United States

NigeriaUnited States

The Classic American Food

The United States of America is all about diverse experiences and this also translates to their food. It has so many cities that love and promote food from diners to delis to roadhouses. And while their food has been improving and evolving over time, there’s nothing like these two American classics: fried chicken and chocolate chip cookies. Kathy Abizaid makes them at home with much gusto and heart.

4th of July Fried Chicken

This is not “Kentucky Fried Chicken”, but an original, homemade version brought by families to picnics and gatherings all year long.

SERVINGS TIME

4-6 45 MIN

METHOD

FRIED

Ingredients Preparation

DIFFICULTY

EASY

cups flour tablespoon garlic powder teaspoon paprika teaspoon black pepper teaspoon poultry seasoning, or see note teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste egg cup water teaspoon salt 2 2 1 1 1 ¼ ¼ 1 1 ½

pounds mixed chicken parts: drumsticks, thighs, wings, ½ breast pieces 4

Neutral oil (peanut, canola) for frying In a plastic bag, combine 1 cup flour, garlic powder, paprika, poultry seasoning, and cayenne, if using

In a bowl, beat egg and water; add salt and 1 cup flour, mix to make batter.

Dry chicken parts well on paper towels. Dip dried chicken pieces in egg batter, then shake in flour mixture.

Heat one inch of oil in a heavy skillet till very hot (365 degrees for electric skillet)

Put chicken pieces in skillet, but don’t crowd them. Cook in batches if necessary.

When they sizzle and are starting to crisp, turn chicken over, then cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Remove cover, turn chicken pieces, and continue to turn and cook about 20 minutes total, or until juices run clear when pierced and chicken is golden brown.

Born and raised in the Western US, Kathy Abizaid has moved house 29 times! She has lived in 9 states and 5 countries including Saudi Arabia, where she is currently residing together with husband HE John Abizaid, US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. She loves to experience new things and at the same time carry on the traditions of her Western American homeland.

Tips

If you want to make your own poultry seasoning: 2 tablespoon ground sage 1 ½ teaspoon ground thyme 1 teaspoon ground marjoram ¾ teaspoon ground rosemary ½ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon finely ground black pepper

CLASSIC CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

The old fashioned favorite cookie throughout the country.

SERVINGS TIME

5 DOZEN 15 MIN

METHOD DIFFICULTY

BAKED EASY

Ingredients

cups all-purpose flour teaspoon baking soda teaspoon salt cup (2 sticks) butter, softened cup granulated sugar cup packed brown sugar teaspoon vanilla extract lrge eggs cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or morsels Cup chopped walnuts 2 ¼ 1 1 ¾ ¾ 1 2 2 1

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.