A Recipe Testing Adventure

The process of creating TENDER has included many discoveries and “aha” moments, a number of which have been provided by our recipe testers. A group as diverse as any, our testers provided input so invaluable and joyful; we look forward to sharing a few of their experiences with you.

Chanterelles and Cappelletti 

I distinctly remember the day back in October of last year when I received an email from a friend, asking if I’d be interested in testing a recipe or two for a new cookbook. Would I?!? I could think of nothing I’d like more. And when I read the list of mouthwatering dishes waiting for evaluation, I became increasingly excited. Chanterelle Soup and Butternut Squash Cappelletti with Browned Sage Butter and Hazelnuts especially caught my attention. They sounded like recipes I could manage fairly easily — but ones that would, ideally, stretch my culinary abilities so I could learn a new trick or two. Little did I know that Cappelletti meant hand-stuffed pasta — a trick that was, decidedly, not up my sleeve. Ultimately undeterred, I pressed on. And throwing caution even further into the wind, I gamely decided I would try these two enticing dishes for a small dinner party.

The Chanterelle Soup came together seamlessly. I felt so indulgent as I tossed real cream, butter and fluted chanterelles into my shopping basket. And the aromatics . . . never before had I seen a recipe calling for leeks and onions, shallots and garlic. What a glorious idea. I followed the recipe exactly as written and was left with the richest, most decadent mushroom soup imaginable. As I ladled it into warmed bowls for my guests, I heard groans of delight coming from the dinner table as the aroma wafted through the room. Spoons poised for mere seconds, we all dove in. Silence. Slurps. Smiles. Victory.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   . . . To Be Continued

   Kathryn – recipe tester