The Philadelphia Inquirer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page F05

Thursday, September 9, 2010 THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER www.philly.com CMLDSW F5 Rush-Hour PA Wine Spirits Stores By J.M. Hirsch ASSOCIATED PRESS Once again, the rotisserie chicken rescues the weeknight cook. I've never actually eaten a rotisserie chicken as one would a traditional roast chicken as in, a serving of meat carved from the bird. In my cooking, these chickens are an ingredient on which to build the rest of the meal. This recipe tosses the meat with grated Parmesan cheese, blanched asparagus, and pasta.

Best yet, the recipe is quite adaptable. Substitute (and cook the same way) any firm veggie for the asparagus, and the same for the cheese and pasta. Any pasta including whole-grain works well. xmnnnni Please enjoy responsibly. DAVID WARREN Staff Photographer Street food in a box Most prepackaged falafel taste more like cardboard than like the authentic version of this Middle Eastern street food.

But these from Falafel Republic are surprisingly fluffy and delicious, made of mashed chickpeas, fava beans, onions, and spices. Just zap them in the microwave and add your own tzatziki sauce. Vegan and gluten-free. Maureen Fitzgerald Package of 9 one-ounce balls, $5.99 at local Giant supermarkets. MICHAEL f.VHL WIRTZ Staff K.

Photographer Fettuccini with Parmesan, Chicken, and Asparagus Makes 4 servings 1 pound asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces 12-ounce package fresh fettuccini 3 cups shredded cooked chicken 1h cup chicken broth Pinch red pepper flakes 1 cup grated Parmesan 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces Salt and ground black pepper, to taste 1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and blanch for 2 minutes, or until bright green and just barely tender. Use a slotted spoon and remove to a plate. Return the water to a boil.

2. Add the pasta to the water and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside. 3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium-low, combine the cooked chicken, broth, and red pepper flakes.

Heat until warmed through. 4. In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, pasta, and chicken with broth. Add the butter and Parmesan, then toss well until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Per serving: 687 calories, 49 grams protein, 66 grams carbohydrates, 23 grams fat, 140 milligrams cholesterol, 1,117 milligrams sodium, 4 grams dietary fiber. Cherries in chocolate John Kira's chocolates return to the local farmers markets after a respite from the heat. Among the new offerings in their new fall line-up are these: a dried, tart cherry, enveloped in Valrhona dark chocolate with a touch of brandy. Just fabulous! 1 M.F. John Kira's Chocolate Cherries, 9 pieces, $29, at Fair Food Farmstand in Reading Terminal at 12th and Arch; also at local farmers markets including Rittenhouse Square and Headhouse.

Good everything here is made with an eye to authenticity, from the shortcakey scones with imported clotted cream to pastry-wrapped banger sausages, sides of mushy peas, Madras curry sauce, and, especially, those fish and chips. Strojan, who uses sustainable haddock delivered fresh daily, has developed a simple but spot-on batter that is mixed fresh multiple times a day. The result is a light, leaping brown crust that clings to the flaky fish without a hint of grease. I'll drink a spot of tea in a cozy Brown Betty pot to that. Craig LaBan Fish and chips, 12 (for large), the British Chip Shop, 146 Kings Highway, Haddonfield; 856-354-0204.

Fish and Chips There's been a revolving door of eateries in the Kings Highway storefront now occupied by the British Chip Shop in quaint downtown Haddonfield. But I'm hoping the timeless appeal of great fried fish and crispy chips seemingly common but so rarely done this well gives this genuine ode to English comforts a fighting chance. Co-owned by Ed Strojan and his step-father, Gary Coleman, who also has the English Gardener gift shop across the street, virtually Decorate like a pro This battery-powered decorating pen from Kuhn Rikon makes simple work of borders and birthday wishes. With 6 different decorating tips and three cartridges for different colors. M.F.

Frosting Deco Pen, $29.99 at Sur La Table, Marlton or King of Prussia, or online at www.surlatable.com. CHARLES FOX Staff Photographer ADVERTISEMENT 1111 fill 1 IDewar's II White Label" MM ik i mm Blended Scotch Wmf' II im SI 1 991 AWC Si 1.75 jM i fllrrflWir-i Tip,.