Recipes
Big Love Buttermilk Fried Chicken
When Heather Earnhardt opened her tiny cafe, The Wandering Goose, in Seattle, she added a little bit of Southern charm and comfort to the city. From her childhood in the South with her close-knit family comes this collection of traditional Southern favorites that makes use of all of the delicious food ingredients available here in the Pacific Northwest. Her specialty is her biscuits - both sweet and savory - as well as traditional Southern fare such as pickles, pies, cakes, grits and this Big Love Buttermilk Fried Chicken. This delicious recipe comes from Heather L. Earnhardt's Big Food Big Love: Down Home Southern Cooking Full of Heart of Seattle's Wandering Goose.From the Author: "Fried chicken is an emblem of the South and loved the world over: there are as many styles and flavors as there are ways of eating it. Whether it's served hot over a buttermilk biscuit or eaten cold as a midnight snack standing in front of the refrigerator, fried chicken is good any time of the day or night. And it's good for you! If your oil is at the correct temperature, the chicken won't absorb any excess and will come out with a crackling skin and hot, juicy interior. My hope is that you fry enough of this chicken so that there are one or two pieces left for a midnight snack."
Learn moreThackeray Ethiopian-Spiced Fried Chicken and Za'atar-Spiced Kale Slaw
A while back, we stopped for lunch at Thackeray restaurant and had a meal that totally blew us away. The lamb shawarma and Spanish prawn bowl were both fantastic, but the highlight for us was the Ethiopian-spiced fried chicken, served with a side of some simply amazing slaw.After our food coma faded, we reached out to Jon and Micah, to see if they'd share some of their secrets. They happily obliged, and we are happy to present the recipes for their fried chicken and side slaw, featuring Berbere and Green Za'atar to great success. Check out the recipe to try it at home and see for yourself what we are raving about.
Learn moreKung Pao Chicken
Many Americans would be surprised to learn that their favorite Chinese dishes are either not Chinese at all, or greatly altered from the original. One of our favorite Chinese cookbooks, Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees by Kian Lam Kho, helps cut through the confusion with dozens of authentic recipes of Chinese classics such as this traditional version of Kung Pao Chicken. It may not be the Kung Pao Chicken you are used to, but it will quickly become a new favorite.From the Author: "Kung Pao Chicken is one of those takeout dishes that is usually covered by a landslide of sickeningly sweet brown sauce. It would not be recognized by anyone arriving in the United States from China. Kung Pao Chicken is in fact a dry stir-fry dish. The spicy sauce should only lightly coat the chicken pieces, giving them enough flavor to delight the palate and provide subtle contrast to the crunchy peanuts."
Learn moreGeneral Tso's Chicken
General Tso's Chicken is very popular in the United States, but is usually pretty sweet. This authentic version from Phoenix Claws & Jade Trees by Kian Lam Kho is full of flavor and will make you want seconds.From the Author: "This version of General Tso's Chicken resembles the original created by Peng Chang-Kuei in Taiwan. Strictly speaking it is not a traditional Hunan dish, but the technique and flavors are inspired by the chef's Hunan background. It is not as sweet as the standard American version, and is laced with lots of garlic."
Learn moreTellicherry Buttermilk Biscuits
I drew inspiration for these Tellicherry buttermilk biscuits from, My Two Souths by Asha Gomez. This enchanting cookbook was a delightful collection of recipes blending culinary traditions from Southern India and the Southern United States. A match made in heaven! I couldn't wait to cook from it! Biscuits are one of my most loved foods from down-home cooking, and adding pepper shows how easy it is to make something simple even more sensational with just one spice. I barely adapted this recipe from the original. I used shortening instead of butter for sentimental reasons. My childhood mornings were often spent watching older generations crumble it into flour while I waited for that first hot biscuit out of the oven.
Learn moreGeorgian Spiced Lamb Chops with Molasses Mustard Glaze
If you're tired of the same old meat & potatoes, then whip up this delightful dinner seasoned with spice blends from Georgia. We've grilled up some spiced lamb chops with Khmeli Suneli, an exotic blend of herbs and spices, and then finished them with a bold molasses-mustard glaze. Want more? We did! Add a side of mashed potatoes with Svaneti Salt. All these bold and distinctive flavors combine wonderfully, taking comfort food to a whole new level.
Learn moreMichael's Boeuf A La Bourguignonne
Turkey dominates the center of the Thanksgiving spread, but it doesn't have to be the only protein on the table. Boeuf a la Bourguignonne is a French peasant dish from Burgundy that uses beef simmered in wine to create a hearty and pleasing stew. A nice dish for a rainy winter day, this recipe is a favorite addition to Michael's Thanksgiving table.
Learn moreRoasted Cauliflower Soup
This Fall roasted cauliflower soup will certainly grace our table more than once this season. It fills the need for belly-warming comfort without being too heavy, reminding us that Summer is just barely over and will thankfully come again. The soup was on the table in under an hour, with little active time. It would make a perfect soup-shot to begin a Thanksgiving or holiday feast, and is easily adaptable to other seasonal vegetables and seasonings.
Learn moreTea-Rubbed Eggplant & Halloumi
For your next smorgasbord or mixed grill, try our Asian Tea Rub on eggplant and halloumi. The flavors are delightful and it's quick and easy to put together. Perfect as a side dish for the next time you use your grill, and also makes a great vegetarian entree, too!
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