“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: Salt
Salt
Preserved Lemons
Preserved lemons are an important part of Erez’s kitchen. The salty, briny, citrus flavor brings a beautiful pop of color and flavor, and brightens up any dish. Beautiful, delicious, and long-lasting, get these lemons on your countertop, too.
This special salt is the Essence of Chianti. Learn how to bring intoxicating Italian flavor to your seasoning by adding rosemary, sage, and thyme. Use it on steaks, chicken, fish, salads, and dressings.
Make your barbecue better with this easy to make brine.
It’s always important to repurpose leftovers, that’s why yesterday’s ham is wonderful when turned into ham salt. Learn how to freeze ham, grate on micro plane, then toast in oven until dried. The result? Tons of added flavor.
Salt-Crusted Pears with Dulce De Leche
A simple dessert that only calls for 3 ingredients: Pears, salt, and dulce de leche. Francis cooks the pears in the infiernillo, also known as the little hell, an oven he made inspired by the Incan people who made stone versions high in the desert on the eastern slope of the Andes mountain range. “When you cook a pear like this, all of the humidity of the pear stays inside so it’s very, very delicious,” Francis explains adding that the slight amount of salt that remains on the outside pear skin will bring added interest and complexity.
“Oh! It’s so beautiful! I love you trout!” – Francis Mallmann Francis invented the infiernillo or “little hell” oven about 20 years ago to cook fish outside. Today, he proclaims his love for Patagonian trout and its magical taste as he fires up his small inferno to teach you how to make freshly-caught salt-crusted trout. “Once we fish something or kill an animal to eat it, we must respect who he is. And try to get the best out of him,” Mallmann says. That’s why he doesn’t add anything else to this recipe other than olive oil and salt. “Even adding lemon would be sacrilege,” he proclaims. If you don’t have access to an outdoor space to build the two-tiered fire oven, Francis teaches you how to make this fish encased in salt inside your kitchen, too. And just remember: “There’s nothing sadder than an overcooked fish. It makes me cry.” So, don’t overcook your fish and make Francis Mallmann shed tears of sadness.
Preserved Lemons
Preserved lemons are an important part of Erez’s kitchen. The salty, briny, citrus flavor brings a beautiful pop of color and flavor, and brightens up any dish.
Salt-Crusted Pears with Dulce De Leche
A simple dessert that only calls for 3 ingredients: Pears, salt, and dulce de leche. “When you cook a pear like this, all of the humidity of the pear stays inside so it’s very, very delicious,” Francis says.
Francis invented the infiernillo or “little hell” oven about 20 years ago. Today, he proclaims his love for Patagonian trout as he fires up his small inferno to teach you how to make freshly-caught salt-crusted trout.
Backyard Barbecue
Join Edward and Ben, home chef and community leader, as they throw a backyard barbecue. Learn Ben’s special brine, and how to grill meats and vegetables.
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.