March 20th, 2009 
duodishes 
We would like to say that although there are KFCs that have popped up all over parts of Europe, that is not real fried chicken. We tried to tell two Parisian friends that bit of undeniable truth during their vacation here in Los Angeles. To all the Frenchies, and any other international friends, who believe the Colonel’s bird is the only ticket, prepare to be mystified and satisfied when someone makes the real thing for you. What if they make a couple other Southern favorites for you? Then truly be ready for an experience! (We are on a below the Mason Dixon line kick this week!) We love Southern food. The joy of fried okra, fried green tomatoes and fried catfish rings deep in our hearts and bellies–and fried chicken too. When there are guests in town who are looking an American experience, why not start with one of the best examples. Food.
Excuse us. We’re all still licking our fingers. Just bear with us a minute…
OK, we’re back. Maybe you’re asking where’s the cornbread? We’re saying the same thing! Believe it or not Ripley, but it was on the table. We just forgot to snap a picture. And there was dessert too! Maybe not a traditional dish, but scrumptious nonetheless. So scrumptious that we’ll feature it in its own post later this week. This meal was a little Southern delight for not only us, but also our guests. Comforting, nostaglic and satisfying–classics with our own twist. Home is not only where the heart is but the kitchen as well.
Herbed Fried Chicken – Serves 8 to 10
32-40 chicken wings and drumettes
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup baking powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon mint, minced
2 teaspoons oregano
3 tablespoons parsley, minced
5 tablespoons poultry seasoning
Zest of 1 lemon, minced
Oil (Canola, Peanut, Vegetable–anything with a high smoking point)
1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet.
2. As oil heats, mix all spices, herbs and zest in a small bowl. Mix flour with baking powder and cornstarch. Add half of spices to flour mixture and mix well. Set aside.
3. Combine eggs and milk in a small bowl. Beat well. Set aside.
4. Use remaining spice mixture to season all chicken well. Dip into egg mixture and roll in seasoned flour. Tap off excess.
5. Slowly lower into hot oil, and fry until just browned, approximately 5-7 minutes, turning frequently. Drain on paper towels. Repeat process in small batches.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Serves 6 to 8
3 large sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 – 1/2 cup milk or cream, slightly warmed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup brown sugar
Zest of 1 orange, minced
Kosher salt
1. Mash peeled potatoes until well broken up. (Or use an electric mixer.)
2. Mix cinnamon, cayenne, cardamom, zest and sugar. Set aside.
3. Add butter, milk or cream, vanilla and maple syrup to potatoes. Mix well.
4. Add cinnamon sugar mixture until incorporated and smooth. Salt to taste.
Garlic Green Beans – Serves 4 to 6
1 pound green beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Kosher salt
1. Add butter, olive oil, garlic , lemon zest and rosemary to a large sauce pan. Turn on very low heat and allow to melt. Stir well until melted, then take off heat.
2. In a pot of boiling water, drop in green beans and cook until bright green and crisp, approximately 3-5 minutes. Drain.
3. Toss beans in garlic butter. Salt to taste.
Click HERE for printable recipes.
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Love the addition of cumin…intriguing.
My mouth is watering (and it’s 9 a.m.)….
ohhhh. that all sounds so good! i love mashed sweet potatoes. and that chicken sounds amazing!
Those garlic green beans look superb. I never make my own fried chicken because of the mess, but I could get into those beans. Mmmhmm!
There is nothing, NOTHING, like real fried chicken.
I’m sure you’ve heard this already.. but that chicken looks finger lickin good!
Yesterday I watched a southern fried chicken cook off between Bobby Flay and Paula Deen.. now you two! I think fried chicken is on the menu this weekend!
hugs and ciao..
I am in love with you after seeing these dishes.. I so want this! It is perfection!
I love green beans! it’s one of my favorite veggie side dishes. all of these dishes are making hungry! I think I hear the fried chicken calling my name :-p
Oh man, you guys are killing me with these awesome recipes! I’m supposed to be eating “healthier” in these next weeks!
Fabulous meal!! The chicken looks wonderful and mashed sweet potatoes are one of my favorites!! We make them a lot!! GREAT stuff!!
I just finished eating but I’m suddenly hungry after looking at these beauties! Mmmm-hmmm yummy! I think I should go and buy some chicken now…
I am now so hungry after looking at this feast! Yummy fried chicken and the side dishes too!
