Week 6 - ROASTING AND BAKING

List the method of cookery and dishes to be covered in class

This week we are going to learn about making roast chicken, steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potato and supreme sauce.

List your learning objectives for the class

Understanding basic cooking techniques such as roasting, steaming, boiling, mashing, and reducing.

Gaining knowledge of seasonings and flavor combinations to enhance the taste of dishes.

Understanding the importance of timing and temperature control in cooking.

Learning how to make a sauce to complement the main dish.

Improving organizational skills, such as planning a multi-course meal and coordinating timing to ensure dishes are finished at the same time.

Learning the proper techniques for roasting chicken and cooking vegetables to ensure they are tender and flavorful.

Discuss your prior knowledge of the content

I have some prior experience in roasting chicken using an air fryer and have knowledge of different marination techniques. Steaming asparagus is also not too complicated for me as a task that I feel confident in handling. However, I have never made mashed potatoes or any sauces before so I am eager to discover more about these techniques in the class. I will have the opportunity to learn how to make delicious and flavorful mashed potatoes and sauces as well as enhance my culinary knowledge and skills.

Background Information

Research and discussion of method of cooking

The cooking method for roast chicken involves seasoning and marinating the chicken, and then roasting it in the oven or an air fryer until it is cooked through. Steamed asparagus is usually seasoned with salt and pepper and then steamed until it is tender but still crisp. Garlic mashed potatoes are made by boiling potatoes until they are tender, mashing them with butter and milk, and seasoning them with garlic and salt. The supreme sauce, which is often served with roasted chicken, is made by sautéing diced shallots and garlic in butter, adding chicken stock and white wine, and reducing the mixture until it thickens. It is then finished with heavy cream and seasonings, such as salt and pepper.

Research and discussion of dishes

For historical dishes

According to Bennystacos.com, roasting chicken has a long history and can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Greece, for example, roasted chicken was a popular dish and was often served at banquets and special occasions. It was also popular in medieval Europe, where it was commonly cooked over an open fire. As cooking methods evolved, the dish spread to other parts of the world, including the Americas, where it became a staple of American cuisine.

Referring to thefoodweknow.com, the origin of garlic mashed potatoes is not well documented, but it is believed to have originated in Europe. Mashed potatoes, made from boiled and mashed potatoes, have been a staple of European cuisine for centuries. The addition of garlic to the dish is thought to have arisen as a way to add flavor and enhance the taste of the potatoes. Garlic has been used in cooking for thousands of years and has a long history of being used in a variety of dishes, particularly in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. The combination of garlic and mashed potatoes became popular in the United States and other Western countries in the 20th century.

For cooking methods

According to cooking.nytimes.com, roast chicken is a classic cooking method that involves seasoning a whole chicken and cooking it in the oven. To make the perfect roast chicken, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice, then place it in a roasting pan and cook in the oven at 425°F for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Steamed asparagus is a simple side dish that involves lightly seasoning and steaming asparagus spears until tender. Garlic mashed potatoes are made by boiling potatoes until tender, then mashing them with butter, milk, garlic, and salt. To make the supreme sauce, sauté some chopped onions and garlic in butter, then add a mixture of chicken stock and heavy cream and bring to a boil. Finally, thicken the sauce with a mixture of flour and butter and season to taste.

Dish/method variations

Roast chicken has several variations that include lemon-herb roast chicken, BBQ roast chicken, and spicy roasted chicken. To make lemon-herb roast chicken, season the chicken with lemon zest, herbs such as rosemary and thyme, and olive oil. For BBQ roast chicken, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 20 minutes of cooking. To make spicy roasted chicken, rub the chicken with spices such as paprika, cumin, and chili powder.

Garlic mashed potatoes also have variations such as herb garlic mashed potatoes and cheesy garlic mashed potatoes. To make herb garlic mashed potatoes, add fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and chives to the potatoes along with the garlic, butter, and milk. To make cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, stir in grated cheddar cheese or any cheese into the mashed potatoes.

Recipes

Plan of Work

Result

Describe how well the technique/cooking method worked

We started with the preparation of roast chicken. This is my first time roasting a whole one, I just roasted different parts of it like chicken drumsticks or wings. However, we did not have much difficulty in preparing and seasoning the chicken. We skillfully removed the wishbones from the chicken, then stuffed 1/4 of a lemon, a few cloves of garlic, and thyme inside the chicken and seasoned it with salt and pepper. We also put some butter in the pocket of the chicken skin to keep a certain softness and moisture. After completing the seasoning step, we put the chicken on a tray and put it in the oven. After almost an hour of waiting for the chicken to cook, we sometimes checked the chicken to make sure it was not undercooked. When the chicken was finished roasting, we proceed to cut the chicken into pieces under the chef's guidance.

