my new years resolution? eat more fried chicken.

While many of us decide on new years resolutions along the lines of losing weight, quitting smoking, maybe taking up a new hobby etc... I've decided to expand on the generic list and encourage all of you to add this recipe to your list of resolutions.  The resolution being to make this recipe as your go-to comfort food dish as many times as possible throughout the year.  Yes it may sound contrary to the "lose 10 lbs" resolution that seems to be more common - but why not step out of the typical resolution box and do something different? something you can REALLY be proud of?  the vow to Eat. More. Fried. Chicken. 

My in-laws are in our South Carolina home right now for a few weeks which is what inspired me to tackle on fried chicken for the first time.  Hubs and I were having the winter blues, dreaming of Hilton Head Southern cuisine - so I decided to bring the South to us. 

Warning - it's magically delicious and you will become immediately addicted

Tip: It tastes even better cold the next day - for real.

Funky Fried Chicken

Ingredients
3 eggs
1/3 cup water
1 cup Franks Buffalo Hot Sauce
2 cups Flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp pepper
Special Seasoning Mix (make a bunch and save for next time!)
            1 cup salt
            1/4 cup black pepper
            1/4 cup garlic powder
4-6 chicken drumsticks with skin
4-6 chicken thighs with skin
Peanut Oil for frying

In a medium size bowl, beat the eggs with the water. Add Frank's sauce (the mixture will be bright orange).

In another bowl, combine the flour and pepper. Season the chicken with the special seasoning generously. Dip the seasoned chicken in the egg, and then coat well in the flour mixture and set aside on a plate.

Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a deep pot (use a cooking thermometer). Do not fill the pot more than 1/2 full with oil.

Fry the chicken in the oil until brown and crisp (you will need to do a couple batches). Depending on the sizes of your chicken pieces it should take about 12-15 minutes.

Remove from the oil and set on a plate lined with paper towel.

Serve and Enjoy!!!

Tip: Serve with mashed potatoes, corn, collard greens or any other classic southern fixing for the total experience!

Stay tuned this week for an amazing cottage mashed potato recipe - the perfect compliment for any fried chicken.

xo
Chef Natty

Grand Electric - why are you not there right now?

One of mine and hubs new years resolutions is to start trying out new restaurants on a regular basis.  Towards the end of 2011 we started playing favorites and we found ourselves hitting up our top 3 go-to Toronto eateries on repeat.  This year, in an effort to expand our culinary horizons, we started the year off right with an amazing spot on Queen West - highly recommended to us by one of our cheesemonger customers.  I can honestly say after one visit, this restaurant his jumped its way to the top of my list.  It is A-MAZ-ING and I will be personally offended if every one of you don't take your tushies there as soon as possible. 

With a line up down the street at 5:55 when they only open at 6:00, I highly recommend either getting there early, or planning a drink down the street while you wait for your table.  The atmosphere was just as good as the food.  Dim lighting, amazing music, the whole menu written on a large chalkboard with a total of less than 15 items and only about 8 tables in the whole place.  Very cozy, trendy and most importantly, the mexican inspired food is to die for.  The tacos are the best I have ever had - hands down - the guacamole is authentic and even better with their house made tortilla chips and every bite I had was better than the next.  We had a nice little taco trio (pork belly, baja fish and beef cheek), the chicken frito, the tuna ceviche and the best part of all? I have a newly discovered favorite drink - The Michelada.  A beer with a caesar rim and flavorings and fresh cilantro garnishes to give the most amazing aroma with each sip.  Genius. We ordered about 3/4th of the entire menu and our bill was 86 dollars - bonus.

An absolute must try.

A few visuals for your mouthwatering pleasure...

 

Baja Fish Tacos

 

Beef Cheek Taco

 

Shrimp Tostada

 

Chicken Fritto

 

Key Lime Pie in a Cup

 

Michelada

 

Menu

Xo Chef Natty