Man, I can’t remember the last time I had a piece of fried chicken. This looks sooo good … all of it. What a treat for your guests!
Those wings look really good
My family, especially the little one, love wings, so I make them quite often… most of the time grilled in the stove.
Your recipe sounds sooo good that I will try it out very soon
Have a nice weekend!
Margot
I could hear the crunch and see the steam and if that wasnt enough I could smell their goodness….you have invaded my head.
Those chicken wings look great!
I will be making chicken tenders tomorrow night for my sons party. It’s time consuming making them in batches, but SO worth it!
And, I am going to attempt to make mozarella sticks using the egg and then the flour mixture…we’ll see how that turns out!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful meal!
Oh bring it on…FANTASTIC!
Is there anything that’s not good fried?
Oooh thankyou! I love fried chicken and there’s nothing like a real Southern Fried chicken recipe
Great recipe…I love fried chicken made at home…always better…Your use of spices is right on…Check out my fried chicken recipe as well on sautegrillfryfunnygirl at foodbuzz…In the meantime, wish I had been a guest at your Southern table..Yum!
I could use a good Southern meal!
I expect to see banana pudding soon…
NAOmni
Oh man, I am salivating and tempted to drive up the road to KFC instead of cooking….By the way, new contest involving PEEPS on my blog.
Now that is the real thing, and my mouth is watering like mad. What a wonderful meal!
This looks a million times better than KFC. I could gobble up this meal right now. Delicious.
I am loving this southern food kick!!! I would eat this for BREAKFAST it looks so good
SO glad you’re spreading the message that KFC is not the pinnacle of fried chicken!!
Hand over that bowl of mashed sweet potatoes and no one will get hurt!
I love it – my stomach rumbled and growled as I read the recipe. And the addition of cayenne is great! I never thought to put a little spice to the sweet.
That looks like an incredible meal! I definitely want some fried chicken, but I have to have some mashed sweet potatoes first.
I’ve left a little something for you on my blog today.
Have a delicious weekend!
oh my – that all looked so good – what’s your address? I know you need help with those leftovers and it would be criminal to let them go to waste!
That’s just a whole bundle of comfort on a plate
I love homemade fried chicken, but have never actually made it at home. Your recipe looks awesome.
Oh MAN. Hunger pangs…I miss my Georgia-peach grandma. (She’s too far away in Florida!)
Mmmmm fried chicken would definitely be a part of my last meal. I’ve been on a bit of a southern kick lately as well.
Love these dishes! It’s awesome that you included your entire meal here (sans the cornbread; oh, and my wife has been craving fried chicken lately, so she thanks you too) and plan to include your dessert in a later post. I’ll be looking forward to it!
I love, love, love all the spices you guys use! The chicken looks so yummy and the mashed sweet potatoes look absolutely delicious. You guys just gave me a great idea…next time I make sweet potato pie I may add a bit of cayenne.
Hi Chrystal,
Sorry to be getting back to you late about the giveaways….I like getting stuff off of etsy.com. I contact the sellers and ask them to let me do a giveaway with one of their items in exchange for promotion on my blog for their shop.
Hope that helps!
The food looks sooo good!!
Remember, banana pudding involves vanilla wafers and whip topping….
NAOmni
Every time I swear off fried foods, it’s the fried chicken that always crushes my willpower.
Seriously, how can anyone resist the stuff?
how true how true. i haven’t had real fried chicken in ages! what a treat!
You can take the person out of the South, but you can’t take the Southerner out of the person! I am very happy that you showed your Parisian friends the real way of Southern fried chicken!
that looks so wonderful! wow! i love the idea of only using drum sticks and wings. i once tried to fry chicken and the thighs were problematic.
whoa…were you reading my mind? i’ve been craving crispy fried chicken for the past few weeks and looking at these pictures is not good for me. i’mdef. going to remember this recipe when it comes time to mess up my kitchen w/ deep frying.
Thank you for straightneing the French out. My Aussie friend islike that. I have to say I have gotten the German BF addicted to fried chicken.If we ever move back Im opening a franchise.
Forget dessert, Fried Chicken is my weakness!!!
Now this is what I am talking about. It’s enough to say eff this diet.
*Popeyes is a personal weakness!
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