Master the cold-pan sear for crispy duck breast. Served with silky parsnip purée and a shallot-port reduction. Professional culinary techniques for the home cook.

The Art of the Sear: Blackened Mahi Mahi with Polenta Cake

Most home cooks mistake "blackened" for "burnt." In reality, blackening is a sophisticated high-heat technique where a specific blend of spices and milk solids from butter undergo a rapid Maillard reaction to create a savory, protective crust. This dish is a study in texture: the crunch of the spices, the silkiness of creamed spinach, and the structured, buttery bite of a seared polenta cake.