We are up on the North Coast for a few days and it feels like fall. The rain and cooler weather has given rise to lots of mushrooms. I wish I knew more about identifying them. I’m afraid I would poison us all if I were to pick and cook any! Last year, because of the terrible drought we’ve been having in California, there were hardly any. I wouldn’t eat this one but it sure is beautiful.

What I will eat is these lovely porcini and chanterelles found in a local store. Now, what to do with them? There is some polenta in the pantry, and some dried porcini mushrooms, also a jar of Michael Chiarello’s Fennel Spice Rub that I made last year. The market had some lovely boneless chicken breast with the skin still on (I think cooking them with the skin results in far more flavor, don’t you?). The menu was made!

When I first read the recipe for “Fennel Spice Rub” in Michael Chiarello’s cookbook “Casual Cooking”, I knew I would love it. It has that wonderful combination of fennel, pepper, and cardamom. I added my favorite to the mix, cumin. I have used it with multiple recipes…chicken, turkey, and roast veggies. It has always resulted in a standout dish. It’s also easy to make and is a wonderful holiday gift. I have friends who specifically request it each year.

You will find the recipe for the rub at the end of this post.

After a lovely romp on the beach with the dogs, it was time to start preparing the meal.

Porcini Polenta with Sautéed Mushrooms (serves 4)

• 1 cup of polenta
• 1 tablespoons of dried porcini mushrooms
• 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
• 4 tablespoons of butter, divided
• ½ cup of finely grated parmesan
• 3 cups of roughly sliced fresh mushrooms (I used one large porcini and a dozen chanterelles 

1. Mix the polenta with the dried mushrooms.
2. Bring 4 cups of water and the salt to a boil in a heavy saucepan. While whisking, slowly add the polenta mix to the water. Bring back to the boil, put the lid on slightly ajar, and turn the heat down to simmer.
3. As the polenta starts to thicken, thoroughly stir the sides and bottom of the pan every 5 minutes. Cook for 35-40 minutes total.
4. When done, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and the Parmesan cheese. Add more salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Mushrooms browned in butter

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet on medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms, sprinkle with salt and sauté until browned and cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan, as they will start to steam. You may need to do this in two batches.

While the polenta was cooking, I started the chicken.

Chicken breasts with Fennel Spice Rub

• 4 chicken breasts, skin on
• 4 tablespoons fennel spice rub (recipe below)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F
2. If your skillet isn’t oven proof or won’t hold the 4 breasts without crowding, place a baking sheet or pan in the oven to heat.
3. Rub each chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of fennel spice rub.
4. Heat the olive oil on medium-high heat in a large skillet until you see it shimmer
5. Add the chicken breasts, skin side down. You may need to do this in two batches, don’t crowd the pan.
6. Brown the skin side, then turn the chicken and brown the other side. Brown any additional breasts if you need to do this in batches. Remove the first breasts to a plate.
7. When all are browned, put them in the oven to bake for 20 minutes. Check for doneness. Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

All that was needed was a salad of arugula, simply dressed with lemon and olive oil.

What’s missing? Oh, yes, the wine! We have a new favorite, this Australian Shiraz.

Fennel Spice Rub

• 1 cup fennel seeds
• 3 tablespoons cumin seeds (my addition)
• 3 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons white peppercorns
• 3 tablespoons kosher salt

 Directions:

1. Put the fennel seeds coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and peppercorns in a heavy pan over medium heat. Watch carefully, tossing frequently so the seeds toast evenly.
2. When light brown and fragrant, pour the seeds onto a plate to cool. They must be cool before grinding, or they will gum up the blades of your blender
3. Pour the seeds into a blender and add the salt. Blend to a fine powder, shaking the blender container occasionally to redistribute the seeds.
4. Store in a tightly sealed glass jar in a cool, dry place, or freeze.

Cheers!

This turned out so well that I will be taking it to the party on Friday to be with Angie and her friends at The Novice Gardener for Fiesta Friday #42. Come visit and sample all the great food.

Also posted at Full Plate Thursdays and Showcase Your Talent Thursday.