Never Throw Out Chicken Fat

After making a batch of chicken stock from a whole bird I skimmed nearly a cup of fat from the top, planning to save it and try to find a way to sub it for expensive butter. A few days later at the market I picked up a pound of shredded potatoes. At home, I melted a tablespoon of chicken fat into the potatoes with half a teaspoon of salt, until I could toss everything together. I spread the potatoes in a pan and roasted them uncovered for twenty minutes at 200 C (about 400 F) . They came out of the oven browned in a pattern that showed my oven's hot spots in scientific detail. No matter, I mixed them up with tongs and the contrast between the soft and crispy ones was a big part of the appeal.

If you are shredding your own potatoes, a benriner is best for getting the long, square shreds. The potatoes brown easily so should be watched during the last few minutes of cooking. This is a side dish for two, or a snack. Excellent sprinkled with vinegar.

Spring I: Fresh Noodles and Pea Shoots with Butter

Spring farmer's markets are full of young new vegetables and greens that are only available for a few weeks. FC is pleased to present a series of spring market recipes that will appear from now til the end of March.

This mix of fresh noodles, pea shoots,and butter is very quick and easy to eat. My market has these green tinged 'vegetable' wheat noodles that are supposed to be extra healthy, but any fresh wheat or egg noodles will work.

For one person: Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, chop a big handful of pea shoots into 1 inch pieces and melt 1 tbs butter in a serving bowl. You can use less butter if you want, but if you end up using olive oil for this recipe I don't want to hear about it. Add 100g fresh noodles, and wait until water comes back to a boil. Add the pea shoots to the water, and wait just until water starts boiling again. Drain well, shaking off the water, and pour into the bowl with melted butter. Stir up to coat noodles and pea shoots with butter. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.