Another HUGE post!
First, I'd like to point out a few things. 1) I've had over 1,000 visits to the site (yay!) and 2) I've finally added an About Me section (though I don't suppose anyone was REALLY jonesing for this one) and 3) I've begun to repeat enough recipes that meal-by-meal posts will have to start soon!
Also, one reader who has been commenting on the blog (Serenity) has recently moved to Puerto Rico and has posted her photos here for prints and buying. I really feel that they are reasonably priced, and even if you're not in the market for photos, check them out because they are beautiful!
First, I'd like to point out a few things. 1) I've had over 1,000 visits to the site (yay!) and 2) I've finally added an About Me section (though I don't suppose anyone was REALLY jonesing for this one) and 3) I've begun to repeat enough recipes that meal-by-meal posts will have to start soon!
Also, one reader who has been commenting on the blog (Serenity) has recently moved to Puerto Rico and has posted her photos here for prints and buying. I really feel that they are reasonably priced, and even if you're not in the market for photos, check them out because they are beautiful!
On Sunday night, Boyfriend's parents came to visit (I'm hoping to see mine tomorrow!) and before they came I fixed dinner and made myself a new stock of Cranberry Sauce/Jam= Cranberry Sam! Click on the link for the full recipe, or find it on the Recipage =)
I bought a medium sized jar ESPECIALLY for this sauce and it was TOO big! Grr. Oh well. This is really great, though a bit tart (I like it this way). If you want a sweeter version add a little more sugar (brown is better than white) or sweetener or agave nectar. If you would rather have a true sauce, boil it less. More jammy? Boil more! Simple stuff! =)
I bought a medium sized jar ESPECIALLY for this sauce and it was TOO big! Grr. Oh well. This is really great, though a bit tart (I like it this way). If you want a sweeter version add a little more sugar (brown is better than white) or sweetener or agave nectar. If you would rather have a true sauce, boil it less. More jammy? Boil more! Simple stuff! =)
But here's what this post is REALLY about!
Chicken Wings! Yes, I realize that it doesn't take a genius to throw some chicken wings into an oven and call it a meal, but honestly, I always found this to be really daunting? How many of you have always assumed it's just easier to order chicken wings at a bar than to make them yourself?
(Well it IS easier, and probably only a little more expensive)
But MY way you can do it without deep frying! In fact, I strongly suspect that I can make chicken wings that are just as tasty but without the oil in the future. Anyway, here's my dinner from Sunday night, complete with a side of Kale Chips and 1/2 of an Ithaca Apricot Wheat Beer (yum!). Not pictured is the 4th wing I had when I decided 3 weren't actually enough (though they should have been!)
Chicken Wings! Yes, I realize that it doesn't take a genius to throw some chicken wings into an oven and call it a meal, but honestly, I always found this to be really daunting? How many of you have always assumed it's just easier to order chicken wings at a bar than to make them yourself?
(Well it IS easier, and probably only a little more expensive)
But MY way you can do it without deep frying! In fact, I strongly suspect that I can make chicken wings that are just as tasty but without the oil in the future. Anyway, here's my dinner from Sunday night, complete with a side of Kale Chips and 1/2 of an Ithaca Apricot Wheat Beer (yum!). Not pictured is the 4th wing I had when I decided 3 weren't actually enough (though they should have been!)
After my ridiculous 7.5 mile run on Saturday, I had big plans to do something easy on my joints on Sunday: Hot Yoga. But wouldn't you know it, Boyfriend convinced me to take a run in the park. Only 2 people can convince me to run in the park, BF and Nurse L, so an easy 4 miler took the place of yoga that day. Here's a running map of central park, in case any New Yorkers are reading this. It's great that someone took the time to plot out exactly how long each portion of a path is so everyone can really tailor their exercise. Of course, everyone and their sisters were out that day and when we went back out later for a mini picnic and some park-side studying, it clouded over and got chilly =(
But I did come up with the perfect timing to make 3 dishes in one 2 hour time slot! 1) Cranberry sauce (above) 2) Kale chips (below) and 3) Chicken Wings, Asian style (main feature, keep reading!)
But I did come up with the perfect timing to make 3 dishes in one 2 hour time slot! 1) Cranberry sauce (above) 2) Kale chips (below) and 3) Chicken Wings, Asian style (main feature, keep reading!)
