Saturday, October 7, 2017

Caramel Apple Monkey Bread

Caramel Apple Monkey Bread

In the category of “Not Terribly Beautiful Baked Goods That Taste Amazing,” this Caramel Apple Monkey Bread is a clear winner!

No, this may not the prettiest dessert in the galaxy, but what it lacks in presentation, it more than makes up for in sticky, gooey, pull-apart deliciousness.

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5 Small Ways to Add Big Flavor to Any Recipe

If you cook frequently, you may find yourself hitting a proverbial wall—you want to improve your dishes, but sometimes, after adding more salt and pepper, it’s not always clear what to try next.

Improving our cooking skills is always admirable task, but will that effort pay off in a better tasting dish? Here’s five tiny tips that can make a huge flavor difference.

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How to Plan the Perfect Fall Brunch

fall brunch pumpkin pancakes

‘Tis the season to indulge. When the temperature drops and the leaves begin to change, your wardrobe isn’t the only thing that requires a cozy fix.  Now is the perfect time of year to snuggle up with a warm drink and a filling dish—especially when it comes to brunch.

Since there is a slight chill in the air—and you can’t seem to part ways with your warm blankets—you might not be as inclined to wait on that long line for an order of pancakes. Plus, leggings are all-too inviting when you’re about to stuff your face. So what better way to celebrate your favorite season and favorite meal than with an at-home brunch?

Here are a few tips for your mid-morning get-together that celebrate all things autumn. Happy munching.

Channel the season at the table.

fall pumpkin serving dishes

Amazon

Food is simply one way to celebrate a fall state of mind. Fun décor options also provide the opportunity to show your love for the season. Who wouldn’t want to steal a scoop of sugar from this pumpkin dish? Your French toast can look just as lovely as it tastes when you snag a set of plates with warm hues and multicolored leaves. Presentation goes a long way in the brunch department.

Don’t forget to accessorize.

halloween jack-o-lantern

Shutterstock

A jack-o-lantern adds the perfect creepy and kooky fall touch to your weekend get-together. After you unleash your inner Edward Scissorhands and carve a funky face, use the leftovers to whip up a batch of pumpkin bread. The recipe calls for pumpkin puree, and nothing beats homemade ingredients.

Keep your place smelling fresh.

holiday fall candles

Shutterstock

After you’re done preparing in the kitchen, keep the sweet aroma alive with some scented candles. If you’re looking for an alternative to cinnamon or pumpkin (as delightful as they both are) try something cozy like this mulled cider-scented candle or a hot cocoa and cream option—both of which might inspire some of your menu items.

Get inventive with your dishes.

cornbread pancakes with maple pecan syrup

Chowhound

If you’re falling in love, don’t be afraid to show it, especially when it comes to the treats you’re preparing. Buttermilk pancakes are certainly delicious, but you can enjoy those anytime. Pay homage to sweater weather with options like cornbread pancakes with maple-pecan syrup—a fun take on the brunch staple. Up the ante with other seasonal offerings such as pumpkin spice pecan streusel muffins, apple cider doughnuts, caramel apple cinnamon breakfast casseroles, brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts, or omelets with bacon, apple, and blue cheese. You and your guests definitely won’t leave hungry after those options.

Have fun with the drink options.

spiked pumpkin spice coffee

Chowhound

Whether you’d like your morning cup of Joe to taste like fall in a mug thanks to pumpkin spice coffee, or if you’re looking for a boozy alternative to a mimosa with a pitcher of cranberry-apple shrub, there are plenty of fall drink options that will satisfy the pickiest of brunch-goers.

Don’t forget to prepare ahead.

Any type of gathering creates a lot of work—both before and after the actual event. Prepare as early as possible and don’t wait to set the table or make your famous dish. Put an autumn spin on your prep and cleanup by listening to fun tunes, a spooky podcast, or while watching one of your favorite horror movies. After all: Loading the dishwasher isn’t as frightening as dealing with a haunted house, right?



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A Guide to Mushrooms That Taste Like Chicken

braised chicken of the woods mushroom

Don’t let these last Indian Summer days of 80 degrees fool you. Rooftop Fridays and Saturdays (and outdoor Sunday-fun-days) will slowly start to take a time-out until spring. It is time for cozy dinners, snuggles, and a little Netflix and chill. But, just cause you aren’t going out, doesn’t mean the menu should be bland—especially now that National Mushroom Month has arrived.

