drivers ed.
I’ve recently developed a terrible (let me say this politely) disgust for drivers in Texas. I thought living in Los Angeles would put me in that emotional state even more so, but these people down here have definitely proven me wrong. I suppose this is what people call “Road Rage?” I’m naturally a happy person… in general. Head held high, confident, loving, smiley, etc…. however, I’ve never seen so many dumb people in my entire life. Maybe dumb isn’t the word, however much that feels good to write, but perhaps just uncaring of the world around them.
I am unafraid to let myself know that 2014 was one of my favorite years yet. It’s quite impossible to think that it could be my most favorable year ever, having been through as many adventures as I have over the years. However quickly it went by, it went by with such pizzazz for me. Truly, utterly much needed pizzazz. And I cannot tell you how grateful I am for that when the world around me simply shutters with fear, lovelessness, and turmoil. Even among the heartless drivers, this year proved to me that no matter how hard life gets, with a little faith, patience, and love nothing is impossible. Nothing.
I am convinced that the recipe I am going to share today will help relieve your Road Rage… and hopefully pass on the peace. It’s a recipe that I sort of combined with the inspiration of my Mother and Bon Appetit. This should go in a cookbook somewhere.
BEER DUMPLIN
By Me.
Chicken Stew
2 Chicken Breasts – (This can be on the bone or off the bone)
¼ Cup Flour
6 Slices of Bacon
6 Cloves of Garlic
1 Medium Onion
2 Celery Stalks
6 Sprigs of Thyme
2 Bay Leaves
3 Cups of Winter Ale Beer
5 Cups of Water
Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Pepper
Dumplings And Assembly
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
¼ cup whole milk
Chicken Stew
Crisp bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat; transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.
Place flour in a shallow bowl. Season chicken with salt and pepper and dredge in flour. Working in batches, cook chicken, skin side down, in same pot over medium heat until deep golden brown and crisp (do not turn), 12–15 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Working in 2 batches, Add onion and garlic to pot; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and translucent, 5–8 minutes.
Add beer to pot; simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add chicken, bacon, thyme, bay leaves, and broth; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and gently simmer, partially covered, skimming occasionally, until chicken is falling off the bone, 2–2½ hours. Add mushrooms and simmer until flavors meld, 10–15 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
Dumplings And Assembly
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Whisk flour, baking powder, nutmeg, pepper, and ¾ tsp. salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in eggs and milk (batter will be slightly lumpy). Reduce heat until water is at a strong simmer. Drop teaspoonfuls of batter into water; cook until dumpling are cooked through and doubled in size, about 5 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon; add to stew just before serving.
As I continue A long over due introduction for my fellow readers to a new musician…. I’m going to pair my Beer Dumplins with one of my favorite new artist whom is from Ireland. HOZIER. An up and coming Independent Musician who just recently came out with his first album in 2014 titled Hozier. The song I’m going to share is called FROM EDEN. It’s mysterious, bluesy, and just beautiful. This whole album is bad ass. Thank me later.
“Honey, you're familiar like my mirror years ago
Idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on it's sword
Innocence died screaming, honey, ask me I should know
I slithered here from Eden just to hide outside your door”
I traveled a lot this year. Rode 2 choo choo trains. Was on a TV show. Met my favorite music artist. Got fired for the first time in my life. Worked side by side with a few famous people. Drank some delicious wine. Saw the ocean. Ended by bartending career. Got real health insurance. Got a job planning parties at a music venue. Was gifted my very first porch swing. Rode a Harley on the freeway. Read a great book. Ate a crap load of BBQ. And fell in love.
Inspire someone this 2015. Love someone. Encourage someone. And maybe even stop yourself from giving someone the finger when you’re driving on the freeway. A little Hozier and Beer Dumplins will definitely help you with that.
http://youtu.be/JmWbBUxSNUU