Recipe of The Month: Cacio e Pepe Chicken
We've Got Dinner Covered!
Cacio e pepe is as fun to say as it is to eat. A popular pasta dish from Rome, the name literally translates to cheese and pepper. We thought that pasta shouldn’t have all the fun, so why not chicken-fy it? This recipe starts like all cacio e pepe recipes do, with pecorino romano and black pepper, but here’s where it deviates: We wanted to create a saucy moment, so we chose to sear and braise succulent bone-in chicken thighs in an aromatic white wine broth until tender. The braising liquid then gets a glow-up with the addition of cream and lemon zest, making this saucy dish worthy of date nights and dinner parties.
Yields: 4 serving(s)
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 1/2 lb.)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 c. dry white wine*
- 1 1/2 c. reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 c. heavy cream
- 1 lemon, zested, cut into wedges
- 4 Tbsp. finely grated pecorino romano, divided, plus more for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
*We include wine to deglaze the pan and to add another layer of flavor. If you don’t want to use wine or don’t have any on hand, you can still make this recipe. For those martini drinkers out there, dry vermouth is a great 1:1 substitute. Otherwise, you can just sub with an equal amount of broth plus 2 tablespoons of a mild vinegar, like white wine or rice wine.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°. Season chicken all over with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken skin side down in a large, cold, ovenproof skillet. Cook over medium heat, undisturbed, until skin is crispy and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- In same skillet over medium-high heat, season onions with 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, scraping up browned bits, until onions are softened, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet, arranging chicken skin side up. Transfer to oven and bake, uncovered, until cooked through and tender and liquid is slightly reduced, about 30 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to a plate. Covering handle of skillet with a towel or mitt, return skillet to medium-high heat. Add cream and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in lemon zest, 1 tablespoon pecorino, and 1 teaspoon pepper; season with salt. Return chicken to skillet along with any accumulated juices. Top with parsley, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and remaining 3 tablespoons pecorino. Serve with lemon wedges and more pecorino alongside.
Serving:
This chicken pairs well with anything that will soak up the sauce, like roasted or mashed potatoes. You can also go with the obvious and bring it full circle by tossing some pasta in the creamy sauce. For a lighter dinner, serve it with a bright and crunchy salad, and maybe even some crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
SOURCE: delish.com
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Springing Forward: Love It or Loathe It? Ah, daylight saving time—it’s that annual event where we all collectively grumble about losing an hour of sleep but secretly love the extra evening sunshine. March rolls in, and suddenly, our days feel longer (even if our mornings feel a little rougher). But why do we even mess with the clocks in the first place? And is this whole time shift actually doing us any favors? Let’s dive into the quirks, perks, and questionable logic behind daylight saving time! A Brief History of Daylight Saving Time The idea of daylight saving time isn’t new. It dates back to the early 20th century, when countries like Germany and the United Kingdom implemented it during World War I to conserve fuel. The idea was simple: by shifting the clocks forward in the spring, people would make better use of natural daylight during the evening hours, reducing the need for artificial lighting. In the U.S., daylight saving time became widespread during World War II and was formalized with the Uniform Time Act of 1966. While the specifics of when and how DST is observed can vary from country to country, the concept remains the same: adjust the clocks to maximize daylight during the warmer months. The Science Behind the Shift Daylight saving time operates on a fairly simple principle: moving the clocks forward by one hour in the spring and setting them back in the fall allows us to "gain" more daylight during the evening. This shift is based on the Earth’s tilt and the way it orbits the Sun. In the spring, the days get longer as we approach the summer solstice, so DST aligns with the natural increase in daylight. It helps ensure that more of that daylight falls during the hours we are awake and active, providing more opportunities for outdoor activities after work or school. Benefits of Daylight Saving Time While the initial transition to DST can disrupt our sleep patterns, research suggests that the long-term benefits are significant: More Daylight for Outdoor Activities The most obvious benefit is the extended daylight hours. After months of shorter days, having more sunlight in the evening can lead to increased physical activity. People tend to spend more time outdoors, walking, biking, or participating in sports, which can boost physical health and mood. Increased Energy Efficiency By reducing the need for artificial lighting, DST has the potential to reduce energy consumption. Though modern energy consumption patterns have changed, with more people using energy-efficient lighting and digital devices, the shift still has a measurable impact, particularly in regions that rely heavily on electricity for lighting. Improved Mental Health The added daylight can have a positive effect on our mental health. Exposure to natural light increases serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and overall well-being. Longer evenings mean more time to relax outdoors, which can also help reduce stress levels and enhance happiness. Boost to the Economy DST can also have a positive effect on the economy. With more daylight in the evening, people are more likely to go out and shop, dine, or participate in recreational activities. This boost in consumer activity can be beneficial for local businesses, especially those in the tourism and retail industries. The Controversy: The Disruptive Effect of the Time Change Despite these benefits, the transition to daylight saving time is not without its drawbacks. The change can disrupt our sleep cycles, which may lead to increased fatigue and even a temporary dip in productivity. Some studies have shown that the period immediately after the time change is associated with a slight uptick in heart attacks and traffic accidents, possibly due to the disruption of our circadian rhythms. This shift also doesn’t work for everyone. For example, people in northern latitudes, where days are already long during the summer, may find little benefit from the extra hour of daylight. In fact, some places, like Arizona and Hawaii, have opted out of daylight saving time entirely due to its perceived inconvenience. Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time If you’re struggling with the time change, here are some tips to help ease the transition: Start Preparing Early : Gradually adjust your sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up 15 minutes earlier each day in the week leading up to DST. This can help minimize the shock to your system. Stay Active : Exposure to natural light and physical activity can help reset your internal clock. Try to get outside during daylight hours to ease the adjustment. Be Mindful of Your Sleep : Try to maintain a consistent sleep routine even during the adjustment period. Avoid caffeine and electronics before bedtime to ensure better sleep quality. Making the Most of More Sunlight Sure, daylight saving time has its fair share of haters, but there’s no denying the perks—more time for evening adventures, a boost in outdoor fun, and even a little energy savings. As we roll into March 2025, let’s lean into the longer days! Whether you’re basking in golden hour on an after-dinner walk, tackling those long-overdue outdoor projects, or just soaking up the extra sun, the “spring forward” shift is the perfect excuse to shake off the winter blues and embrace the brighter days ahead!
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