipe and try it – so I did.
Does the phrase ‘Lick your plate clean’ entice you? It should, because you will do just that. I know it seems like a lot of shallots, but trust me, they melt into the sauce and catapult the flavor to the point where you might utter, involuntarily, ’Like, OMG!’.
I added a few tablespoons of honey to this particular recipe..but you know what? It really doesn’t need it because the melted shallots provide just the right amount of sweetness to counteract the mustard. YOU MUST TRY THIS, seriously. I’d be shocked if any of you were disappointed.
On another yummy note..while looking for a great way to use up the rest of the homemade mascarpone cheese from the Daring Bakers Tiramisu challenge in February, I came across a cheesecake that has comfortably settled into my top 5 cheesecakes of all time, along with Abbey’s Infamous Cheesecake from the Daring Bakers April ’09 challenge. Yes, the amount of mascarpone in ratio to the amount of cream cheese makes you wonder why it’s called Mascarpone Cheesecake, but that small amount provides such a rich flavor and creamy texture, I won’t even question it.
The only thing I did differently was bake it a bit longer than the recipe states..but that’s because my oven tends to run a little wonky at times..10 minutes longer is probably the way to go. Oh, and I drizzzled it with some of the leftover caramel sauce (again) from my take on the Tiramisu challenge. Once again, YOU MUST TRY THIS. ..seriously. Recipe for Mascarpone Cheesecake.
Finally..*drum roll, please* – the winner of the free lotion, according to random integer.com, issss…Claudia of Honey from Rock, who was the 60th comment. Send your name and addy to lismi171@yahoo.com, Claudia, and Skin MD will send your free bottle right out to you 
.
Braised Garlic Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with Shallots
From Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast
8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound small shallots (about 12), peeled and halved
5 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh tarragon leaves, for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
1.Season chicken with salt and pepper; coat with flour, shaking off excess.
2.In a Dutch oven or 5-quart pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil over medium-high. Cook chicken until browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove; set aside.
3.Add shallots and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add wine; cook until evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in honey, mustard and 1 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil.
4.Return chicken, bone side down, to pot. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until chicken is tender and cooked through, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate; loosely tent with aluminum foil to keep warm. Add tomatoes to pot; season with salt and pepper. Cook on high until sauce has thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and return chicken to pot; cook until heated through. Serve, garnished with tarragon, if desired.
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GREAT pix. Absolutely tantalizing.
Comment by rookie cookie— March 7, 2010 #
Oooh…I’m drooling over here! That looks amazing.
Comment by Off The Eaten Path— March 7, 2010 #
Oh sweety Lisa Michele(im sure many told ya how beautiful ur name is …),when u talk about food network and all those shows ,i tell u how muc i would have loved to have ‘em ….coz we only have travel and living out here…..
I’d dont think u’ll be shocked anywhere here coz everybody is simply going to love this recipe……i did too….this one is a winner or atleast all that u have are…;-))))
and all ur other links are bookmarked too…yeah u spoke my heart…i so wanted to make that cheesecake and also mascaporne…..fantastic….a great recipe and fantastic links too……
cheers and a deliciously delightfully fantastic happy sunday to ya….
Comment by sugar plum fairy— March 7, 2010 #
WOW that chicken looks fantastic. Wish I could eat that right now. My mouth is watering. Your pictures are great.
Comment by Dan— March 7, 2010 #
Excellent pictures!!!
The cheesecake loks fab!!! The braised chicken looks grand as well!
Comment by Sophie— March 7, 2010 #
[...] Braised Chicken, Cheesecake and the Winner of the Free Lotion … [...]
Pingback by How to Build a Backyard Chicken Coop— March 7, 2010 #
Congrats to the winner!
That chicken dish looks delicious! OMG, what a luscious cheesecake! So creamy…
Cheers,
Rosa
Comment by Rosa— March 7, 2010 #
[...] Braised Chicken, Cheesecake and the Winner of the Free Lotion … [...]
Pingback by Chicken Coop Plans for Free— March 7, 2010 #
Hmmmm… That chicken does sound yummy – and your pictures certainly make it look yummy! And that is a lot of shallots, but ever since I made “Chicken with Forty Garlic Cloves”, no amount of spices can survive (the garlic almost completely mellowed out during the braising process, so I can see how the shallots would too).
The cheesecake looks perfectly creamy and luscious!
I’m with you on the excessive perkiness of morning talk shows, including cooking shows. I like cooking hosts who strike a good balance between friendly and efficient, enthusiastic and calm.
Comment by Valerie— March 7, 2010 #
[...] Braised Chicken, Cheesecake and the Winner of the Free Lotion … [...]
Pingback by Chicken House and Run— March 7, 2010 #
The food looks amazing!!!! Goodness! Congrats to the winner!
Comment by Memoria— March 7, 2010 #
mmm this all looks so good
I made that daring bakers cheesecake in april ’09 it was the best homemade cheesecake ive ever had..its the only one thats ever worked out properly for me actually! yumm!!
Comment by Natalie— March 7, 2010 #
That cheesecake looks soooo creamy! I wasn’t a cheesecake fan until I made my own (I came across the recipe the Daring Bakers used before I became a member) and since then, I love the stuff. The mascarpone cheesecake recipe sounds fantastic too, will have to give that a try!
