What's the most romantic food you can think of? Some may say, chocolate covered strawberries. Others, oysters. Or perhaps fondue. What did my particular gentleman caller say? Fried Chicken, and no, he's not black. So I made Fried Chicken for Valentine's Day, spicy fried chicken to be specific, by request. Because buying food and cooking is easier than buying a gift. I added some collard greens to the menu and chipotle cornbread to round out the meal. Luckily enough of the elements started with C that I didn't protest the meal that would most assuredly result in the ever-attractive greasy fingers and mouths, in addition to possible bloating and indigestion and, of course, laziness. I didn't protest because of the predominant Cs and because it's black history month, and if NBC can cook along so can I. Plus, I had a surprisingly competent sous chef. Who knew boys could read and follow a recipe?
C count for the menu: Spicy Fried Chicken, Slow-Cooked Collard Greens, and Chipotle Cornbread. Cs: 5.
Spicy Fried Chicken: B +.
The fried chicken turned out better than expected considering my lack of experience and roots to help me out. The batter had some exciting C spices including Cumin and Cayenne, to add some more C-ness to the dish. It was more salty that spicy, but it had a nice kick at the end. Trouble-shooting the frying of the chicken was a pain because I didn't have a thermometer to check the heat of the oil. (I've broken 4 and I'm sick of spending money on them.) and frying each piece one at a time almost caused this to become Day-After-Valentine's-Day-Breakfast but we made it through. For an extra C, there is cilantro sprinkled on the fried chicken. Bringing the 6 count up to 6, or maybe 8 if you count Cayenne and Cumin.
Slow-Cooked Collard Greens: A+.
Little known fact about me: I love Collard Greens and I have no idea why, but I think they're great, when made properly. I don't even understand what they are exactly aside from large leafy greens that are really fun to clean/destem and taste like nothing when you start cooking them but taste like magic when you're done, provided you add the necessary flavor enhancers. Mine had bacon, onions, celery and peppers in them for added flavor and some spices and salt and pepper of course. I also added some of the sauce from the chipotle peppers for some heat. They even won over my fellow diner, who was opposed to me making them from the start but can't say no to spicy foods. I'm confident he would eat them again. He had seconds, so I guess he already has.
Chipotle Cornbread: A+Adding minced chipotles to ordinary cornbread not only increased my C count but also added another spicy dish to the menu. It turned out nearly perfect despite a little worry along the way. Ovens can be so difficult to gauge the temperature of. It was crumbly but not too crumbly and have chipotle evenly dispersed throughout.
My plating was sub-par.
Plating: C.
Originality: C.
Use of secret ingredient (letter C): A!
I'm not going to win Iron Chef at this rate.
The pictures are pretty lousy and orange, because I took them with my phone and essentially the same shot at a slightly different angle, because I was hungry, but it gives you an idea. What's that? Excuses don't start with C? No, but complaints sure do. So thanks!
Recipes, if you're curious, or epicurious...
Spicy Fried Chicken
Collard Greens (I added a lot to this recipe and used bacon instead of a ham hock.)
Chipotle Cornbread
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