Chicken en Papillote with Spicy Carrot Jus

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

Directions

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.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):

• 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

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.