recipe and tasso ham

[Shell]

I get about a zillion recipes emailed to me each week.. one of the emails I get is Copycat Recipes (which is where I got the Macaroni Grill Penne Rustica from on the old board).. anyway figured I'd post this one with all the recent talk of Cheesecake Factory. However, my real question is does anyone know where you can get Tasso Ham around here? I always look and never find. Thanks!

Cheese Cake Factory Jumbo Chicken Chop
Ease of Cooking: Advanced Cooking
Serving Size: 4

Be sure to serve with some delicious homemade mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:
1 Large Egg (beaten)
1/3 C. Milk
4 Large Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, 1/3" thick)
1 C. Bread Crumbs
2/3 C. Fresh Finely Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp. Seasoned Salt
1/2 C. Flour (dusting of chicken breast)

Preparation:
Mix milk and egg together, set aside. Mix flour, seasoned salt, and parmesan cheese, set aside. Dust chicken breast with 1/2 cup of flour and set aside. Heat 1/4" of oil in fry medium high heat. Dredge chicken breast in egg,milk mixture and then dip in bread crumbs and parmesan cheese mixture place in heated oil and fry until lightly golden brown on both sides. When chicken is light golden brown place on cooking sheet and bake for 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 300 degrees. Remove from oven and serve with buttery rich mashed potatoes and Tasso Cream Sauce.


Mock Tasso Cream Sauce

3 Tbsp. Finely Diced Prosciutto Ham
3 Tbsp. Butter
2 Tbsp. Flour
1 C. Heavy Cream
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Sugar
1/2 - 3/4 C. Whole Milk
1 Tbsp. Butter (added after sauce cooks)

On medium high heat place butter in a sauce pan and melt. Add ham to butter, sauté for a few minutes stirring constantly. Sprinkle flour in mixture. Stir flour briskly, add salt and sugar. Stir and cook flour mixture until blended. Reduce temperature to medium low, add whipping cream slowly and cook until thick. When sauce is thick slowly add milk a little at time until small bubbles form and cook until thick like cream. More milk may be added, remove from heat. Serve with chicken breast and whipped potatoes.

[StormShaman]

Tasso is one of those things that's very hard to find outside of its native environment--Louisiana--though you can probably get it in some specialty gourmet shops (perhaps Fowler's in Durham has it?) or by mail order.

It's a lean chunk of cured pork or beef that's been heavily seasoned with red pepper, garlic, file powder, and a bunch of other fun things (the exact mix depends on the maker). Then it's smoked for about 2 days or so.

It's pretty good--spicy as all get-out (which is why it's most often used as a seasoning), but still pretty good.

Hope this helps. If you want some addresses for mail-order, let me know. :)

[Shell]

Thanks Cam.. haven't checked Fowlers since I was there a few years ago, but they didn't have it then.. hadn't really thought about mail order. Something about meat doesn't make me think mail ;) It is a good idea though.. I have ordered from Omaha Steaks before and it showed up the next day in dry ice. Thanks!

[Guyute]

Tasso is the world's best use for pig. :p

mmmmmmmmmm

and yes. it's damn near impossible to find. haven't found it in 8 years, since a restaurant I worked in in Columbia SC went under.

Boar's Head carries Tasso (or at least used to, back then) ... but none of the places around here that carry BH every get that. and if you ask them about you get a blank look and a "what ham??". :roll:

[JaroFan]

How funny - I just had that for dinner at CF tonight! It was delicious!

[Alicia]

Sounds yummy, Shell!

[ontheboards]

I have found Wellspring/Whole Foods and, believe it or not, Wal-Mart SuperCenter to be a good source for ingredients for my New Orleans/southwest Louisiana recipes . However, when I REALLY want something for one of my recipes, I order from Peperone's in Gretna, Louisiana. Somewhere along the way "gourmet market" got added to their name-- I knew it as one good butcher shop and when I am back home (New Orleans), it still is my first and only stop for meats and sausage-- however, tasso is a common find in most grocery stores...If Peperone's doesn't have it or they can't help you get it, you may not want it. They make one hell of a Turducken, if anyone wants to try one this Thanksgiving or Christmas...

