Paul's [recipe] Corner

Ingredients:

• 6 spatchcocks #6-7
• 12 slices of proscuitto
• Dried prunes and apricots 3-4 of each for each bird
• German wheat beer, Franziskaner hefe weissbier

To make risotto:

• 4 - 6 cups chicken stock, home made is best but Campbells is pretty good too.
• 2bsp butter
• 1 small - medium onion finely diced
• 300g arborio rice
• 1 cup of Coopers Stout - must be Coopers for it's strength of body, flavour and bitterness
• 2 tablespoons dried porcini mushrooms
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• preserved lemon - Maggie Beers - use half to one rind
• 1tbsp butter
• 1tbsp fresh grated parmesan

Method:

1. Wash and dry spatchcocks.
2. Place prunes and apricots into cavity of bird and then wrap the prociutto around the bird securing with toothpicks.
3. Brown each bird on all sides in a hot pan with olive oil then place in a baking tray.
4. Pour beer into tray so that it comes about halfway up the side of the birds.
5. Cover the tray with alfoil, tightly sealing the sides and use two pieces of alfoil so as to form a tent over the top of the tray.
6. Once tightly sealed pierce the foil once only so steam may escape then place in a preheated oven.
7. Cook at about 180-200C for one to one and a half hours.

To make risotto:

1. (Soak the porcini in boiling water, squeeze and then chop up finely)
2. Heat oil in a large deep pan, then saute the onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add rice and cook for a further 2 minutes to toast the grains.
4. Add Coopers stout and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat, until liquid has been absorbed.
5. Add hot stock in regular intervals, until rice is tender and cooked through, approximately 20 minutes.
6. Stir through porcini mushrooms and preserved lemon, then season risotto well with salt and pepper.
7. Scatter parmesan cheese over the top of the risotto, then sprinkle with chives and serve.

Green Salad:

Mixed lettuce including rocket, dressed simply with olive oil and balsamic.

Well, had me at "German wheat beer". I'm guessing a Spatchcock is like a Cornish hen? Beer, beer, beer! I'll try this someday when I have an oven. With a family of five, you must have a decent kitchen. I'm glad you enjoy cooking.

I am not sure about a cornish hen? A spatchcock is like a very small chicken about the size of your hand. I fed this to an italian family and although not traditionally italian they loved it!

Time to get an oven.