For garlic mashed potatoes, the methods had been done quite straightforwardly and smoothly. We washed the potatoes, peeled, cut them into pieces, and boiled them with a little salt. Until the potatoes are soft and mushy, we proceed to mash them using tamis. Then we added butter, salt, and white pepper to make the mashed potatoes more flavorful.

Supreme sauce was probably what we spent the most time making. We started with making a blond roux by clarifying butter, then adding flour and stirring until it thickens then adding chicken stock. Continued stirring over low heat and then added a little salt, white pepper as well as thyme and bay leaves to make the sauce rich in flavor.

Describe the sensory results of the dish

Taste: Roast chicken has a slightly salty taste. The skin of the chicken may also have a slightly smoky or caramelized flavor from the roasting process. Mashed potatoes have a mild and creamy taste. The natural flavor of the potatoes is quite mild, so the addition of butter and milk or cream helps to enhance the richness and creaminess of the dish.

Flavor: Roast chicken has a rich and savory flavor, with a slightly crispy exterior and moist, tender meat on the inside. The aroma of roasted chicken is deeply comforting, with a warm and inviting scent that fills the kitchen. Garlic mashed potatoes have a creamy and buttery flavor, with a strong garlic flavor. The aroma of garlic mashed potatoes is quite fragrant, with a potent garlic scent that can be both enticing and overpowering. The buttery aroma of the mashed potatoes is also quite noticeable, adding a rich and comforting element to the dish.

Texture: Roast chicken has a varied texture, with the skin of the chicken being slightly crispy and crunchy while the meat is juicy and tender. Depending on the cut of the chicken, there may be varying degrees of tenderness and chewiness in the meat. Garlic mashed potatoes have a smooth and creamy texture, with a fluffy and velvety consistency. The addition of butter and milk or cream also helps to create a richer and more luxurious texture. Supreme sauce has a silky and velvety texture, with a slightly thick consistency that is smooth and creamy.

Appearance: Roast chicken has a golden brown and crispy appearance on the outside, with the meat being a pale white or light brown color. While garlic mashed potatoes have a pale beige and off-white color, with a smooth and creamy appearance.

Evaluation of results

Discuss the techniques that did work well

We did a great job with the preparation and seasoning of the roast chicken. Despite it being the first time roasting a whole chicken, we skillfully removed the wishbones and stuffed the chicken with flavorful ingredients such as lemon, garlic, and thyme, and also added butter beneath the chicken skin to ensure it remained moist and tender. The garlic mashed potatoes were also done quite smoothly, with the potatoes boiled until soft and mashed using a tamis, with butter and white pepper added to enhance the flavor. Although the supreme sauce took the most time to prepare, we successfully made a blond roux by clarifying butter and flour, before adding chicken stock and spices to make it rich and flavorful. Overall, it seems that we had success with all the dishes we prepared.

Discuss the techniques that did not work well

The only problem in this cooking class that we realized was the time guarantee. After the chicken was finished cooking, we took a long time to make the supreme sauce and garlic mashed potatoes, so the chicken was cold and not as delicious as it was freshly roasted.

Discuss the particular improvements and changes that could be implemented to improve the outcomes

To improve the outcomes of the cooking class, we could consider adjusting the timing and order of preparation. One possible solution would be to start by preparing the supreme sauce and garlic mashed potatoes before roasting the chicken. This would ensure that the dishes are ready to serve immediately after the chicken is done cooking, resulting in a more delicious and enjoyable meal. Additionally, we could consider using a food warmer or insulated container to keep the chicken warm while we finish preparing the other dishes, so it retains its optimal temperature and texture.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the process of making roast chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and supreme sauce in class was an enjoyable and informative experience. While we encountered some challenges, such as the timing of the dishes and maintaining the temperature of the chicken, we were able to overcome them through careful preparation and execution. By working together and utilizing our knowledge and skills, we were able to create a delicious and satisfying meal that we can be proud of. Overall, the experience demonstrated the joys and rewards of cooking and the importance of careful planning and attention to detail.