Thursday, June 11, 2009

My Sister and Road Testing A New Recipe

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(Above photos are copyrighted to Sabina DeShazo)
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A Message To My Sister: If you're reading this Sta - look away now.
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My sister and two nieces are coming to town next week for a short visit. I am very close to my sister, who up and moved to Portland, Oregon a few years back (see separated sisters), and is now moving back to California sometime in August, and I could not be happier. I was there for both of my nieces births, and they spent many summers at Auntie Beanie's house (that's me). They also lived with me for 3 months a few years back, along with my sister, during a difficult period in their lives. At that time I had one kid in high school, one in jr. high, a four year old and my two little ones were 1, and 1 month old. My niece's were 6 and 4, and my sister had to continue to commute to her job 60 miles away. That was 7 kids, 3 adults, 2 cats, and a partridge in a pear tree. Don't ask me how I did this, or how we all got through it, but we did, and they are all doing great.
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My sister is an Archaeologist and a really cool girl, and even though we are nothing alike, we are totally alike. She is 14 months younger than me, and as I've said before we grew up like twins. My parents still have trouble telling us apart on the phone. We've never had one moments jealousy between us - I mostly credit my mom for that. And even though we took such different paths in life, we always somehow seem to view things from the same angle. What can I say - she knows me - and I know her, and how great is that!
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So this evening I road-tested a new recipe I was thinking of making for them while they are here. I saw it on Giada at Home (I've just been hooked on her show for awhile now and can't seem to stop making her recipes). I made Trinidadian Chicken Stew (doubling the recipe as usual). It is a Trinidad, India and an Italian fusion creation - and was definitely yummy, but I think the oil could be reduced by 1/2 at least. My family devoured the entire thing in no time flat - so I guess I need to quadruple the recipe the next time around. It really did have an interesting blend of flavors and was quite hearty. It was pretty simple and fast to put together and cook too. I also made Brown Basmati Rice (browned in butter before I cooked it). I served the stew over it - to soak up some of the liquid. I think this is the kind of dish that would taste even better the next day.
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, halved
4 small skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
4 whole peeled canned tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 medium Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups water
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Directions
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In a heavy bottomed 4-quart saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until very dark, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken pieces, ginger, 1 teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until the chicken is brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and break up with a wooden spoon. Add the thyme, 2 tablespoons of parsley, carrots, potatoes, and hot water. Cover the pan and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, about 40 to 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with the remaining parsley.
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P.S. OK Stacey, I knew you couldn't resist looking - love ya babe!! See you soon!!
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14 comments:

Honeygo Beasley said...

How nice! I'm so happy for you.

Awesome. Looks divine ...bet it smelt good too!

Have a great weekend!

Sabina said...

Thanks Cindy - on my way to Honeygo Beasley right now!!

Content in a Cottage said...

Sabina...This sounds absolutely delicious. Enjoy your time with your sister. I've never known an archaeologist. How exciting to have one in the family. Your new garden sounds great too. Happy Weekend. ♥Rosemary

Sabina said...

I wasn't kidding when I said there was nothing left over from this meal. You probably can't tell from the photo, but the bowl I used to serve this dish it in is an antique milk glass punch bowl and is huge!!

Thanks for all the comments!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Jen said...

Mmm,the stew sounds fabulous! I'll try it!

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Oh yum! I'm going to try this when we return from Spain. I love all types of stews and soups. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

Audra, Green Meadow Lane said...

Your blog is lovely...

Sasha said...

I was walking through Lugano, Switzerland and happened upon a beautiful patch of lavender, and thought of you. I even snuck a piece! Still have it in my purse. Smells so wonderful.

Sabine, La Marquise des anges said...

looks so delicious !!! thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Oh sisters!!! I have a sister I'm very close to, grew up like twins, finish each other's sentences and the like... You're so lucky your sister is moving back close. That would be a dream come true.

I never stop missing my sister here. Nothing sounds more fabulous then good food, a porch swing, wine, and sisters.

-Lisa

Stacey said...

Again... I was out of the loop for a bit... Eastern Washington. Of course I loved this post... we are so cool and fantastic... I love being cool and fantastic. I can't wait to try this recipe.

Love you

Sta

Unknown said...

HEY!!! That recipe looks sooo good(hee-hee)! Yeah, i cant wait to move back and be with you, Papa and Nana(Their at the commisary right now)!! And i also cant wait to see you today at four(or later)!! Its gonna be so fun!:)

luv ya,
ADDIE!! ^_^

Jen from Windy Ridge(near Portland, OR) said...

Yes, it does look divine! How cool that your sis will get to move near you. Nothing like a sister!

likeschocolate said...

I think I will be making this in a couple weeks when the weather gets cooler.

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