I’ve been in bed for two days. A remarkable occurrence for me, the one that’s always on the go and finds little time to sleep.
I think I’m falling into a depressed state of being. Missing my family, friends, my ex. I haven’t been on stage in months (singing that is). Not to mention cooking for one just sucks. But, if I cook with the intention of inviting friends, I’d like to get assistance in cleaning and doing dishes. When that doesn’t happen, I’m just irritated and the joy and passion of cooking is diminished. Catering and doing private dinners is great for sure, but by the time I’m done, the last thing I want to do is sit down with the client and break bread.
That’s why going home is so much fun. I get to cook for the whole fam and invite dish-washing friends! Last time I was there (for the Emeril taping), I wanted to try something different and not of my own creativity. I wanted chicken, saw that moms had oranges and all my fave herbs ready to be chopped up, so I began perusing my oft-read blogs. I ended up with my friend Jaden’s, from Steamy Kitchen, Orange, Coriander and Ginger Chicken.
Perfect.
When I looked at the recipe I knew I was going “doctor” it up. And indeed, I had to “latin-fy” it! This meant some cumin, a bay leaf and sazon goya! Yup, all this and it was good to go. I also doubled the ginger and used fresh instead of ground; better in my opinion. The end result was fabulous, I must say, and my parents, including Dave (well, he’s not hard to please) loved it. The best part of all this is that my dear mami gets a super deserved break from cooking and my dad oohs about food my mother generally does not whip up. She’s a purist when it comes to ethnic cooking!
My version looks a lot like Jaden’s but remember I added a few other things to the mix so the taste is a bit of my own. Either one, they’re winners!
(recipe below is adapted from hers, for the most part)
- 6 chicken thighs, skin-on
- 2 oranges, cut into wedges
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed with side of cleaver
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pack of Sazon Goya, w/out achiote or annatto
- 2 tsp fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp sea salt
- fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- cilantro to garnish
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the ginger, coriander, cumin, sazon, salt and pepper. Season chicken on both sides with the spice mixture. Squeeze two orange wedges all over and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. In large dutch oven or deep skillet, heat 1 tbl olive oil on high heat. When hot, place the chicken, skin side down to brown for 1-2 minutes. Turn skin side up. Turn heat to low, add garlic and 4 orange sections (give a nice squeeze as you throw them in to get the juice in the pan). Add wine and bay leaf. Cover and simmer on gentle, low heat for 30-40 minutes. Remove chicken to plate, leaving the sauce in the pan. Remove and discard oranges, and add the remaining fresh orange wedges. Turn heat to medium-high and add soy sauce and a bit more cooking wine. Cook for 3 minutes or until thickened. Pour on top of chicken, garnish with fresh cilantro.
Trinidadian Spice Winners!
Last week I asked two questions about the demographics making up T & T. Winners get some Trini curry, some massala, geera and maubi! Big shout out to Courtney from CocoCooks who answered correctly on her 2nd try (she came back and read my urging comment to try again!) and just today, Donald from Mr. Orph’s Kitchen. Though Sharon, from Newlywed didn’t answer both right, she deserves an applause for being the first to comment and getting one of two. Maybe I’ll send her something, anyway.
CONGRATS!
I’m trying to get back to writing 2-3 times a week, but with little motivation lately, it’s hard to be creative and still keep you and myself interested. Sooooo, I can use your help in two ways:
1. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE ME TO COOK SPECIFICALLY??
2. LEAVE A COMMENT!
IT DOES WONDERS FOR MY MOTIVATION AND KEEPS ME CONNECTED TO YOU! TRUST ME! (being single and w/out my fam/friends here in ATL is not an easy thing!) I’LL LOVE YOU FOR IT! 
NEXT POST:
A bit behind schedule, but you’ll get Trinidad & Tobago Part II with another give-a-way!
Mi nombre es Brenda. My friends call me B. And Bren is my stage and pen-name. I’m a single gal living alone in Atlanta for the time being. I’m a soulful chick. I have a passion for all things food. I sing and song-write on the side, but cooking is what pays my bills! I like to say I’m a pretty darn cook! I was raised in a very traditional Latin home, which meant everything happened(s) in the kitchen, literally! story-telling, crying, partying, fighting...oh yeah and cooking!
June 8th, 2008 at 7:13 am
love it!! haha - i always “asian-fy” recipes
;-D
come over on Twitter - I know you’ll have fun chatting with the bunch of us (www.twitter.com/steamykitchen)
and look at who I’m following - we’ve got a great community built up.
