Soba noodles are made from both wheat and buckwheat, a uniquely flavored grain. They’re a favorite in Japan, where they are often served as salads or in noodle bowls. Miniature heads of baby bok choy are lovely lightly blanched, their stalks and greens more tender and flavorful than when allowed to grow to full size.
Head over to your favorite local wood-fired pizzeria to purchase baked crusts. They often will sell untopped baked dough as focaccia, brushed with olive oil and seasoned with coarse salt and maybe crumbled dried rosemary. These bubbly, charred crusts are perfect for simply dressed pizzas, like this classic Margherita—sweet Italian tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil—and shredded cooked chicken.
Tawny ports are wines made from red grapes that are aged in wooden barrels. The exposure to wood imparts “nutty” flavors to the wine, which can be sweet or medium dry. Port is typically served at the end of a meal, but in this simple recipe it creates a luscious sauce that complements the rich dark chicken and fresh figs.
Just Bare Just 5 Cooking Challenge finalist Whitney R. of Providence, RI created this alternative to fried chicken featuring flax, which is now recognized as a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids.
This beautiful and fragrant tagine has a deep flavor tinged with a tartness from the pomegranate juice. As the dish simmers, the dark chicken and dried fruit absorb the crimson of the pomegranate juice and cook into a luscious caramel brown stew. The fresh pomegranate arils and cilantro leaves add a final bright counterpoint.
This Just Bare Chicken +5 Ingredient Challenge (finalist recipe is the creation of Pamela E. of Phoenix, AZ. A cozy dish, full of rich flavors, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining.