Freezing Tarragon Recipes

FRENCH CHICKEN TARRAGON

Steps:

• Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature.
• Heat the oven to 400°F. Put an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and shallots and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and chopped tarragon and cook for 1 minute (be careful not to let the garlic brown). Arrange the chicken thighs in the pot in one layer, add the broth and wine, and bring to a simmer.
• Put the lid on and place the pot on the middle shelf of the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 350°F and continue baking for 45 minutes, or until the thighs are tender. Put the thighs on a platter, cover loosely, and keep warm.
• Strain the pan juices through a fine sieve into a saucepan and spoon off any rising fat. Place the pan over medium-high heat, add the crème fraîche and lemon zest, and simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Spoon the sauce over the chicken, garnish with tarragon leaves, and serve.

FREEZING TARRAGON

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat; add a generous amount of salt and return to a boil. Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Add tarragon leaves to boiling water for 10 seconds. Drain and immediately transfer to ice-water bath to stop cooking. Squeeze excess water from tarragon and divide evenly into 4 portions. Wrap each portion of tarragon tightly with plastic wrap and transfer to freezer. Keep tarragon in freezer up to 6 months. To use, remove tarragon from freezer. Chop as desired for use in soups, sauces, and stuffings.

LEMON TARRAGON BUTTER

Steps:

• Beat all ingredients until blended. Shape into a log; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to several months.