Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

I was home for my little sister's graduation party.  She graduated from high school.  She used to be 3 years old.  Now she is 18.  It makes no sense how these things happen.  

I am 9 years older than this little sister.  9 years!  Which is exactly how long I have been in post-"high school" school.  Therefore, we graduated together this year.  Me from all school forever.  Her from high school.  This was something I always thought about once I decided to go ahead and do the 5 year grad school program.  

Anyways, growing up, I was really a second mom for her.  Not in like a loving, caring kind of way.  In more of a bossy kind of way.  I picked out her outfits.  I did her hair.  I fed her.  All of these things were non-negotiable.  She never once complained or argued with my decisions.  That is the glory of 9 years separation.  It is not too much older, where we didn't even know each other.  But old enough where ANYthing I said goes.  Having a little sister slave was a wonderful, wonderful thing.  

During her pre-teen/teenage years, she was a mild inconvenience for me.  Although she was probably 400 times better than I was when I was a teenager, she still had a 'tude.  She sometimes didn't like the outfits I picked out.  She said things like "that is really more your style than mine".  Ughs!  She texted while we were having important conversations.  I should say:  she actually never wasn't texting someone from the age of 14-17.  She had boyfriends.  Ew.  She had the nerve to actually have opinions on things.  WHO does she think she is?

Now, she has grown into quite the lady.  She lost most of her 'tude.  I have gained back some of my older sister respect.  She listens to my fashion opinion.  She still texts like a crazy person and likes boys, which is super gross, but I will take what I can get.  And now, she has graduated into official adult-ness.  Tear.  

For her partay, my sister and I made 200+ mini cupcakes and spelled out her name with them.  Scot designed the layout and figured out with x many white cupcakes, y many brown cupcakes, this is the optimal design.  The two cupcakes flavors were Snickerdoodle and Cookies N' Cream.  The snickerdoodle cupcakes are a cinnamon cupcake with a vanilla buttercream and a mini snickerdoodle on top.  The cookies n' cream cupcakes were a chocolate cupcake with a cream cheese frosting (with oreo crumbles mixed in) and an Oreo on top.  We wanted the colors to be opposite so that is why we laid the cookies flat on top of the cupcake.  This is also allowed imperfect piping.  I was not a fan of the Cookies N' Cream cupcakes.  I mostly didn't like the chocolate cake part.  But these Snickerdoodle cupcakes were spot on.  Delish.  

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

from Annie’s Eats (cupcakes, frosting, cookies)

For the cupcakes:

11/2 cups all-purpose flour

11/2 cups cake flour, sifted

1 tbsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature

13/4 cups sugar

4 large eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

11/4 cups milk

For the frosting:

20 tbsp. (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar,

sifted 1/8 tsp. salt 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 tbsp. heavy cream

For garnish:

1 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)

2 tbsp. sugar (optional)

Mini snickerdoodles (1/2 of recipe below)

To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350° F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. Combine the flours, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl; whisk to combine. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients in three additions alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat each addition just until incorporated.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each three quarters full. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes (8-10 minutes for minis). Allow to cool in the pans about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting, in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat butter at medium-high speed until smooth, about 20 seconds. Add confectioners’ sugar and salt; beat at medium-low speed until most of the sugar is moistened, about 45 seconds. Scrape down the bowl and beat at medium speed until mixture is fully combined, about 15 seconds. Scrape bowl, add vanilla and heavy cream, and beat at medium speed until incorporated, about 10 seconds. Then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, scraping down bowl once or twice.

Frost the cooled cupcakes as desired. In a small bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle a pinch of the cinnamon-sugar on top of each frosted cupcake. Garnish with mini snickerdoodles.

(Servings: 60 ish Minis, Prep time: 30 min., Cook time: 1 hr., Difficulty: Easy)

Mini Snickerdoodles

2 1/4 cups (11 1/4 oz.) unbleached all-purpose flour

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

12 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened but still cool

1/4 cup vegetable shortening

1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 oz.) granulated sugar, plus 3 tbsp. for rolling dough

2 large eggs

1 tbsp. ground cinnamon, for rolling dough

Adjust oven racks to upper- and lower-middle positions. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar on medium speed until well combined, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the eggs, and beat again until combined, about 30 seconds. Add in the dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined, about 20 seconds.

In a small, shallow bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon for rolling the dough. Stir or shake well to combine. Working with a little dough each time, roll the dough into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch balls. Roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Use a drinking glass with a flat bottom to gently flatten the dough balls (butter the bottom of the glass before starting, and dip it in sugar between cookies if it begins to stick).

Bake until the edges of the cookies are beginning to set and the center are soft and puffy, 8-10 minutes, rotating the baking sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through the baking time. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

(Servings: 120, Prep time: 30 min., Cook time: 1 hr., Difficulty: Easy)

Printable Version

foodforscot Ratings:

Shanon (taste):  9/10

Scot (taste):  8/10

Effort:  4/5

Dishwashing Effort:  4/5

In-N-Out’s Double-Double Animal Style Burger

This is an In-N-Out Double-Double Animal Style Burger - made at home - in CO

This is what it looks like in Heaven. 