[Canesluver]

Now that there's a Copeland's Restaurant in the Triangle (out in Cary), you could try calling them up and seeing if you could buy any from them. They have serve several entrees that have tasso.

Copeland's was one of our favorite places when we lived in 'Nawlins, cher. ;)

<------ after all, I do know something about pigs!!!

http://www.tridead.net/canes/images/smilies/rofl.gif

[ontheboards]

so how long has Copeland's been in Cary? and where is it located? Copelands has always been very secretive about their recipes-- franchise owners are compelled to buy from the company's warehouse and spices/ingredients arrive premixed. But do you know the secret ingredient in their red beans and rice? Supposedly ground Oscar Meyer hotdogs. How true that is i don't know-- one of the local TV stations in New Orleans did a series on restaurants and the foodie reviewer revealed that tidbit...Having heard that, I just can't eat there anymore--

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Copeland's is on Walnut Street between Dillard and Tryon. I know it has been there at least since I moved down here in August of 2001.

Hey, if it tastes good I don't care what's in it. ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

Since this is a food topic, I am heading to the Cheesecake Factory for my first meal this weekend........any suggestions on what to get?? and oh yeah, what kind of cheesecake??? :D ;)

[nccanes]

Since this is a food topic, I am heading to the Cheesecake Factory for my first meal this weekend........any suggestions on what to get?? and oh yeah, what kind of cheesecake??? :D ;)

I'll be curious to see how long it takes you. We stopped by at 9:30pm last Saturday night and it took 30 minutes to get 3 pieces of Cheesecake to go! :eek2:

[JaroFan]

Since this is a food topic, I am heading to the Cheesecake Factory for my first meal this weekend........any suggestions on what to get?? and oh yeah, what kind of cheesecake??? :D ;)

I'll be curious to see how long it takes you. We stopped by at 9:30pm last Saturday night and it took 30 minutes to get 3 pieces of Cheesecake to go! :eek2:

We went at 4:45 yesterday and had a 20 minute wait. It was worth it! The jumbo chicken chop is excellent, and if you like peanut butter, the peanut butter cup fudge swirl cheesecake is to die for!

[Jeff O Rocks]

We went at 4:45 yesterday and had a 20 minute wait. It was worth it! The jumbo chicken chop is excellent, and if you like peanut butter, the peanut butter cup fudge swirl cheesecake is to die for!

Thanks for the info........yummy..I am ready now!! :spin:

[SouthernCaniac]

Sorry for my late arrival to this thread, but just wanted to add that Lucky 32 has a couple of really good dishes that involve tasso ham. And while i don't know where to purchase Tasso, i know that the Cary BJ's has the best price on prosciutto that i have found. Slap in on a chicken breast, along with some provolone and a splash of good sherry and you've got a kick butt easy recipe!

[Jeff O Rocks]

I know this is a little OT, but I had my first meal at the Cheesecake Factory tonight....after a 4 hour wait! :crazy: I had the shrimp with angel hair and the banana cream cheese cake.... we also had the nerve to split nachos before the meal!! Delicious and the restaurant is beautiful!! Our waiter was Chad and he was great.... :spin:

[Shell]

wow, a 4 hour wait?? Hope you put your name on the list when you were at lunch! It better be damn good! LOL

[Jeff O Rocks]

wow, a 4 hour wait?? Hope you put your name on the list when you were at lunch! It better be damn good! LOL

I put it on there at 5:30 when we got to the mall......we had to wait 1.5 hours to come back JUST to get the pager.....and then we waited til after 9:30 to be seated........they have an "express line" where you can just get cheesecake and it was non-stop the entire night. I have never seen a restaurant like that in my entire life. The food was really good....and yes Shell, go at lunch and sign up for supper! :D ;)

[Stormbringer]

Mona, did the Cheesecake Factory overall have an Arabian palace/Aladdin motif, like the one at Disney World in Orlando, FL? I was thinking that was just a Disney thing. But ever since I've seen the CF's outside entrance at Crabtree at least a couple of times, it seems like that's their overall theme...

