Spring is in full swing here in Colorado- the days are warm and seedlings are poking their little green heads out of the garden soil. As I write this I’m wearing shorts, hoping for a bit of sun on these pale blue legs of mine. At the farmer’s market, produce is becoming more varied. The monotony of spinach and green garlic is broken by rhubarb and radishes, pea shoots and purple salad greens, beets and berries. In the kitchen I’m making salads and soups with fresh spring ingredients. For the ingredient of the week, I turn to my most valuable player- chicken. This protein is hugely important to spring cooking, from stock for soups to shredded leftover meat for salads. But I’m not preaching the practicality of chicken this week at La Domestique. Don’t look here for 10 ways to roast a bird. No, this week is about celebrating the simple elegance of chicken in spring cooking.
If chicken were a woman she might be described as homely or plain, comforting but not sophisticated or exotic. I think of chicken as a classic beauty, like the simple elegance of Audrey Hepburn. No sense in piling on the make up, trying to turn her into something she’s not. Chicken harmonizes seamlessly with the subtle flavors of spring: artichokes, asparagus, greens and leeks. The rich and comforting flavor of chicken is self confident enough to preside in the company of biting green garlic, arugula, radish. Maybe chicken is such a hit in spring because, like the vegetables of the season, chicken is best served as is with little embellishment. In Real Cooking, Nigel Slater writes:
“A chicken will thank us for a restrained gilding of butter, garlic, and herbs. A few spices perhaps, or a slosh of white wine. It will hate us if we treat it like a lump of tofu- as neat protein to soak up stronger flavours like a sponge. A plain roast or grilled chicken is cause enough for celebration.”
This week LaDomestique.com is dedicated to celebrating the spring chicken. Find inspiration on ingredient pairing and presentation and regain an appreciation for the succulence and flavor chicken has to offer. Slow down and take the time to cook homemade chicken stock- a revelation in taste and a good cook’s pantry staple. Check here daily for recipes and fresh ideas, with a bit of storytelling thrown in. Come cook in the moment with me!