Great Panini Picnic, On A Budget

Chef Jason Denton Makes One, On A Shoestring, On "The Early Show" Saturday Edition

(CBS) 

Purple Grape Trifle with Simple Syrup and Fresh Whipped Cream

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch of fresh purple grapes
1 bottle of sparkling water
1 cup sugar
1 small container of fresh heavy cream
4 sprigs of mint

METHOD:

First make a simple syrup by heating the sparkling water and slowing mixing in the sugar until a rich consistency is achieved.

Cut grapes in half-length wise and add to a bowl with a quarter of the simple syrup. Add 4 sprigs of mint and cover tightly. Put in fridge. Throughout the day mix the marinade.

Next, take grapes and layer on the bottom of a martini glass or small bowl. Take heavy cream and whip until it is a medium firm texture. Ladle on a generous tablespoon on top of grapes.

Next drizzle juice from marinade on top of cream! It's a super refreshing way to end a meal.


So, how did Jason fare in our "How Low Can You Go?" competition?

Asparagus Salad
asparagus $4.99
eggs $0.97
red pepper $1.39
grana cheeese $3.00
total $10.35

Panini
portobello mushrooms $3.49
ciabatta rolls $3.98
Arugula $1.49
lemon $0.49
pecorino $2.50
green squash $1.34
yellow squash $0.87
chicken breast $2.99
mozzarella $2.49
mint $0.69
total $20.33

Grape Trifle
purple grapes $2.99
heavy cream $1.19
total $4.18

Grand total: $34.86

Where does that put Jason in the competition?

1. Paul Liebrandt $32.35
Corton

2. Scott Peacock $32.60
Watershed Restaurant

3. Joey Campanaro $33.27
The Little Owl

[JBINI547]

I like the chef on a shoestring segment and look forward to it every week. However, every week they rush the chef through the meal. Many times they don't get to the dessert before running out of time or you miss something in the preparation because it has to be skipped due to time constraints. The same goes for nearly all other segments where there are live participants. They need to do fewer segments and make them better quality.

[sam-kiley]

bonjour,
erika, lonnie, jeff, priya et chris (absent)..toujours ausi contente de vous revoir..
chef on shoestring, toujours aussi classe, les asperges "asparagus". grillées trés bien le parfait repas pour un picnic parfait..je prends..merci chef et bravo
au revoir..a samedi prochain..
je l'espére..

[MsCuda]

One of the issues I usually have with this type of menu is the amount of dressing they allow for the salad--I mean, come on! 1 tbs each of oil and vinegar for a salad for four?

[ayatoldya]

I take back this comment:

Let's face it, chefs used to cooking $100 per plate entres are not going to know how to approach a 3 course meal for 4 for under $35.

I bet if you account for their wholesale food prices and volume of food, most of these chefs make a 3 course meal for 4 for under $35 all day long.

[ayatoldya]

Here is where the chef lost at least 90% of his audience:
"Heat panini grill to 375° degrees. "
Who has a panini grill? There are ways to work around not having one, thanks for the tips; NOT!

Overall this meal sounds okay, but I would't go out of my way with it as it's nothing special. If I was having a picnic lunch, I certainly wouldn't want a cold panini sandwich with resolidified cheese on soggy panini bread. Anyone that's eaten a cold panini sandwich understands what I'm saying here. I mean, who wants to eat a cold grilled sandwich?

Desert: Who puts whipped cream on grapes; at a picnic even!? This is a fail desert.

Another thing that bothers me here is that all the other entries in this contest have been dinner entries. While I've eaten a panini when I just need fuel and don't have time for a meal, this menu is set as lunch. Therefore this meal should not be included among the finalists.

But on the quality of eatability, a judging criteria sorely missing, this meal could rank in the top 10. I think that speaks volumes about past menus on this segment.

Let's face it, chefs used to cooking $100 per plate entres are not going to know how to approach a 3 course meal for 4 for under $35.

[muskylady2953]

The time given to the chef is hardly worth their effrort! I am done watching CBS Saturday morning show --- don't like a lot of the content anymore, Chris Botti today. Moving to Today! I have been a fierce support er of CBS for years but not much longer.