3-4 bites later.

Giveratry.  

Key points:

-pre-toasting buns in the oven is genius...and hot (400 yikes!)

-no need to freshly grind your beef if you get it at Whole Foods.  They did mine 30 mins. before I purchased it.

-American cheese bought at the deli counter of Whole Foods seems less bad.  

-2 x 1/8-lb patty combined > 1 x 1/4-lb patty.  I don't get it.  

-smearing mustard on a burger before grilling it is my favorite thing.  It is also very messy and splattery.  

-that scar on my thumb is from turnip grating casualty. 

In-N-Out’s Double-Double Animal Style Burger

from Serious Eats

1/2 pound fresh beef chuck with plenty of fat, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided

1 large onion, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

Kosher salt

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon ketchup

2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

2 soft Hamburger buns

Freshly ground black pepper

8 dill pickles chips

2 quarter-inch-thick slices ripe tomato

2 leaves fresh iceberg lettuce, white core section removed, torn to bun-sized pieces

1/4 cup yellow mustard

4 slices deli-cut American Cheese

If using a meat grinder: Place feed shaft, blade, and 1/4-inch die of meat grinder in freezer until well-chilled. Meanwhile, place meat chunks on rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between each piece and place in freezer for 10 minutes until meat is firm.

Combine meat in large bowl and toss to combine. Grind meat and refrigerate immediately until ready for use. Handle as gently as possible. Proceed with step three below.

If using a food processor: Place bowl and blade of food processor in freezer until well-chilled. Meanwhile, place meat chunks on rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between each piece, and place in freezer for 10 minutes until meat is firm, but not frozen.

Combine meat in large bowl and toss to combine. Working in two batches, place meat cubes in food processor and pulse until medium-fine grind is achieved, about 8 to 10 one-second pulses, scraping down processor bowl as necessary. Refrigerate ground meat immediately until ready for use. Handle as gently as possible.

Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees while you cook the onions: Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt to skillet. Reduce heat to medium low, and cook, tossing and stirring occasionally until onions are well browned, about 15 minutes. Once onions begin to sizzle heavily and appear dry, add 1 tablespoon water to skillet and stir. Continue cooking until water evaporates and onions start sizzling again. Repeat process, adding 1 tablespoon of water with each iteration until onions are meltingly soft and dark brown, about 3 times total. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

Make the sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, sugar, and vinegar in small bowl. Stir to combine.

Place closed buns in preheated oven for 2 minutes until slightly darkened and crisped. Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in 12-inch non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering. Open buns and add face-down to skillet. Toast until dark brown around the edges, about 1 minute total.

Form ground beef into four 2-ounce patties, using damp hands to press each into a patty about 3/16ths of an inch thick and 4 inches wide. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon oil to pan, swirl to coat, and heat over medium-high heat until lightly smoking. Add burger patties and cook without moving until well browned and crusty on first side, about 2 1/2 minutes. While they are cooking, spread 1 tablespoon mustard on raw side of each patty with a spoon. Meanwhile, top each bottom bun with up half of spread, 4 slices pickles, 1 slice tomato, and lettuce. Flip patties with a thin spatula so mustard side is down and continue to cook for 1 minute. Top each patty with a slice of cheese. Divide onion mixture evenly between two patties. Place the other two patties directly on top of the onions , sandwiching them between the beef. Transfer patty stacks to bottom bun. Top with top bun, and serve immediately.

(Servings: 2, Prep time: 30 min, Cook time: 10 min., Difficulty: Easy)

Printable Version

foodforscot Ratings:

Shanon (taste):  9/10

Scot (taste):  9/10

Effort:  2/5

Dishwashing Effort:  2/5

A real In-N-Out Animal Style Burger (not doubs)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  How do you feel about them?  Do they make you think happy thoughts?  Do they bring you back to your childhood?  Do they provide the stability in your life to get you through a lunch crunch?  

Well, I hate them.  

To me peanut butter and jelly is like blah and blah.  Peanut butter is like butter, but worse.  Jelly is like fruit that got too old.  And together?  They are like Mr. and Mrs. lamey-pants.  

Seriously, PB&J's have never done much for me.  Sometimes, I wish they would because they are SO easy.  And I do eat them on occasion for that reason.  With whining, obviously.  

But, the real thing is that I have learned through the years that I don't really dig the whole nut butter thing.  Did you ever know anyone who brought a jar of peanut butter on their trip to Europe so they KNEW they would have some food they loved with them along the way...in case of emergencies...?  Those are the real peanut butter lovers of the world.  Give me some salami and a pickle, please.  

