[CH] Success!
Melinda Merkel (melinda@goodnet.com)
Mon, 21 Sep 1998 00:38:54
Well folks,
My first attempt at using the smoker was more than successful. I started
out small - only one chicken breast. After some small initial mishaps with
the water pan (thankfully I managed to not put the fire out) I got the
thing going and then began exercising fantastic self-control in not lifting
the lid every five minutes to check on its progress. It was tough, but I
managed.
About two hours later I had a perfectly cooked, fully smoked piece of
chicken. It was incredibly tender and juicy from the constant steam-basting
of the water pan, with a slight smoky crust on the top. mmmmmm. For some
reason, it screamed "Spice me," so I did. My first smoker-related creation
is a sort of Caribbean Chicken Salad. See, my meanderings are on topic
after all - the recipe contains habaneros! :-)
-----------------------
Caribbean Chicken Salad
-----------------------
1/2 cup pineapple juice
Juice of 1 lime
1-1/2 to 2 Tbs. honey
Generous pinch of salt
1-1/2 tsp. cornstarch
2 habaneros, seeded & minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 mesquite-smoked chicken breast, cut into cubes (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped pineapple
1/2 cup chopped mango
1 Tbs. freshly chopped cilantro
Lettuce leaves
Cilantro sprigs for garnish
Combine pineapple juice, lime juice, honey, salt and cornstarch. Bring to a
boil in a small saucepan, stirring constantly; cook just until mixture
becomes glossy and thickens slightly. Remove from heat. Stir in habaneros
and garlic.
Toss citrus sauce with chicken. Add pineapple, mango and cilantro; stir
well to combine. Spoon onto a bed of lettuce leaves and garnish with
cilantro sprigs. Serves 2.
Many, many thanks to those of you who offered advice, input and suggestions
on my new smoker. Of course, I'm still accepting said advice; I still
haven't tried making chipotle!
in Chiles,
Melinda
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Melinda Merkel | "And the sun comes like a god
melinda@goodnet.com | into our room, all perfect light and
www.goodnet.com/~melinda/ | promises..." -- INXS, _New Sensation_
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