This is the gelatinous inside cavity of the bones where white an red blood cells are created. It is high in protein and fat. Sounds like it is supposed to be reserved for medical practice! BUT ALAS. One chef being showcased on one of the travel shows I was completely drawn into, was Chef Chris Cosentino. Among his many cooking talents is serving delicious plates of unusual cuts of meat and animal parts. Tongues, intestines, snouts, you name it. One of the unusual delicacies he cooked was beef bone marrow, seasoned with sea salt and pepper on a bed of herbs. It is hard to believe that something as simple as this could be so delicious. I haven't had the pleasure of visiting his restaurant on my last trip to San Fransisco (as I hear it is now closed), but I wanted to try a version for myself. Bone marrow is such an interesting thought as a morsel because it was once seen as a part of the animal to be discarded or used for soup or...dog treats... and is now being used as a showstopping small plate. How can I describe it? It is meat heaven. Meat butter! A soft, gelatinous delicacy that WILL melt in your mouth. I am not just saying that and using flowery words.
SO as a mission, I decided that I ought to try and make it myself since many restaurants are trending this dish. In Gainesville, I drove over to one of the town's small markets, specializing in local products (something I try to always encourage). This place tends to be overrun by hipsters sometimes, but whatever. There, I approached the butcher and asked for 2 beef bone marrows, cut in half. After researching the dish, I saw that it is the easiest to roast them in halves. The butcher came back with the marrow bones, which were very large and bloody. My eyes widened with disgust and excitement. The butcher said finally, I hope your dogs like these! Of course I knew dogs loved bone marrow, but this man had no idea I was about the roast them up and eat them. I replied " Actually, they are for me, I am gonna eat them!" He gave a very strange look and went about his way. Oooo...burned.
At home, I followed some instructions that I found online and started roasting. In 15 minutes I had a delicious snack and I served it with some toast and a tall glass of raspberry Fromboise beer.
PERFECT.
Intimidating to try at first trust me. The smell is questionable and the texture is literally jelly, but BE BRAVE! And try it.
I actually threw a GAME OF THRONES premiere party not too long ago and served this up. How appropriate! All attendees were college students who were luckily brave enough to try it. Surprisingly, everyone approved. So try this at home to serve as a lovely little tapa or appetizer!
The ingredients:
Beef marrow bones, cut in half
Extra Virgin olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Fresh rosemary, thyme or parsley
The recipe.
PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 degrees F
1) On a baking sheet, place the bones an inch or two apart with the wider sides facing down.
2) Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the tops of each bone.
3) Sprinkle tops of bones with salt, pepper and chopped fresh rosemary
4) Before baking, prep a warm loaf of french bread and slice into disks. Set aside and keep warm.
5) Bake marrow bones for 15-18 minutes
6) Remove from oven and serve immediately
7) To retrieve the marrow, take a small spoon or knife and spread on bread like butter
Enjoy this. It is pure heaven and drooling status.
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