I could not have done it without my incredible team at Sonoma Press. Thank you Meg, for giving me the space to create a work which has become so much greater than the sum of its parts! Now, the book will go out into the world like a kid on her first day at school. I hope she will find a vast and welcoming community as she finds her way!
There is much in the pages of my book, laid-out as part culinary school and part recipes. Anyone who is passionate about food, young or old, will find Kid Chef a valuable resource to turn to again and again. Whether you find pieces such as "9 Steps That Will Make you a Good Cook" helpful or inspiring, or declare recipes like the colorful Fresh Fish Tacos (strong steady in my home) your new love, Kid Chef has something for everyone.
As the Kid Chef community grows, use the hashtag #kidchefcookbook to share your stories on Facebook and Instagram. See you all soon!
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In other news, here is recent delectable seasonal fare -
Seared Lamb and Alliums for 2
2 lamb steaks, patted dry with absorbent paper
1/2 bunch scallions, ends trimmed, rinsed, and patted dry
1/2 bunch ramps, ends trimmed, rinsed, and patted dry
1/4 tsp sumac
kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
good olive oil
red wine or leftover pickle juice for deglazing*
*I had leftover spiced ramp pickle juice from last season, which made a nice pairing
Note: to sear effectively, you may set off your smoke detector - take precaution and deactivate it in advance, as well as open a nearby window for better ventilation.
Remove lamb from refrigerator at least 20 minutes before cooking to allow to come to room temp. Season both sides of the lamb with s+p and sumac. Set aside.
In a screaming-hot pan set over medium-high heat, swirl olive oil to coat and add the alliums. Sear, turning once they have softened a bit and begin to brown in spots. Turn occasionally so that all surfaces get contact with the hot pan surface. Total sear time will be 3-4 minutes. Transfer scallions and ramps to a serving platter.
In the same pan, add another glug of oil, swirl, and sear meat 4-5 minutes over medium-high heat. Press on the meat directly around the bones for even browning. Turn to second side. For medium doneness, which retains its juiciness but isn't as much work to chew, sear meat on second side for an additional 4-5 minutes.
Transfer lamb to serving platter and pour deglazing liquid into pan. It should bubble like crazy - as it does, free any browned bits stuck to the pan by scraping the surface, letting the liquid reduce by half. This should take only a minute with the pan this hot.
Pour reduction over all, and eat at once.