June 8th, 2008 at 9:41 am
This looks wonderful! I like the latin additions giving this dish a little twist! Love it.
Sorry you miss your friends, that’s hard.
June 8th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I just started reading your blog recently, but I like it so far! Keep posting, you’re great!
June 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Yum! This sounds amazing. I’m so glad I found your blog (or you found mine, rather), because I’m really interested in latin cooking. Great site!
June 8th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
hey bren… sometimes it is difficult to keep up the motivation and desire to write (for free!). you gotta feel inspired and when you don’t, it makes it hard! is there any dish from your culture that you’ve never made? Something that is a family member’s fave or maybe something you ate out and loved? maybe something that most people unaware of Latin food would maybe be grossed out by but you know if they gave it a try, they’d love it?
good luck… you’ll get inspired again. sometimes you just need your juices revved up - sleep and fun/family will help.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I’m glad you dropped by. Great recipe. Looks yummy. I’m with you for the dishes, I cook, someone else had to clean.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Chica! I agree with Steamy. You need to jump onto Twitter!!! It needs a bit more spicin’ up
This recipe looks amazing! And I’m sorry you are having a tough time in ATL, but you will break out of the funk. Plus - who knows, perhaps a trip to Philly might be in your future?
June 9th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
That chicken looks delicious. As for possible future ideas, I’m all for desserts. Something latin-y, of course.
Also, I think its good you want to write more frequently again, but don’t force yourself. I think its essential that your food blog stay fun and if it becomes a chore, you’ll come to dislike doing it. I think the schedule just sort of happens out of that. *shrugs*
June 9th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Steamy: I’m on there girl! Thanks for the suggestion.
Lys: Thanks for the push… u got it!
Noble Pig: It’s a must in my world! Thank goodness for text messaging and e-cards to say we miss you!
Erin: Aww. Thanks so much. You’re welcome here anytime!
Emiline: Pls come back soon!
Amy: You’re so right girl. I realized that I also really need to read more blogs to stay connected. Did u c my super long response! Thanks for the words.
Helene: Cleaning dishes is a criteria for any man of mine!
Mike: You’re right! Plus, I’ve not done a dessert in a long time. I’m thinking mango foster!?:) Thanks for the encouragement.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Why dont you cook some Kallaloo or something from Trinidad/Tobago. Keep it up. I find when I’m down my creativity is at my highest. Dont let the small stuff get in your way.
June 10th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Go Bren!
Keep at it, I know sometimes things get in the way of creativity - don’t push yourself too hard, the inspiration will come when it is ready!
Welcome to The Foodie Blogroll! I am sure by perusing the sites there, you will find some inspiration!
June 10th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Yes I know what I want you to cook.
1/ a chic version of Paella
2/ a tres leches cake (I never made one, I’m intrigued)
3/ anything with guava or passionfruit
4/ and it’s hot in NY so I would LOVE a nice cocktail with a Latin twist
Should I keep going? Haha
Don’t worry, inspiration comes and goes. It’s usually there when you don’t look for it. Can’t wait to watch your episode with Emeril. That’s awesome!
June 10th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Looks amazing as usual! I hear you about cooking for one. But you get used to it. I have. Even now that I am married. I tend to enjoy cooking more when my husband isn’t around as he is such a picky eater and doesn’t like anything that it is no fun to cook for him.
June 10th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
all those ingredients sound wonderful. i have some cocoa sticks. made mole poblano with them. any other ideas?
June 10th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
the chicken dish is beautiful - and i just caught up on your past posts.
just keep doing what you’re doing with an open heart and it will all fall into place, you’ll see!
and maybe you could ask your friends to give you a hand? i do… next time just say it’s part of the deal. make it light and funny and hold them to it.
June 12th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Courtney: girl b/c i ate so much of that stuff in 4 days, i don’t want to see it in about a year! wink, wink,
Jen: thanks!! i’m glad to have finally joined.
ZenChef: I love all your recommendations! In fact, I think I’ll make all 4! keep ‘em coming!
Nicole: I hate cooking for one. Atleast you got the hubby, whether he complains or not!
Bee: hmm. i’ll think about it and let you know!
Claudia: yes yes yes, especially the guys…y don’t they help!
June 22nd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
That chicken sounds really tasty!
August 6th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
This looks excellent.
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