Also, the chicken looks great. I’m always looking for more meals that sort of just cook themselves, taste great, on the healthy side of life and are great as leftovers the next day, this looks like it fits the profile!
Comment by MandyM— March 7, 2010 #
May I come to your house for dinner? Pleeeease!
Comment by Sue— March 7, 2010 #
Oh indeed that looks very, lick your plate clean, kind of yummy.
Comment by Lori— March 7, 2010 #
That cheeesecake looks great!
Comment by Shirley— April 8, 2011 #
Say what you will about Martha, that girl can turn out a tasty chicken! Yours looks yummy
Comment by Julie— March 7, 2010 #
Ok, the cheesecake looks fantastic. Getting ready for a cheesecake showdown with some friends. Hmm?
Comment by Katrina— March 7, 2010 #
How lucky are we to have two fantastic recipes from you – I forgot about that cheesecake – I wasnt in daring bakers then but I heard it was the BEST!
And that chicken – well, it’s just gorgeous – it looks so hearty!
Comment by trissalicious— March 8, 2010 #
Ah, you’ve got my attention with both recipes. LOVE the ingredient list in that chicken recipe. The tarragon is interesting… And the cheesecake? Well now I seriously have the motivation to make the DB tiramisu I’m lagging on.
Comment by kellypea— March 8, 2010 #
I do agree with you about the tv talk shows… They control all stations in the morning. I wish they are interesting to watch or hear.
Gorgeous looking cheesecake and chicken dish, both are favourites. We consume lots of chicken and a new recipe is always welcome.
Beautiful photos… Great posting, Congratulation to the winner.
Comment by Arlette— March 8, 2010 #
Both recipes sound and look amazing. A pound of shallots? Plus garlic and white wine and Dijon? As my grandmother used to say: with all those ingredients how could it not be good?
Comment by pragmaticattic— March 8, 2010 #
Oh yum! That chicken looks amazing. I absolutely LOVE shallots. As for the cheesecake, that sounds scrumptious – I’ve never made one with mascarpone, but I may have to try…
I’m actually the “Abbey” of the infamous cheesecake recipe you so kindly praised.
I remember seeing your beautiful blood-orange rendition and being blown away – so stunning, and definitely one of my favorites from the challenge.
Comment by Abbey T.— March 8, 2010 #
I was thinking of making a cheesecake as well from leftover mascarpone from the DB challenge. Thanks for the recipe. Hope I get round to it soon. I don’t cook much but that chicken looks really delicious. Still going with the cookies for the moment
Comment by bakingaddict— March 8, 2010 #
Lisa, both the chicken and the cheesecake look delicious…what a great meal
Comment by Juliana— March 8, 2010 #
Thanks for the lotion. And, a fabulous recipe, which I plan to make this week. The only time I listen to those cooking shows is in the dentist’s chair. Does take ones mind off the drill.
Comment by Claudia— March 8, 2010 #
O yeeezz, that looks good! Both the chicken and the cheesecake… Hmm, I should have thought of using that mascarpone in a cheesecake too… Maybe I should just make the mascarpone again…
Comment by junglefrog— March 9, 2010 #
The chicken looks so savory delicious and comforting and I would so love a slice of that yummy cheesecake!
Comment by 5 Star Foodie— March 9, 2010 #
That chicken dish looks like it would be areal winner with my MrP… and the cheesecake too LOL. I need a good cheesecake recipe for my repertoire.
*kisses* HH
Comment by Heavenly Housewife— March 9, 2010 #
Hey, Lisa! Two post in one week? You go girl!
How are you and the knee doing?
I wanna know who you’ve been feeding lately? Who’s the lucky devil getting all this yummy food?
I’ll be trying out both recipes soon though I’m going to use chicken breasts instead of thighs. I know, less flavor, blah, blah, blah but if I have to eat chicken on the bone it needs to be a white meat.
~ingrid
Comment by ingrid— March 11, 2010 #
You’ve convinced me to try BOTH of them. I think I may have missed that cheesecake recipe last year – it was CRAZY, with a lot of travel and a lot of family health issues. My husband is a chicken fanatic, and I’ve been looking for a new recipe to try!
Comment by Madam Chow— March 11, 2010 #
You crack me up! I love to hate Martha. How can you not?! These dishes look FREAKING DELICIOUS!
Comment by Rose— March 11, 2010 #
Looks lovey….especially the second photo with the pasta. Yummy and the cheescake…mascarpone…..ohhhhh
Comment by Kitchen Butterfly— March 13, 2010 #
I have 4 little suprises for u on the link below .which jus might be the last at VAnillaStrawberrySpringfields co z i’ll be moving to BSM soon….
So do hop and see why i think u are a fantastic, creative blogger and my happy pals…cheers and so do hope u enjoy it too….
http://vanillastrawberryspringfields.blogspot.com/2010/03/wedding-stori-valentine-wedding-cake.html
Comment by sugar plum fairy— March 14, 2010 #
Usually I would be drooling over the cheesecake, but that chicken looks and sounds amazing! So stealing the recipe!
Comment by Elle— March 14, 2010 #
Ooh your braised chicken certainly caught my eye! We love food like this for dinner! Great recipe! And I ain’t no cheesecake eater but my does that look really good!
Comment by Jamie— March 24, 2010 #