Tesori

At 65 E Adams, Chef Andrew Deuel creates a little Alchemy by making the most astonishing seasonal dishes ever. Just take one bite of the braised veal cheeks, anson mills organic polenta, with fall mire poix and you’ll be convinced.

I was on a mission to make veal cheeks today and this Emeril recipe was the picture of my lunch although I must admit that Chef Deuel had his own spin on the flavors.

Bon Appetit!

4 ounces raw bacon, chopped

2 cups chopped onions
1 cup small diced carrots
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 pounds assorted exotic mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 cup Madeira wine
4 cups veal stock
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme
8 veal cheeks, trimmed
3 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

In a heavy bottom pan or dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Add the onions and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until soft, about 4 minutes.

Add the garlic and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Saute for 2 minutes.

Deglaze with the Madeira and cook for 1 minute. Add the veal stock, bay leaf, and thyme, and bring to a simmer.  

Season the veal with salt and pepper and add the simmering liquid. Cook, uncovered until the cheeks are tender, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from sticking.

In a medium-size saucepan, over medium heat, combine the milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornmeal and cook until creamy and thick, about 4 minutes. Stir in the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the veal mixture.

Spoon the polenta in the center of each serving plate. Lay a veal cheek over the polenta. Spoon the sauce over the cheeks.

Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and parsley.

The sweet spot?

A Divino with Vodka instead of Gin, june, dimmi and lemon. Oh and a few grapes floating around for focus. Without a doubt, this was an outstanding mix of flavors.

A tip from the friendly staff at Tesori?

Few Spirits in Evanston, IL brews some of the best small batches anywhere.

I have a brewery tour booked October 6 so look for a follow-up.

Bon Appetit!