Foodie Friday- Apple & Raisin Chutney

Yes, another one. This is good with roasted pork, cold ham, or used as a topping for bar cookies. I'm sure you can probably think of other uses!

Apple and Raisin Chutney
Yields 200 gram
Apple and Raisin Chutney is a British style savory spread made with apples and raisin.
Prep Time: 30 min, Cook Time: 30 min, Total Time: 1 hr


Ingredients
3-4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
4 medium onions, peeled and finely chopped
1 lemon, juiced
2 tbsp vinegar
1/2 cup raisins
Salt to taste
1/2 cup sugar or to taste
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp oil


Method

To make Apple And Raisin Chutney recipe, begin by heating oil over medium heat in a pan. First, saute the chopped onion for a minute or two, until aromatic.
Next, add the chopped apples along with cinnamon, salt, vinegar and lemon juice to the pan. Stir to combine and continue to cook on a medium-low heat till apples are soft and mushy.
Once apples turn mushy add the raisins and sugar. Stir to combine and gently mash the chutney with a potato masher while it is on heat.
Turn the heat to low and allow it to simmer until all the excess liquid is evaporated and the chutney begins to turn thick. Once the apple raisin chutney has begun to turn thick, turn off the heat.
Let the chutney cool down to room temperature.
Then spoon the Apple And Raisin Chutney into clean, dry, glass jars and seal with the lid.
Store the Apple and Raisin Chutney in the fridge.
Make sure to use clean and dry spoon to serve the chutney to ensure that it lasts longer.

Foodie Friday: Caramelized Red Onion Chutney

Ugh. One holiday down, several to go. I'm tired of buying meaningless gifts for people, so this year I'm thinking about making them instead. Food gifts are a fun & creative way to show your affection. This one would probably appeal to my mom. If I have any left after I try it, I might even give her some of it!

Caramelised Red Onion Chutney
Yield: 4 - 6 small jars



Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
30g unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 kg red onions, thinly sliced
a pinch of salt & pepper
60g golden caster sugar
300ml red wine
150ml white wine vinegar

Instructions

Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan. Add the garlic, sliced onions, salt & pepper. Cook over a low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally. The oil/butter should have mostly evaporated and the onions should be very soft.
Sprinkle over the sugar and stir. Cook for a further 10 minutes before adding the red wine and vinegar.
Simmer for about 45 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.When you run a spoon across the bottom you should be able to see the pan for a few seconds before the syrup spills in.
Remove from the heat and transfer to sterilised jars while still hot. Seal and leave to cool.
Once opened, store in the fridge and use within a month. Unopened jars should last for months.

KFC Copycat Recipe

I periodically get the urge to eat fried chicken. I've never been a big fan of dealing with chicken bones though, so I tend to make it with boneless breasts/tenderloins. As a child, KFC extra crispy was one of my favorite treats.

Well, poking around on the internet, I found this copycat recipe for the 11 herbs & spices. Here it is- maybe I'll make a batch this weekend if the weather is cool!

11 Secret Herbs and Spices (KFC Copy Cat)

Minutes to Prepare: 10
Minutes to Cook: 10
Number of Servings: 1

Ingredients

2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion salt
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon basil leaves, crushed
1 teaspoon marjoram leaves, crushed finely



Directions

Combine all ingredients as listed in a small jar with a tight fitting lid (baby food jars work good). Shake mixture to combine. Stores for months. Keep out of direct sunlight, heat and humidity.
(makes about 1/3 cup)
To Use:
Mix together 4 teaspoons mixture, 1 cup flour, 2 Tbls. packed light brown sugar and 1 teaspoons salt. Place in a doubled plastic food bag and add chicken to coat. Fry, drain on paper towels, serve!


yields : 1/3 Cup

Number of Servings: 1

Foodie Friday: Basil Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Have you READ the ingredients on a bottle of salad dressing lately? All those chemicals...UGH. I've decided to start making my own. This one, originally found here, is tasty.

Makes about 2 cups

2 tablespoons minced shallot

2 tablespoons chopped basil

2 tablespoons chopped chives

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1 small clove garlic, minced

2 teaspoons teaspoons lemon juice or white wine vinegar

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons yogurt or sour cream

1 cup well-shaken buttermilk

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

Honey, as needed

In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the shallot, herbs, garlic, vinegar or lemon juice, mayonnaise, and yogurt or sour cream. Screw on the the lid and shake the jar to combine. Stir in most of the buttermilk. Check for consistency, and add more if needed. Taste, then season with salt, pepper and paprika. If the dressing is too sharp, drizzle in some honey to mellow the acidity. Taste again, and adjust if needed. Cover and refrigerate for an hour before using, to allow the flavours to blend and develop.