I broke down a full chicken, roasted and reduced the bones from stock to jus, dry brined a breast and thigh for 24 hours, blended the thigh with mirepoix and crimini mushrooms, stuffed that into the breast, and seared it in the smaltz that was rendered while making the jus.
While the ballotine finished in the oven, I made my carrot puree and finished the jus with butter, thyme, and shallots. Plated with some micro greens.
I appreciate this comment quite a bit. I make meals for myself and try to have fun with things and see what options exist for me at my current skillset.
Do I want to eat like an elf every day? Absolutely not, I’d starve or be chained to my stove all day. But is it fun to know how to do the fancy plating for special occasions? Definitely.