“We do not do this work for the money,” begins legendary Italian butcher, Dario Cecchini, and nothing has ever been more clear. The gregarious, eighth-generation butcher is never without a smile on his face as he holds court from sun-up through supper time in his red-and-white-striped butcher shop and kitchen in Panzano, Italy. In this introductory story, follow Dario through a day in the life, which includes the real deal business of butchery, and hosting dozens of visitors a day for cantina-style meals in his dining room. He talks about the dignified and joyous life cycle of his animals, and the craftsmanship his team applies to the end product. He explains the inspiration behind his butcher for a day program, and how to identify the perfect steak. The story ends with a family-style dinner, where t-bones get passed between strangers so everyone can gnaw on the scraps. From the outside, it looks like a very long day, but Dario insists “he’s never worked a day in his life.”
Category: Braising
This lesson takes you behind the scenes in Dario’s “Butcher for a Day” class in Italy. Become one of Dario’s students too and watch as he teaches how to roast a beautiful lamb sirloin stuffed with bone marrow and showered of aromatic rosemary. He also shows how to make lardo, a decadent creamy, pork spread, best when smeared onto toast as a pre-dinner appetizer.
Let braised chicken drumsticks come to the rescue with this wonderful weeknight recipe. Bring excitement to your family dinner and make it faster, easier, and tastier.
Braised Tofu & Daikon Radish
Edward highlights silken tofu in this dish of fatty broth, braised daikon and an apple-ginger puree. Beyond demonstrating how to create a rich broth, braise vegetables, and plate an elegant dish, he also emphasizes knife skills such as cutting radishes into perfect cubes and matchsticks.
Kwame’s right hand man, Paz, teaches you how to create this beautiful accompaniment to jerk chicken. Prep it on the stove or make right on the grill.
Learn Kwame’s secrets to making the most savory braised oxtails you’ve ever tasted. Based off his mom’s recipe, Kwame takes it to a whole new level with the layering of flavors and time.
Oxtails with Rice & Peas
Jewel, Kwame’s mom, just arrived on the island and they are ready to cook together for the first time in Jamaica! In order to properly celebrate Jewel’s visit, they make a Jamaican classic, which is also her favorite dish: Braised oxtails with coconut rice and pigeon peas. And of course, no family gathering would be complete without a cocktail, so they whip up a refreshing rum punch packed with fresh Jamaican fruits.
A Jamaican essential, this savory braised chicken will wow taste buds with its brown gravy and spice.
Peanut Braised Chicken with Coconut Carolina Rice
Braise poultry and simmer coconut rice in a flavorful miso and peanut mixture and you’ll have a warming, family-style dish. Learn how to to build flavor through caramelization and the secret to preparing perfect rice.
Oxtails with Rice & Peas
Kwame’s mom, Jewel, is in town which calls for a celebratory meal: braised oxtails with coconut rice and pigeon peas. And of course, no family gathering would be complete without a refreshing rum punch cocktail packed with fresh Jamaican fruits.
Jerk Chicken
Jerk, a symphony of flavors, encapsulating the finesse, attention to detail, and all of the nuances of Jamaican cooking. Learn this iconic dish known for its intense depth of smokiness, heat, spice, and flavor. The 3-day cooking process is totally worth it.
Brown Stew Chicken & Fried Plantain
Learn how to blacken and braise chicken in a rich brown gravy with a hint of spicy Scotch bonnet pepper. Kwame serves it with fried plantains and Calypso aioli, making it a fantastic dish that will be a total crowd pleaser. The essence of Jamaica on a plate.
Braised Tofu & Radish with Ham Salt
Learn how to create a flavorful, luscious silken tofu dish with a fatty broth, braised daikon, and an apple-ginger purée. Master knife skills and learn how to cut radishes into perfect cubes and matchsticks with Edward’s guidance. Plate an elegant dish that will impress your dinner guests.