I need to gripe about this. About 4 months ago, I perfected the making of Kale Chips. They were crunchy and salty and delicious and so so easy. For some reason, I've now had 3 (!!) failed attempts at Kale Chips. Why? Ok, I've used a *little* less oil but surely that can't be the reason that once they came out a little funky, the second time they burnt to a crisp and this time they not only burnt (thought I salvaged this one plateful) but were also underseasoned. Did the salt just not stick to the measly oil? Does anyone else ever feel frustrated when tride and true recipes fail them out of nowhere? I feel like this happens to me a lot. Especially when I'm making something for company =( =( At least the cranberry sauce was good.
And the wings were GREAT.
I purchased a dozen wings (comes out to 24 sections) at the "cheap" supermarket near us and came home already regretting my decision. I've never used a meat cleaver before!! But here I am, chopping through those wings. Not easy. You have to get your cleaver in the cartilage at the joint and really put some pressure on it to separate the joints. But at least I finally finished.
I purchased a dozen wings (comes out to 24 sections) at the "cheap" supermarket near us and came home already regretting my decision. I've never used a meat cleaver before!! But here I am, chopping through those wings. Not easy. You have to get your cleaver in the cartilage at the joint and really put some pressure on it to separate the joints. But at least I finally finished.
Here's what you get: A female wing, a male wing and a little end piece (if you don't get the male/female thing, I'm not going to explain, just conisder what the bones inside end up looking like). The end piece is supposed to be saved for stock, but I threw them away because I'm perfectly happy to buy my stock (though apparently not my wings).
Asian Style Seasme Scallion Marinade (24 wing sections/12 wings)
2-3 tbsp dark sesame oil (390cals!)
2 tbsp sesame seeds
3 tbsp light soy sauce
3 tbsp rice vinegar (or any white vinegar)
2 tbsp honey (or agave nectar)
4-5 tbsp mustard (depending on how you like it)
2-3 tbsp water
**These are all very subjective measurements, I adjusted the taste by making tiny licks of spoon to determine what it needed**
2-3 tbsp dark sesame oil (390cals!)
2 tbsp sesame seeds
3 tbsp light soy sauce
3 tbsp rice vinegar (or any white vinegar)
2 tbsp honey (or agave nectar)
4-5 tbsp mustard (depending on how you like it)
2-3 tbsp water
**These are all very subjective measurements, I adjusted the taste by making tiny licks of spoon to determine what it needed**
I tossed the wings in this marinade and had the mixture sit in the fridge for 2 hours (but you can do it up to overnight!)
Two hours later, I preheated the oven to 375 degrees.
Two hours later, I preheated the oven to 375 degrees.
Placed all 24 of these on a baking rack (eh, I could have just done it on parchament paper or some sprayed foil!) and cooked it for about 15-20 minutes on one side. I flipped each piece with tongs and cooked for another 15 minutes and then took them out to "rest".
I also cut into one of the juiciest looking wings to see if the meat inside was pink or not. Not pink=done! You don't want dry chicken!
I also cut into one of the juiciest looking wings to see if the meat inside was pink or not. Not pink=done! You don't want dry chicken!
Great Success =)
Anecdote: 24 wings were made, 13 were consumed that evening, 4 were taken with me to work and there were 7 left. What happened to the last wing? Boyfriend? Anyway, the 7 were gone pretty shortly, but the 4 I took to work wound up being lunch, followed by a late, post-yoga dinner of PIZZA! Yes, I had wings and pizza in one day! But both were relatively healthy options! Indeed you can eat junk-food and remain within your calorie goals! Check out this healthy pizza place: Revd Up Pizza (low calorie pizza). Definitely worth it if you're watching your calories but not as good as regular pizza (and maybe not even as good as my Cauliflower Pizza!)
Anyway, yesterday was another session of hot yoga. It was a truly hateful class (meaning that it was actually really strenuous and great!) and tomorrow looks like it's going to be Relentless (my toning cardio class). Adios for tonight. No cooking plans for now, stay tuned for meal pictures =)
<3 Jules
Anecdote: 24 wings were made, 13 were consumed that evening, 4 were taken with me to work and there were 7 left. What happened to the last wing? Boyfriend? Anyway, the 7 were gone pretty shortly, but the 4 I took to work wound up being lunch, followed by a late, post-yoga dinner of PIZZA! Yes, I had wings and pizza in one day! But both were relatively healthy options! Indeed you can eat junk-food and remain within your calorie goals! Check out this healthy pizza place: Revd Up Pizza (low calorie pizza). Definitely worth it if you're watching your calories but not as good as regular pizza (and maybe not even as good as my Cauliflower Pizza!)
Anyway, yesterday was another session of hot yoga. It was a truly hateful class (meaning that it was actually really strenuous and great!) and tomorrow looks like it's going to be Relentless (my toning cardio class). Adios for tonight. No cooking plans for now, stay tuned for meal pictures =)
<3 Jules
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