Fried Chicken Fingers

I have not met a kid who dislikes chicken fingers. The inspiration to this is none other than my kindergartner. She likes chicken fingers and on the same day I made these the fried chicken craving kicked in. So I paid extra attention with the breading. And it was by far the the best breading I've used so far. Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. 

2 lbs Chicken breast

3 C APF flour

1/4 C cornstarch 

3 eggs

2 Tbsp or more evaporated milk

3 Tbsp paprika

3 Tbsp garlic powder

3 Tbsp onion powder

3 Tbsp oregano

2 Tbsp tbsp salt

1 Tbsp black pepper

Cooking oil for deep frying

In a small bowl combine paprika, onion & garlic powder, oregano and salt and pepper. 

In another bowl, sprinkle some of the seasoning onto chicken evenly. Mix in approximately 1/4 cup of flour mixture. Enough to coat chicken. Set aside.

For the Batter: Beat eggs, evaporated milk and seasoning together. Add 1/8 C to 1/4 C of flour. Stir until it forms a medium thick batter. Adjust by adding more milk. Place chicken into the batter mixture. Mix in thoroughly.

For the Breading: Combine flour and seasoning together. 

Heat cooking oil for frying.

Dredge chicken into the seasoned flour. Fry until cooked and crisp.

Enjoy!

Bread Making

What's for dinner? Pasta sounds good. Accompanied by a simple salad and Fresh Baked Bread. You have to have fresh bread with pasta. In this case where else do I turn to but my Easy Homemade Bread. I've been making this bread for over two years now. It's actually a simplified Italian Bread recipe, which I got from a James Beard Book called "Beard on Bread". I will have to check the book out again from the library and find out the actual recipe.

Baking Bread is so technical and accurate I know but my simplified recipe is a household favorite. It had gone through several makeovers. Just recently I have only been using 1 Packet of Yeast instead of 2 and the outcome is just the same, if not better. I have also been adding 2 Tablespoons of milled flax seed for added nutrition. Once you get familiarized to baking, you may start doing substitutions. Make sure you're ready to face disappointing and great results alike. You can find the Basic Bread Recipe HERE.

1 C of Wheat Flour and 3- 4 Cups White

My little baker at 2 yrs of age

Made Various Breads to take on our Road Trip.

Wheat and Rice Flour

Great for Peanut Butter and Jelly and Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Parmesan and/or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

I saw the recipe for Pretzel Bites on Pinterest yesterday and what a good timing since I was making bread today. They turned out really good. The Parmesan Pretzels taste similar to Pizza Hut cheese sticks. The cinnamon sugar taste similar to donut holes but with added crunch. If you have little ones, they'd be a hit. Of course grown ups too as I have eaten ten pieces as I write. 

Whatever you're making today. Have fun and Happy Eating!

Watermelon Rind Pickles

Two years ago while in Los Angeles, a friend of mine, her mom and I had  the chance to enjoy delicious food at the Eat Real Festival. Various vendors showcased their crafts from beer brewing, baking, jam/jelly making to pickling and more. There were food demonstrations too. That day they were handing out samples and recipe sheets on how to make Watermelon Rind Pickles. I have never had this type of pickles so my curious mind tells me learn more. They were quite good and refreshing.

Yesterday, I finally had the chance to make them. I used a different recipe for this one because I cannot locate the recipe sheet from the festival.

Welcom to Eat Real Food Festival 2011

Craft Demonstration

Question and Answer Area

Separation of the watermelon flesh from rinds

My turn to making Watermelon Rind Pickles

Click HERE for the recipe.

The watermelon

The preparation took longer than the pickling part but it was worth it (trying to stay positive here)

pickling bath

Ready to Serve!

Burung Nasi, Fermented Rice

A couple weeks ago, I found some spicy mixed salad at the Farmers' Market, which reminded me of this awfully delicious side dish from my home province in Pampanga. I'm talking about Burung Nasi (Fermented Rice). It's pungent, sometimes sour and savory all at the same time. It  goes hand in hand with fried or grilled fish like mudfish or tilapia, steamed eggplant, steamed bitter melon, mustard greens and a heap of hot bowl of rice, okay, two cups. I've been wanting to try to make this recipe after the last time we came back from the Philippines. I finally got the chance to do it when I got my hands into really nice spicy mixed greens. At this time in Kansas is hot and humid, I've got the ingredients and enthusiastic taste buds, why not re-create the experience of home at my now very own home in Kansas.

Ingredients:

1 Mason Jar

 2 Cups of Freshly Cooked Rice

 2-3 teaspoons of Kosher Salt

 10 Pieces of Raw & Shelled Shrimp Head

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Stir for 5 minutes or until mixture is thoroughly incorporated. Transfer it into the Mason Jar. Let it stand for two* to three days in room temperature. This is when the fermentation happens. While your mixture is in the jar, you will notice the color of your shrimp head turning to orange. That is from the warm rice and salt. 

