Thackeray 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.

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Summer Fruit Papillotes and Lavender Ice Cream (Papillotes de fruits de l'ete et glace a la lavande)

Food is considered by the French to be one of life's greatest pleasures, and author Béatrice Peltre celebrates that with her beautiful blog and cookbooks. In her cookbook, My French Family Table, she definitely takes advantage of spring and summer produce to make gorgeous salads and desserts. Here's a unique take on the traditional en papillote, but turning it into a stunning dessert instead.From the Author: "Use the same technique as for a savory papillote but add sweet ingredients instead; the result is something irresistible. This papillote uses a medley of luscious summer fruit that, once the parchment paper is torn open, displays a palette of bright colors that is completely seductive. I love it served with a scoop of lavender-infused ice cream melting slowly right in the middle."  

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Chicken Drumsticks with Spices and Coconut Milk

This lovely recipe comes from Béatrice Peltre's My French Family Table. This recipe is one of the author's favorite chicken "go to recipes" for when she needs a dose of delicious comfort food.From the Author: "When I'm thinking about comfort food that involves chicken, I like to imagine the sauce that will come with it, something wonderful to flavor a bowl of steaming grains such as brown rice, millet, or quinoa on the side. The sauce in this chicken dish is packed with many of my favorite aromas, from an array of fresh-scented herbs and spices - what's not to love about saffron? - to the flavors of lime juice and coconut milk. I always hope there will be leftovers for the next day so I can have a quiet lunch at home when Lulu is at school and Philip is at the office."

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Osaka Miso Dressing

I've been spending lots of quality time with Osaka Seasoned Salt lately. Its just so darn cheerful I keep coming back to it! It started when I put this perky seasoning on steamed broccoli with lemon juice and sesame oil, creating a simply spiced combination that became a go-to for lunch. Then on to ramen and 6 minute eggs, fabulous! So I was having Osaka Salt for breakfast too. And now the Osaka Miso Dressing. This stellar flavor combination has been gracing many a crunchy salad and stir-fry this spring and that pushed it over the top. Osaka Salt is now on my desert island spice list.In this dressing, the flavors come together beautifully. It is light and intense, with a strong presence of ginger leading the way. There's just enough toasted sesame to be noticed without overpowering and the vegetal and sesame flavors of the Osaka Salt play right along. This dressing is NOT ginger shy, so cut back a little if you'd like a milder version. Enjoy it on vegetables, noodles or to dress chicken or tuna salad.

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French Macarons

Food is considered by the French to be one of life's greatest pleasures. Béatrice Peltre celebrates that with her beautiful blog and cookbooks. Her latest cookbook, My French Family Table, focuses on everyday foods that you can share with family and friends. She features healthy and creative meals that use whole grains, spices and vibrantly colorful fruits and vegetables. Bonus? They all happen to be gluten-free, too. These French macarons are no exception. Perfect for a gathering or special occasion...or just because you're craving something chocolate, you'll want to make these again and again.From the Author: "While these macarons are not complicated, they do take some time to prepare. You will feel a deep sense of accomplishment when you master them."

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Sweet Potato and Squash Parathas

If you love Indian food, you're sure to love Summers Under The Tamarind Tree: Recipes and memories from Pakistan. It showcases a full-flavored cuisine with Arabic and Far East Asian influences on many dishes. Author Sumayya Usmani uses this contemporary Pakistani cookbook to celebrate the flavors and traditions of Pakistan that she learned from spending time in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother when she was growing up.From the Author: "These aren't your typical stuffed parathas: instead they're more like Scottish tattie scones in which mashed potato is mixed with flour to make flat griddle scones, although these are much thinner. This recipe is quicker and easier than making stuffed parathas, but has the same comforting result."

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Sheermal (semi-sweet saffron and cardamom-enriched bread)

Summers Under The Tamarind Tree: Recipes and memories from Pakistan showcases a full-flavored cuisine with Arabic and Far East Asian influences on many dishes. Author Sumayya Usmani uses this contemporary Pakistani cookbook to celebrate the flavors and traditions of Pakistan that she learned from spending time in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother when she was growing up. This gorgeous Sheermal, a semi-sweet and cardamom-enriched bread, would be a delicious addition to any brunch...or the afternoon cup of chai.From the Author: "This saffron-flavored semi-sweet leavened bread has its roots in Persian and North Indian cooking." They can be made in advance and they freeze very well - to defrost, simply toast."

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Mummy's Nutty Saffron Rice

If you're looking for a spectacular side dish, perfect for any dinner, look no further than this delicious Saffron Rice. It's easier to make than you might think...but you don't have to let anyone know that. We saw this dish in Summers Under The Tamarind Tree: Recipes and memories from Pakistan, and knew that we had to get permission from author Sumayya Usmani to share it with everyone.From the Author: " I was never fond of raisins and rice as a child, but as my taste buds matured, I realized that my mother's Persian-influenced recipe is a spectacular yet simple midweek rice dish, a good accompaniment...The saffron is infused in the water that cooks the rice, much like a pulao, and it gives the final dish a rather elegant biryani look."

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Szechuan Crisp Fried Wild Mushrooms

Coming out of such a vast country, authentic Chinese home cooking means different things to different people. This gorgeous Szechuan Crisp Fried Wild Mushrooms recipe from Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees by Kian Lam Kho, is just the thing to expand your understanding of Chinese Cooking. Included with this dish is a recipe for an addictive Szechuan Spiced Salt, which lends itself to endless creative possibilities.From the Author: "The batter used in this recipe is based on Japanese tempura batter. It is light and crisp while having the effect of bringing out the mushroom flavor. But the spicy and numbing flavor of the Szechuan spiced salt, made with dried red chile and Sichuan peppercorns, is all Chinese. This is a great vegetarian finger food for a party."

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