The only other thing I can say is Mona, I am just a little bit envious of you... ;)

[JaroFan]

wow, a 4 hour wait?? Hope you put your name on the list when you were at lunch! It better be damn good! LOL

I put it on there at 5:30 when we got to the mall......we had to wait 1.5 hours to come back JUST to get the pager.....and then we waited til after 9:30 to be seated........they have an "express line" where you can just get cheesecake and it was non-stop the entire night. I have never seen a restaurant like that in my entire life. The food was really good....and yes Shell, go at lunch and sign up for supper! :D ;)

Boy am I glad I went on a weeknight! What a difference!

[Jeff O Rocks]

Mona, did the Cheesecake Factory overall have an Arabian palace/Aladdin motif, like the one at Disney World in Orlando, FL? I was thinking that was just a Disney thing. But ever since I've seen the CF's outside entrance at Crabtree at least a couple of times, it seems like that's their overall theme...

The only other thing I can say is Mona, I am just a little bit envious of you... ;)

It did have a Arabian Palace motif SB...it was beautiful..lots of soft pastels...murels on the ceiling...lots of plants....it was a great experience except for the wait...but I was with my sister and fun friends so it was fun..we shopped and goofed off while we waited..

You would be more envious if I told you I went with O...but don't worry..I didn't! (unfortunately) :D :p ;)

[nccanes]

Regarding the wait at the CF. A friend and I went to lunch at PF Changs on Friday and the parking at 11:40am was already atrocious. We used Valet Parking.

Anyway, when we were waiting for the car after we ate we talked other valet parking guys. One of them said a guy came by CF the other evening, put his name down on the list, went to the gym to work out, went home to take a shower, picked up his girlfriend and then returned. They had just called his name and he was able to be seated immediately. How crazy is that? :laugh:

[Jeff O Rocks]

Regarding the wait at the CF. A friend and I went to lunch at PF Changs on Friday and the parking at 11:40am was already atrocious. We used Valet Parking.

Anyway, when we were waiting for the car after we ate we talked other valet parking guys. One of them said a guy came by CF the other evening, put his name down on the list, went to the gym to work out, went home to take a shower, picked up his girlfriend and then returned. They had just called his name and he was able to be seated immediately. How crazy is that? :laugh:

After last night, I can believe it!! :D How is PF Chang's?? I have heard good things about that place too...do you have a long wait there as well?

[Stormbringer]

Mona, did the Cheesecake Factory overall have an Arabian palace/Aladdin motif, like the one at Disney World in Orlando, FL? I was thinking that was just a Disney thing. But ever since I've seen the CF's outside entrance at Crabtree at least a couple of times, it seems like that's their overall theme...

The only other thing I can say is Mona, I am just a little bit envious of you... ;)

It did have a Arabian Palace motif SB...it was beautiful..lots of soft pastels...murels on the ceiling...lots of plants....it was a great experience except for the wait...but I was with my sister and fun friends so it was fun..we shopped and goofed off while we waited..

Cool...besides the food, of course :D, I really liked the atmosphere at the CF in Disney World. Glad to know it's an overall thing, and not just Disney... :spin:

[talkingcanes]

A friend of mine and her husband who are huge fans of the Cheescake Factory from other places they have lived, went on a Friday and would have had a 4 hour wait so they went back for Sunday brunch and said the wait was very reasonable and the food was great.

Guess it's all a matter of timing, but I can't wait to get to that cheesecake ;)

[nccanes]

After last night, I can believe it!! :D How is PF Chang's?? I have heard good things about that place too...do you have a long wait there as well?