*I cooked mine within two days as I prefer it to be less sour. 

Ingredients: 

1 clove garlic, smashed (add more garlic if preferred)

1 Small Onion, chopped

3 teaspoons Ginger, minced

3 Ripe Roma Tomatoes, chopped

2 Tablespoons Oil

1/4 to 1/2 Cups Water

In a pre-heated skillet, add oil. Sautee ginger first. Garlic comes second. Lastly, add the onions. When onions become translucent add chopped tomatoes. Bring mixture to a simmer, say 15 minutes. Stir in the fermented rice and water. Let it cook for another 15 or 20 minutes.

Spicy Mixed Greens

Ours was served with Salmon Cakes. It's best served with Fried/ Grilled whole fish like mudfish, tilapia or milkfish/bangus.

This was the lunch that awaits us the second time we came to visit family in Pampanga.

Note: This is my first time to make this myself. If your first attempt is not successful do not lose hope :) You can, or You will try it again for sure because you'll will be dying to make your own of this. Have fun!

Blues and Greens

Blues, Greens and Plentiful of Sunshine! I rely on natural light when taking photographs, so when there's plenty of it, I snap. Below are photos that contain the colors blue, green and yellow too. 

Blue: Water

Blue & Green: Sky and Leaves

Green & Yellow: New flower discovery, Tulip Poplar

Blue, Green and Yellow: Mini flowers from my daughter

Blue Green: None, maybe the writing on the ruler

This is how much rain we got in conclusion of May.

Green: Cilantro came up after the rain

Reading about Greens

Green: Made some Kohlrabi Salad for dinner. My Farmers' Market find.

Green: Steamed Broccoli Rabe, another Farmers' Market find.

Green: The steamed broccoli rabe served with some steamed crab and head on shrimp.

What Green, Blue or Yellow captured you today?

Raspberry Peach Jam Parfait

 Using ingredients I already have on hand (which is how I almost determine what we'll eat for a meal), I used some crumbled graham crackers moistened with some melted butter, homemade raspberry peach jam from my sister-in-law, the combination is quite delicious and I like its consistency, & whipped cream. I assembled the ingredients in a small mason jar. 

Adjust ingredients per your preference, I wanted more whipped cream in mine with just the right sweetness. Chill for 15 minutes. Enjoy! 

Overland Park Farmers' Market

When planning on an out-of-town trip, the very first thing I think about is going to the town's Farmers' Market. It's simply exciting!  

So, I hit up the Overland Park Farmers' Market. It was a wet, chilly and windy morning. I see busy and happy vendors despite of the rainy condition. What's good about this Farmers Market is its in a covered spot. It has an awning for a wet Saturday like it was. There were plenty of fresh produce, baked goods, food vendors, and some crafts.

My favorite bread, Ciabatta bread. It's so delicious and an inexpensive breakfast on the go.

This would be good paired with a pasta dish, salad or sandwich. I got 2 pieces for a $1. Yes!

Home made Pasta

I got Spinach Angel Hair but there are a variety to choose from. How about dark chocolate Linguine?

Come to the Overland Park Farmers Market

7950 Marty St.

Overland Park, KS 66204

Sat.: Apr. 13 - Nov. 23 (6:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Wed.: May 22 - Sept. 25 (7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Kansas Barbecue

Aside from celebrating my late birthday, I thought it would be good to take a break selling at the Farmers Market this past Saturday. So to the Woodyard BBQ in Kansas City we go. I was with my husband Grant, who picked out this place for our lunch and our 4 yr. old daughter, who was ready to get out of the car. It was cold and misting when we got there. As we pull up the drive way, the place seemed to be empty as there's no sign of occupancy. When we walked inside, there were guys enjoying eating their lunch. 

Restaurant Sign

I had smoked ribs, chicken, sausage, brisket and cheesy corn. (I wish I had brought 2-3 cups of white rice to go with this.) My favorite are the ribs and I like eating them without the sauce.

There's plenty of both outdoor and indoor seating. We dine-in inside what looks like a garage. The decor was somewhat carefree, mismatched but filled with character.

According to the hospitable guy who works here, before they served their delicious bbq they were first known for their wood. Click here to find out more of their bbq history.

You can find Anthony Bourdain and Guy Fieri's tracks here as well.

If you're craving delicious Kansas City barbecue, Woodyard BBQ is a must stop. 

3001 Merriam Ln

Kansas City, KS 66106

Coconut Macaroons

 I have been spending a lot of time in the kitchen lately. Not that I'm forced to do so but I simply enjoy cooking, baking and eating. I particularly like easy and delicious recipes. One of which, is my mom's coconut macaroons. They are moist and not too sweet. Simply yummy! Below are the ingredients.

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Using a wire whisk, mix wet ingredients in a separate container. Stir in dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Place a tablespoon of the macaroon mixture into mini-baking cups. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 28

Enjoy!