Something Fowl

Chicken seems a blank canvas, but interestingly enough, one with a split personality. The tender, protected breast is especially yielding to tempting quick grilling, sautés and sears. The richer thighs are seductively moist and lovely for long stewing, braising and roasting.

Most chicken is fairly bland and accepting to being dressed up in designer clothing. Chicken is the "Pretty Woman" of the food world. She is just as seductive dressed for a BBQ as she is dripping with wild mushrooms, cream and truffles for a night out on the town.

Expensive pasture-raised poultry should be simply cooked to expose its royal background.

You want to taste the love. Rub her with sea salt, cracked pepper, butter and herbs. Stuff her with a half lemon, some garlic and a sprig of rosemary and roast her…simply elegant.

But less costly everyday supermarket chicken can be dressed up to perform on an off-Broadway stage that is not only dramatic but inspiring. This economical chicken doesn't cost a king's ransom and is perfect for taking on ethnic voyages in flavor that are anything but common.

I created my Kitchen D'Orr spice blends to make everyday cooking inspiring. They are perfect for everyday chicken. Chicken rubbed with these blends may be sautéed, roasted, grilled or stewed. The spices transport this kitchen understudy to a leading lady. They are paints for the palette and allow you to make art from what you have tucked in your salad crisper. Think Marilyn Monroe without make-up.

Beside spice blends, you can top cooked chicken with tapenade, roasted pepper puree, capered tomato sauce, pesto or about any prepared marinade, mustard, vinaigrette, salsa or condiment.

Then there are the supporting cast members. Serve your chicken with couscous and you are in Morocco, with saffron rice you feel like a Latino, ratatouille and you are speaking French and with pasta or risotto you are Roman.

Asian accents can speak fowl languages as well. Try ginger, garlic, sesame oil, soy, chili paste, miso and Chinese 5 spice for quick stir fry dishes or on a slow "sauce boat" to China in braised dishes and stews.

When the economy isn't getting you down, go for a simply roasted pastured chicken. They are full of wonderful flavor. A well-bred blue blood that is true THEATER.

But if the Dow Jones has got you down, dress up a less lucky lady in savory diamonds and exotic pearls from the spice cabinet and take her out for a night on the town. You'll feel better; there's nothing fowl about that.

Receive a 10% discount when you purchase spices, jams and jellies at FARM-Bloomington and use the brb10 promo code.

— Written by Daniel Orr

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