Jan D'Atri

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Rock Cornish Game Hens with Cranberry and Apricot Preserve Glaze

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The meat department manager at the store knew right where they were.
“Aisle 6, third case down on the left, bottom row.” That’s because even though Rock Cornish Game Hens really only get attention during the holidays, they are generally always there in the frozen food case, just waiting for someone to find a great recipe and then gobble up these delectable little birds. This week I was spending a little time with Julia (Child), reading some of her fun television stories when I stumbled across her account of Unidentified Flying Objects—or small birds. “Eating this meal demands fingers and cooking it demands loving, last-minute attention. The right people to ask to this dinner party (serving Cornish Game Hens) are knowing, sensuous eaters whom you welcome backstage because they understand and enjoy what’s going on there. So dine in the kitchen if you have room.” Doesn’t that just sound like the women we loved to watch on television for decades? Her story made me hunt for one of my favorite recipes for these tasty little one-bird-per-person UFO’s. Cornish Game Hens are all white meat, but they are succulent and have a slight but distinct gamy flavor. This recipe for the roasted hens, served with a wild rice blend (found in most stores and often in the bulk bins) and a sweet and savory glaze, make a perfect weeknight dinner or a fantastic family Sunday supper.
As Julia Child once said, “The best way to execute (French) cooking is to get good and loaded and whack the hell out of a chicken. Bon appétit. ” Well, no need to do that with Rock Cornish Game Hens, but Bon appétit anyway!

Watch my How To Video For Cornish Game Hens here!

Spicy Cajun Shrimp

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Everything I learned about the history of Cajun and Creole food, I learned from Paul Prudhomme, the Louisiana-born celebrity chef who popularized both types of Southern cuisine. I learned that Cajun food is the food of country folk who settled in the bayou lands of Southern Louisiana and kept largely to themselves. Creole food, on the other hand, is city food, specifically from New Orleans, and was greatly influenced by the many different cultures like French, Spanish, Italian, Haitian, French Canadian, Native American and African that helped to shape that city. My very favorite shrimp dish came from Prudhomme, and that made him, in my eyes, the King of Cajun cooking. This Spicy Cajun Shrimp is simply divine. I remember making it for my father, and his reaction was always the same. He would bow his head, clasp his hands in front of the bowl and just say, “Honey, this is liquid gold!” Don’t be put off by the amount of ingredients. I can only tell you that this dish is worth every bite. Perhaps the phrase that best describes Paul Prudhomme’s Spicy Cajun Shrimp has to be Ça c’est bon — That’s good! Enjoy a big bowl of Cajun comfort food this week!

Nutella Swirled Rice Krispie Treats

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I love a company with a sense of humor. This week I found myself in the grocery aisle staring at the shelf and giggling from ear to ear. There, was a row of Nutella jars. They’re always next to the peanut butter, but this time there was something very different. Each Nutella Jar had a different label. There was the First Grade Nutella jar, and a Second Grade Nutella jar and jars with every grade up to Junior and Senior. How fun! I went home and researched the labels. Seems as though the Nutella Company was making Back to School week memorable for kids who love the velvety smooth chocolate hazelnut spread. Good for you, Nutella! We could all use a little humor these days. (Incidentally, I went back to buy one of each for all of my grade school nieces!) Another company with a sense of humor is Kellogg’s. Their cast of characters like Tony the Tiger and Snap, Crackle and Pop —well, they’re just Grrrrrreat! So, I decided to pay tribute to both companies this week and combine Rice Krispies Treats and Nutella to put even more smiles on faces! These treats are unbelievable! They are so chocolaty and crunchy, plus they are absolutely beautiful with a Nutella and white chocolate swirl on top. Rice Krispies Treats have been a snack favorite in America for 114 years! Yep, that’s how long the Kellogg’s company has been around. Nutella has been around since 1963 and made in northern Italy very close to my family’s home town. I hope you enjoy this iconic treat with a twist! They’re perfect for back to school and beyond!

Watch my How To Video for Nutella Swirl-Top Rice Krispies Treats here!