Thursday, December 29, 2011

KWANZAA PRINCIPLES DAY-4

4th Kwanzaa Principle: Ujamaa or Cooperative Economics


BLACK EYED PEAS
(Hoppin John)

Ingredients:
1 pound black-eyed peas or 2 package of frozen
4 cups water
1 medium onion
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 or 4 smoked necks bones* or smoked turkey parts
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup margarine
1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper (optional)
3 cups of cooked rice

Preparation:
Thoroughly pick and wash the black-eyes peas in strainer picking out small pebbles. Place peas in pot and add water covering the peas, place in refrigerator for 24 hours. (If frozen eliminate this step)

*Clean smoked neck bones (there is a brain stem that runs down the neck of the pig), When the bones are chopped, the stern can be found in the channel-like opening, remove it.
Boil the bones or turkey parts until they are ½ way tender using enough water to cover, through the boiling period maintain this level of water,use the pot liquor add with water to make 4 cups, Add Black Eye Peas Combine with salt, pepper, onion, water, and pork or other meat, you can add crushed red pepper if you like spicy food. Bring to rapid boil, cover and reduce heat simmer for 1½ to 2 hours or until tender.
Serves 4 to 6

Tips:
If you're up to the challenge, you might try adding the rice to the black-eyed pea mixture.
If not, I suggests, "cheat" at serving time placed the black-eyed peas on top of the rice on your plate this works for me.
The challenge: After the peas are tender, Add the rice, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, until the liq

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

KWANZAA PRINCIPLES DAY-3

3rd Kwanzaa Principle: Ujima or Collective Work and Responsibility



Chicken Yassa
services 4-6

Ingredients
• 1 4-6 lb. Chicken
• 3 Medium Onions (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 C. Parsley (chopped)
• 1 t. Freshly Ground Pepper
• 1 t. Coarse Salt
• 1 Bay Leaf (crumbled)
• 1/4 t. Thyme
• 1/2 t. Crushed Red Pepper (Optional)
• 1/3 C Lemon Juice
• 1/4 C Oil
• 11/2C Water

Marinate at least 30 minutes, longer or even overnight is ideal.
Preparation
1. Cut the chicken in half or in pieces and spread out on a baking pan
2. Put giblets in water and simmer (for sauce for chicken and onions) (need 1 C. of stock)
3. Cover with the onions, parsley, salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme and red pepper
4. Pour lemon juice and salad oil over the chicken and onions
5. Marinate for at least 30 minutes
6. After marinating remove the chicken and broil until chicken is browned on all sides
7. Simmer the onion mixture over medium heat stirring occasionally to prevent onions from browning (approx. 5 minutes)
8. Return chicken to baking pan and cover with the onion mixture
9. Pour 1 cup chicken stock (including giblets) over the chicken and onions
10. Make white rice
11. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes until onions turn a light golden color.
12. Serve over rice

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

KWANZAA PRINCIPLES DAY-2

2nd Kwanzaa Principle: Kujichagulia or Self–Determination

KWANZAA RECIPE DAY-2
Easy West African Peanut Stew
(serves six to eight)

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 boneless chicken thighs, cut into quarters
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 to 3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ground coriander seed
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup unsalted peanut butter
Garnish: chopped peanuts and parsley

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil over medium high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and brown on both sides. Remove chicken from pan. Reduce heat to medium low and add garlic and onion. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add coriander, red pepper flakes, and cumin.
Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
Mix in broth, chicken, and accumulated juices. Cover skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes.
Remove lid and stir in peanut butter, making sure it is blended well. Replace lid and cook until chicken is thoroughly done, about 15 more minutes should do it.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped peanuts and parsley.

Monday, December 26, 2011

KWANZAA PRINCIPLES DAY-1

The Principles

1st Kwanzaa Principle: Umoja or Unity
Health Principle: Recognize the unity of your body, mind and spirit.


OXTAIL STEW

INGREDIENTS
1 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 cubes beef bouillon
10 cups water
6 whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup oil
3 pounds beef oxtail
1 large onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup cornstarch dissolved in ½ cup water


DIRECTIONS
1. Place celery, garlic, tomato paste, bouillon cubes, and water into a large Dutch oven; stir until the tomato paste has dissolved. Add peppercorns and bay leaves, place over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oxtail and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove oxtail from hot oil and place into Dutch oven. Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook the onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes; add to oxtail.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 2 1/2 hours. Season with salt and pepper, recover, and continue to cook until the oxtail is tender, but not falling off of the bone, about 30 minutes.
4. Remove oxtail pieces and place into a serving dish. Dutch oven and return to a simmer. Thicken with cornstarch dissolved in water, simmer for 1 minute until thickened and clear. Pour sauce over the oxtail.

Note
Oxtail should be ready when a knife slices easily through the meat. It should not be overcooked otherwise it will fall off the bones and go stringy - and if not cooked long enough it will not come off the bones easily enough. I normally find 4 hours cooking is just perfect.