There are always loads of recipes I'd like to try but lose them before I do. This is where I can record recipes I find interesting and keep notes on my experiments with them.

I have a system that I've adopted for working through recipes:

1 - New recipes are saved to the Experimental Mouffette and is labeled : Untested
2 - As I'm working out the changes I'd like to make (if any) it is labeled : Testing
3 - Once I think I've got the correct formula it is labeled : Test 1
4 - IF I am able to reproduce the effect a second time it is labeled : Test 2 - if I am not able to reproduce the effect, it remains Test 1
5 - The same process as step 4 is used to graduate it to Test 3
6 - Once I have been able to reproduce the effect successfully 3 times, it graduates to my main blog, La Mouffette Gourmande

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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Rejected - Beet Top Gratin

We did not really like this. It wasn't bad, but it was just ... fine. Nothing special. There were no stand-out flavours, it was all just a little bland. I'm not really interested in persuing this.

http://www.martha-rose-shulman.com/vegrecipes/greensgratin.html

1 1/2 pounds beet greens, stemmed and washed
salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium or 1/2 large onion, chopped
2 plump garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage – use less of the stronger herbs like rosemary and sage), or 1/2 teaspoon each dried thyme and crumbled dried rosemary
3 large eggs
1/2 cup rice, cooked (1 cup cooked; I prefer a short or medium-grain rice such as the Italian Arborio or carnaroli used for risotto)
1/2 cup milk
3 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (3/4 cup, tightly packed)
freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

  1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Oil a 2-quart baking dish or gratin with olive oil. Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you stem and wash the greens. Wash them in 2 changes of water, lifting them from the water so that the dirt stays behind. Fill a bowl with ice water.
  2. When the water comes to a boil, add a tablespoon of salt, and the greens. Boil (blanch) the greens just until tender, 1 to 3 minutes, depending on how sturdy your greens are. Beet greens and chard will be ready in a minute or two. Kale will take longer, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or a skimmer, transfer the greens to the ice water. Let sit just until cool, a few minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess water by taking up bunches of the greens, making a fist around them and squeezing. Chop coarsely and set aside.
  3.  Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium skillet (preferably nonstick) over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender and just beginning to color, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant, then stir in the greens, the herbs, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir together for a minute, just until the greens are well mixed with the onions and coated with oil. Remove from the heat.
  4. Beat the eggs in a medium-size bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, freshly ground pepper to taste, and the milk, and whisk together. Stir in the rice, greens, and Gruyère. Scrape into the baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top and drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of oil. Place in the oven and bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is lightly browned. Serve hot or room temperature. This is also good cold and makes a great lunch.

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