Introducing Garlic Scapes
A few years back when we had joined a new CSA we received these long green things in our box. I promptly chopped them up thinking they were green onions and put them in mexican style quesadillas. They were the most delicious quesdaillas ever. That night I went on our farm’s website to see the list of what we received and saw garlic scapes. Oh that’s what those were (hence the strong garlic flavor) but what is a garlic scape. After much research I found that they are a delicacy and much coveted but the only recipe I could find was scape pesto . We had tons of scapes so I made lots of the pesto. It was amazing, but I longed for something other than pesto to make with these amazing veges. Last year when I purchased my weight in scapes (they are only available one time a year) I tried making things with them using them in place of garlic. They are divine sauteed and taste like a garlicy asparagus. Now if you don’t like garlic you probably won’t like a scape but I still recommend at least trying them. They are mild and fresh and you shold be able to get them at your market now.
As for us…we are growing garlic this year. I have scapes (had scapes). I harvested them today and cooked them. Jason found a great recipe and I followed it somewhat using what I had on hand…here is how I did it.
The coveted scape
Rough chop the scapes starting from the bottom and stopping just at the flower bud.
The flower buds...don't eat these.
Aren't they pretty...
Pound your chicken breast flat.
Season with salt and pepper
Melt 1 tbsp butter with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place chicken in pan.
Brown on both sides then remove and keep warm in oven.
Deglaze pan with 1/4 cup chicken broth and...
1/4 cup of dry white wine. I didn't have a dry so I used a table wine and it was good!
and then pour some for the cook...;)
Add the scapes 1 Tbsp butter and about 1 tbsp capers with whatever juice comes out with them.
Okay things got crazy so I didn't get to take pics of the rest. but you cook until the sauce reduces and scapes are tender. Then add chicken back to pan and cover with sauce. I then covered and let cook until I had the pasta ready.
Place pasta in a bowl, top with chicken and cover with scapes sauce. Serve with garlic bread and salad if you have room.