Now, I know. Mushrooms, whether “recreational” or culinary tend to be a polarizing member of the American pantry. While some people obsess over, crave, and demand them, others scream in distaste and disgust. However, regardless of these “opinions”, there is one mushroom that is so out of this world it will make mushroom haters think differently. I have seen it happen. It’s called Chicken of the Woods.

chicken fried chicken of the woods mushroom

Forager Chef

To eat a tasty preparation of this mushroom is a mind-blowing experience. Your body will be satisfied and your mouth will be utterly confused as to what on earth it’s eating. Why? Because it actually tastes like chicken. Intrigued? Well, I am here to tell you everything you need to know.

Let’s start with a little biology.

chicken of the woods mushrooms

Shutterstock

What exactly is this mushroom and what is its relation to chicken? First, for the vegetarians and vegans, it has no relation to chicken. You are safe. Laetiporus is the genus of a mushroom most commonly known as Chicken of the Woods, Crab of the Woods, or Sulphur Shelf. This should not be confused with Hen of the Woods, which is actually just a maitake mushroom.

What does it look like? They are huge. I am serious—like 2 to 20 inches across. The mushroom grows on dead or mature heartwood, so it literally looks like large flowers of coral are growing on the bark of a tree. The youngest mushrooms range from bright blood-orange to yellow in color with beige on the underside. The most colorful are the best to eat as they are young, plump, and tender. If you cut them into slices, they resemble chicken breast and cooked lobster.

sliced chicken of the woods mushroom

One Tomato, Two Tomato

Please note when buying, older Chicken of the Woods fade to a brown and have a brittle texture. As with most food that has lost color, older Chicken of the Woods is neither tasty nor recommended.

Now, let’s get to what we have all been waiting for: What makes it so out-of-this-world tasty? At first bite, there is definitely a lemon-y, gamey flavor similar to meat and it will remind your palate of chicken, crab, or lobster. The mushroom is also high in protein (about 14 grams per 100 grams, which is similar to quinoa) and you feel it. It is like when you are starving, you eat a lot of peanut butter, and then suddenly feel full. This feeling is partially from the satisfying dose of protein in peanuts. Chicken of the Woods has a similar effect. Also, when you cut a cooked portion of the mushroom, it has a sinewy texture that pulls apart like—you guessed it—chicken. Now, what does this all amount to? It is literally like a soft, juicy, tender chicken thigh with less fat. So, to put it in your mouth and not have your mind blown is rare.

Ok, they sound amazing, but where do you buy them?

Sadly, this is not yet a supermarket go-to. These are wild mushrooms, so you are better off going to a local farmers market or specialty store. You can also contact your local mycological society (a mushroom lover’s club) to find out if there are mushroom foragers in your area (mushroom hunters). There are also all types of mushroom communities on Facebook. A friend of mine belongs to one that is basically a free market for mushroom lovers and foragers in South Carolina and Georgia. If you are bold, you can also DIY if they grow in your area (East of the Rockies) but, be warned, it’s best to learn about mushroom foraging before you try it at home. You don’t want to end up with something that’s not edible.

Great! Now, how do you cook it?

sauteed chicken of the woods mushroom

Earth Eats

The best way is to substitute it for chicken in practically any recipe. There is a slightly shorter cook time for mushrooms. Most chefs will wait to see a little bit of browning and stress not to overcook them to keep them juicy.

To get you started, imagine how much fun it would be to substitute the chicken in these recipes:

Basic Chicken Quesadillas

chicken quesadilla

Chowhound

Quesadillas are always tasty. So, why not make them even better? Just imagine a tart sour cream with a light and juicy sautéed Chicken of the Woods mushroom. Get our Basic Chicken Quesadillas recipe.

Egg Shop Fried Chicken

Egg Shop fried chicken

Chowhound

If it isn’t obvious, most aficionados love to opt for America’s national pastime: frying food. So, making chicken fried Chicken of the Woods is practically your civic duty. Get our Egg Shop Fried Chicken recipe.

Japanese Chicken Katsu

Japanese chicken katsu

Chowhound

Once you have explored Mexican and American cuisine, why not go international? A Katsu’s creamy coconut curry usually calls for you to tenderize the chicken. Luckily, as we now know, Chicken of the Woods is already nice and tender. Get our Japanese Chicken Katsu recipe.

Wild Mushroom Tart

wild mushroom tart with chicken of the woods

One Tomato, Two Tomato

Chicken of the Woods Pasta Sauce:

chicken of the woods mushroom pasta sauce

Mother Earth News

Get the recipe.

Happy cooking!



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How (And Why) To Bake Your Own Artisanal Bread