Figgy Coconut Rice ~~ Skirt in the Kitchen ~Bring 1 cup Basmati rice and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil, uncovered. Turn heat down to medium, and let the water carefully cook out, not to burn the rice. Take off the heat-- Stir in a cinnamon stick, ground cinnamon, pinch of salt-- and turbinado sugar, enough to taste.Whisk contents of coconut milk, mixing the solid … [Read more...]
Deep-Fried Duck, Israeli Couscous with Sweet Potato Latkes
This meal is special to me-- My mother and I made this together over Christmas, the last night we had together before we had to part to come back home-- and it just came together so well, right on the spot, so very meant to be. I got to bake with my sis, and I got to cook with my mother over Christmas, the best of both worlds... It's what makes Skirt in the Kitchen … [Read more...]
Duck Pot Slow-Cook
Duck Pot Slow-Cook ~ Skirt in the Kitchen ~Slice in thick slices-- 1 yellow onion, lay in the bottom of a crock pot. Pour in 1/2 cup turkey stock over onion slices. If you have cooked onions mixed in the stock, even better. Next, pour in 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth.Crush fennel seeds and caraway to add.Cut in halves, 2 large Idaho potatoes.With Kosher … [Read more...]
Lane Cake
One of my grandmothers used to bake a variation of this cake to sell-- my mother's mother-- the Lane Cake-- famously known for its southern roots, the traditional cake to celebrate with, a delicious cake centered around the festivities of the Christmas season or somebody's birthday. Lane Cake ~~ adapted from Booze Cakes: Confections Spiked with Spirits, Wine, and … [Read more...]
Baking a Cocktail
We stayed up late-- baking and making cocktails-- then baked more, drank more-- But it's the night/morning before Christmas Eve. It was time with Sis, just what we needed-- !-- like old times.Pour in 1/4 cup simple syrup-- in each glass of two.Stir in freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice, enough to suit individual taste. … [Read more...]
Chicken and Rice Soup with Sandwiches
This is my husband's maternal grandparents' soup that they used to cook together, what he was raised on, this good wholesome and nourishing soup fit for a cold day or just for a cold. From the time we got together, he cooked this for me, knew it by heart. We would visit his grandparents, and his grandfather would be cooking this on the stove, well into his 80s. … [Read more...]
Spinach-Cheese Swirls
Spinach-Cheese Swirls ~~ adapted from Pepperidge Farm ~Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Thaw 1/2 of a 17.3-oz package Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets; 1 sheet needed. Thaw and drain well, 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets, or use cooking spray or line with parchment paper.Stir 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water together.Stir 1/2 … [Read more...]
Light of the World
Male Bonding Beer-Brined Chicken
I'm impressed with this chicken recipe. The flavors of all the spices-- in the brine, in the rub, are splendid; and cooked just right, it's outstanding. No doubt, I'll be making this again.Male Bonding Beer-Brined Chicken ~~ adapted from Patio Daddy-O ~For the brine, with a peeler, chop into small pieces strips of lemon zest to equal 1 tablespoon.In a large bowl, … [Read more...]
Ham and Cheese Slab Pies
Ham and Cheese Slab Pies ~~ adapted from Better Homes and Gardens ~Preheat oven temp to 400. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Stir together in a small bowl 6 ounces softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons honey mustard. (I used mascarpone instead of cream cheese.)On a lightly floured surface, roll sheets of 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed, 15x12-inch … [Read more...]