I love PF Changs. Good food for sure. I'm sure there are long waits at the primo times for dinner, but I've never tried to walk in at 6-9pm on a Weekend night or anything. If it's that time frame, we just get take out (and you can call ahead for that).

http://www.pfchangs.com/cuisine/cuisine.jsp

[chandongirl]

I too love Changs, the Chicken Lettuce wraps rock and for dinner I like the orange peel beef or the honey shrimp/chicken...I think they serve the chicken on the lunch menu and shrimp on the dinner menu....mmmm :spin: good!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The Kung Pao Chicken at PF Changs is awesome. And I love to eat the leftovers cold. It's SO yummy!!! Hmmmm....wonder how crowded that place will be today. :evil:

[tommy]

The Kung Pao Chicken at PF Changs is awesome. And I love to eat the leftovers cold. It's SO yummy!!! Hmmmm....wonder how crowded that place will be today. :evil:

Oh man, you aren't kidding! That was what I got the first time I went there, and it's amazing!!! I've only been three times, but that was my favorite menu item so far!!

(And I also love the appetizer where you roll the chicken and stuff in a lettuce leaf.... that is great, too.)

[Jeff O Rocks]

Dang it..now you made me hungry for Chinese! :roll: :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Dang it..now you made me hungry for Chinese! :roll: :D

Yeah, that's what it did to me too. We went to PF Changs for dinner. :D Got there around 4pm and had to wait about 30 minutes....GREAT parking space though. We probably should have stuck our head in The Cheesecake Factory to see what the wait was but we didn't.

And, tommy, we had the lettuce wraps (LOVE those things) and I had the Kung Pao....and I'm looking forward to those leftovers! Mr SHC gets the Singapore Street Noodles and loves them.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I am still hungry for Chinese and am ready for more cheesecake....the whipped cream they give you is as big as the piece of cake...yummy!!

and talking canes...the waiter we had said lots of folks order dessert first....I should have done that..I would have enjoyed my cheesecake much more...I had leftovers from both...ate them on Sunday! ;) They have other desserts too......tiramisu...chocolate cake...sundaes..and you can get hot fudge and ice cream with anything!! **insert drooling smiley here** :spin:

[JaroFan]

I am still hungry for Chinese and am ready for more cheesecake....the whipped cream they give you is as big as the piece of cake...yummy!!

and talking canes...the waiter we had said lots of folks order dessert first....I should have done that..I would have enjoyed my cheesecake much more...I had leftovers from both...ate them on Sunday! ;) They have other desserts too......tiramisu...chocolate cake...sundaes..and you can get hot fudge and ice cream with anything!! **insert drooling smiley here** :spin:

If you like peanut butter (i'm a fanatic!) on their cheesecakes with pb, they actually put whipped peanut butter...OH MY GOD!!! :eek:

[Jeff O Rocks]

If you like peanut butter (i'm a fanatic!) on their cheesecakes with pb, they actually put whipped peanut butter...OH MY GOD!!! :eek:

yummy..yummy....I wish I had a piece right now....Reese Cups are the best!! kind of OT but I make peanut butter balls at Christmas and they are pretty darn good if I do say so myself....maybe we should start a thread at Christmas...our favorite Christmas recipes...what do yall think?? I know I am hungry right now!! :D ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

God, I bake more than Keebler at Christmas! Problem is there is never anyone to eat it. :sad: I don't want to eat it....I just like to bake it.

Sounds like a thread idea to me! :spin:

[Shell]

I'd be there.. my mom and I usually switch off now on who does the big holiday dinner.. I love it! My grandmother made the best sweet potato pie that ever was.. I love sharing that recipe and spreading the tradition!

[Jeff O Rocks]

Sounds like a plan ladies...and gents.........we will be starving looking at all these good recipes....shall we begin the hunger now?? ;)