Red Curry Chicken Kebabs and Pineapple Mango Slaw on Fox 32 Segment

I have used this base of red curry paste and whole Greek yogurt as a marinade for chicken kebabs and cocktail size skewers for years. It is always a dish that is well received. You can change up the vegetables as you see in the photos above. Peppers. onions, Shishitos peppers, zucchini, and even small pieces of corn work great. You can also swap out yellow curry paste for red, if you’re concerned about shellfish allergies( red curry contains shrimp paste). The Pineapple Mango Slaw adds a nice sweet and sour balance to the lightly spiced chicken.

Red Curry Kebabs

  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons Red Curry Paste
  • 32 oz Whole Greek Yogurt
  • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp corriander
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • Kosher Salt
  • 2-3 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs
  • Vegetables to skewer( peppers, onions, zucchini, etc)

In a non reactive mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients . Cut the chicken into pieces suitable to thread the skewer. A boneless skinless thigh can make approximately 4 kebab pieces. Add to the marinade and let sit for at least 2 hrs, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Thread the chicken alternating pieces with your choice of vegetables, as mentioned above. Fire up the grill to temps ranging between 375 F to 400F. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil and place kebabs on the grates. Close lid. Turn at 10 minute intervals and continue to cook until the Chicken reached an internal temperature of 165F.

Pineapple Mango Slaw

  • 1 large carrot skinned and grated
  • 1 mango chopped into small pieces( removed from skin)
  • 1 /4 chopped fresh pineapple ( approx 1 cup)
  • 1/4 chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 green cabbage shredded

In a bowl combine all ingredients and mix. Allow to sit in refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hrs to over night for the flavors to develop.

Dry Chili Rubbed Smoked Wings

It’s that season where I just slide open the patio door and turn up the grill. Even though the weather is trying to find its season. I really love smoked flavor, and have experimented with various ways throughout the years to replicate it, without a proper smoker. The other day at Home Depot, I just gave in and made Certain Someone purchase a Weber Smoker Box and bag of pecan wood. It will have to do until I convince him to get me the Big Green Egg, which I’m coveting after using at a clients home. I’m patient. The smoker box really is effective and proves you can get great flavor with a gas grill. It’s just about technique.

Continue reading “Dry Chili Rubbed Smoked Wings”

Coco Questionnaire… Five Questions With Audarshia Townsend

Illustration Of Audarshia

 

In every city there is a trusted authority people seek for the latest in food, wine , and cocktail industry news. I’m fortunate I can count Chicago’s Audarshia Townsend as a friend.  Her following is huge on Social Media and she’s  the Chicago Travel Expert for About.com. She is also a features journalist covering food, cocktail, culture and travel. She knows everyone and chronicles her dining adventures on her Facebook Page 312 Dining Diva. Continue reading “Coco Questionnaire… Five Questions With Audarshia Townsend”

Coconut Macadamia Girl Scout Samoas Cheesecake

Candied Macadamia Toppng

Girl Scout Samoas

The other day I was sitting with a friend during her own food photo shoot for a international critically acclaimed newspaper, and she  reminisced about the first food she tasted of mine over a decade ago. It was cheesecake which she loved. It got me to thinking I haven’t made one in a while. While I love to bake , I’m not a frantic baker as Certain Someone and I prefer the savory side . But every now and then I knock a dessert out of the park he loves, like my trifles or puddings. It’s no wonder he enjoyed this creation too. If you have some boxes of Girl Scout Samoas, obligatorily  procured a few month ago from co-workers, some macadamias in the freezer, and cream cheese and eggs, this recipe is for you. Rather than use cream or sour cream in this cake  I decided to add coconut to the theme by using Cream of Coconut, which is thicker and sweeter than coconut milk. Continue reading “Coconut Macadamia Girl Scout Samoas Cheesecake”

Lamb Terrine

Sliced Lamb Terrine

Anyone that knows me, knows that I  favor the  classics in food , fashion, and life. Pates and Terrines have always fascinated me as they are classic, complex, yet easy dishes that conjure up grandeur, elegance  and rusticity at the same time. A terrine is a time honored way to utilize offal and ground meats, usually pork based  and bake into a rich flavored loaf. You can get fancy and layered with them or just really basic. I love them for Holidays, entertaining, and picnics. I had the heart and liver of the lamb we purchased and in true nose to tail fashion, wanted to use them, as opposed to discarding them. I knew they would go into a lovely simplistic terrine. Continue reading “Lamb Terrine”