Avoiding Additives and Preservatives

Look for a mustard without preservatives; I use President’s Choice Dijon.

Mix ingredients for the dressing in a large bowl

Preheat the grill and toss the vegetables with oil

Grill the steak until it is medium-rare

Grill the beans and radishes carefully so they don't fall through the grate

French bistro steak salad

Ingredients:

Dressing

1 tablespoon (15 ml) grainy Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon (15 ml) cider vinegar

1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon (15 ml) finely chopped fresh tarragon or basil

1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 ml) chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon (5 ml) liquid honey

¼ teaspoon (1 ml) each salt and pepper

3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

Salad

1 lb (450 g) beef flank marinating steak

1 teaspoon (5 ml) pepper

½ (2.5 ml) teaspoon salt

12 oz (350 g) green beans, trimmed

20 radishes, trimmed and halved

1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

2 soft-cooked eggs, halved

Preparation:

Dressing: In large bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, garlic, tarragon, thyme, honey, salt and pepper; slowly drizzle in oil, whisking until blended. Set aside.

Salad: Rub steak all over with pepper and salt. Toss green beans and radishes with oil. Place steak on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill, turning once, until desired doneness, 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare. Transfer steak to cutting board; let stand for 5 minutes before thinly slicing across grain.

Eggs: For perfect slightly soft–cooked eggs, using slotted spoon, gently place eggs in saucepan of boiling water. Boil for 6 minutes. Drain; transfer eggs to bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Peel and cut in half.

While steak rests, place vegetables on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred, about 5 minutes. Place in bowl with dressing; toss to coat.

Divide vegetables and steak among 4 plates; top each with egg half. Serves 4.

From Canadian Living

Avoiding Additives and Preservatives

Make sure you use butter with only one ingredient: Cream.

Sauteed radishes have a mellow flavour

Wilt the greens slightly

Vinegar-marinated chicken with buttered greens and radishes

Ingredients:

2 pounds (900 g) skin-on bone-in chicken thighs

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup (60 ml) plus 1 tablespoon (15 ml) distilled white vinegar

1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil

2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter

8 radishes, quartered, halved if small

1 bunch mustard greens, leaves torn

4 tablespoons (60 ml) tarragon leaves, divided

Preparation:

Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in a large baking dish. Pour ¼ cup vinegar over chicken and let sit 15–20 minutes. Remove chicken from marinade and pat skin dry. Reserve baking dish (no need to wipe it out).

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Working in batches, cook chicken, skin side down, until skin is golden brown and crisp, 8–10 minutes; turn and cook until other side is just browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer chicken to reserved baking dish; reserve skillet. Bake chicken until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 165°F (74°C), 10–12 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat butter in same skillet over medium-high. Add radishes, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until radishes are browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add mustard greens and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mustard greens are just wilted, about 2 minutes (they should still have some spring in their step). Add 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) tarragon and remaining 1 Tbsp.  (15 ml) vinegar; toss to combine.

Serve greens and radishes with chicken topped with remaining 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) tarragon. Serves 4.

From the May 2015 issue of Bon Appetit