Ingredients

  • 4 (12-inch by 16-inch) rectangles parchment paper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
  • 2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
  • 2 cups finely sliced leeks
  • 2 cups finely sliced carrots
  • 2 cups finely sliced celery
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 2 cups fresh carrot juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into teaspoon pieces
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • Steamed long-grain white rice
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Fold parchment sheet in half to form an 8-inch by 12-inch rectangle.
  • With scissors, cut each folded sheet into a heart shape.
  • Brush the inside of each sheet with 11/2 teaspoons of olive oil.
  • Season each chicken breast with 1/2 teaspoon of Essence, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
  • Place one chicken breast in the center of each sheet, and top with 1/2 cup each of leeks, carrots, and celery.
  • Lightly season the vegetables with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.
  • Pour 1 tablespoon of wine over each chicken breast.
  • Fold the parchment paper over the chicken and vegetables, and seal by making small folds in the paper, turning the pouch slightly after each fold.
  • Continue on all sides until the pouch is well sealed.
  • Place the pouches on a baking sheet and bake until expanded like a balloon, about 25 to 30 minutes.
  • To make the Carrot Jus, in a small saucepan combine the carrot juice, cayenne, allspice, ginger and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  • Place the pan over medium heat, and bring to a gentle boil.
  • With a whisk, swirl the butter into the juice several pieces at a time.
  • If the jus separates, return it to a boil while whisking for a few seconds.
  • Remove the papillote packages from the oven and place on serving plates.
  • To serve, cut an "x" into each package and peel back the paper.
  • Pour the Carrot Jus over the chicken, garnish with the parsley, and serve with steamed rice.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Yield: about 2/3 cup
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch.
  • Published by William and Morrow, 1993.