Therefore, this dessert is just not my thing.  And I knew it wouldn't be.  This was Scot's birthday cake this year.  And chocolate and peanut butter are in his Top 5 favorite combos (of chocolate and something else).  I was very excited to make this because so many people raved about it.  I thought maybe even I would like it.  But I could barely eat two bites of this insanely rich dessert (which means, yes, Scot ate half and then I had to intervene, gave the rest to friends).  And I am a true believer that there is about 400% too much filling per chocolate and crust.  Scot actually agreed.  Seriously, like half the filling would be good.  I am just posting this because I want to spread the word.  

"Yo, world.  Too much filling!"

Anyways, Scot still thoroughly enjoyed this.  He loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, btw. 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte

by Dorie Greenspan via Brown Eyed Baker

11/4 cups finely chopped salted peanuts (for the filling, crunch, and toppings)

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (or finely ground instant coffee)

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or finely chopped semisweet chocolate)

24 Oreo cookies, finely crumbled or ground in a food processor or blender

1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Small pinch of salt

21/2 cups heavy cream

11/4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

11/2 cups salted peanut butter – crunchy or smooth (not natural)

2 tablespoons whole milk

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

Getting Ready: Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat.

Toss 1/2 cup of the chopped peanuts, the sugar, espresso powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and chocolate chips together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Put the Oreo crumbs, melted butter and salt in another small bowl and stir with a fork just until the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan (they should go up about 2 inches on the sides). Freeze the crust for 10 minutes.

Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack and let it cool completely before filling.

Working with a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, whip 2 cups of the cream until it holds medium peaks. Beat in 1/4 cup of the confectioners’ sugar and whip until the cream holds medium firm peaks. Scrape the cream into a bowl and refrigerate until needed.

Wipe out (no need to wash) the bowl, fit the stand mixer with the paddle attachment if you have one, or continue with the hand mixer, and beat the cream cheese with the remaining 1 cup confectioners’ sugar on medium speed until the cream cheese is satiny smooth. Beat in the peanut butter, 1/4 cup of the chopped peanuts and the milk.

Using a large rubber spatula, gently stir in about one quarter of the whipped cream, just to lighten the mousse. Still working with the spatula, stir in the crunchy peanut mixture, then gingerly fold in the remaining whipped cream. Scrape the mousse into the crust, mounding and smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight; cover with plastic wrap as soon as the mousse firms.

To Finish the Torte: Put the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Leave the bowl over the water just until the chocolate softens and starts to melt, about 3 minutes; remove the bowl from the saucepan.

Bring the remaining 1/2 cup cream to a full boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate and, working with a rubber spatula, very gently stir together until the ganache is completely blended and glossy.

Pour the ganache over the torte, smoothing it with a metal icing spatula. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup peanuts over the top and chill to set the topping, about 20 minutes.

When the ganache is firm, remove the sides of the springform pan; it’s easiest to warm the pan with a hairdryer, then remove the sides, but you can also wrap a kitchen towel dampened with hot water around the pan and leave it there for 10 seconds. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving: I like to serve the torte with strong espresso, but it lends itself to being paired with black tea, hot cocoa or even a not-too-thick not-too-sweet coffee milkshake.

Storing: Well covered, the torte will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 days; just make sure to keep it away from foods with strong odors.

(Servings: 8+, Make time: 1.5 hrs., Chill time: 4+ hrs., Difficulty: Easy)

Printable Version

foodforscot Ratings:

Shanon (taste):  5/10

Scot (taste):  7.5/10

Effort:  3/5

Dishwashing Effort:  3/5

Oven Fries

When I first started cooking, I roasted everything in oven.  Roasted potatoes.  Roasted asparagus.  Roasted onions.  Roasted Brussels sprouts.  Roasted mixed veg.  I don't know why because my parents didn't cook that way growing up.  It was just a method I snatched on to and held tight.

And don't get me wrong, roasted veg. is good.  Great.  But, I don't think I ever gave the roasting process the respect it deserves.  Until I tried this recipe for oven fries.  And I have been making these puppies for 3 years running.  Genius!  This recipe is perfect.

I have to be honest.  There is a part of me that wants to scream/cry/throw things when I have to follow an obsessive compulsive recipe like this.  I love perfection in cooking and recipe writing, but I also hate reading and re-reading and checking a recipe while I am cooking.  I do it, though, because I know it is the only way to expand my tool box.  My friend always talks about her tool box and how she continues to learn and grow in her career by constantly filling her tool box with "tools" that she can whip out, as needed.  That is how trying recipes is for me.  If you try out enough recipes, you will find some real gems that will come in handy later (i.e. feeding guests).  AND lots of recipes are morphed versions of each other, so trying out new ones ain't even so bad.

This is why I try approximately 5 new recipes each week.  It is also why I am not dealing out original recipes left and right.  I am still building my tool box, man!  I can invent a pasta dish, a salad, a sandwich...I can definitely copy other people's genius ideas without a recipe.  But with all the great chefs out there with infinitely bigger toolboxes than me, I am happy finding and sharing my tools with you.

And this recipe is the perfect example of the development of a method that is really impressive.  If you are going to try this, follow the rules!  Heavy baking sheet!  Exactly 5 tablespoons of light cooking oil (not olive oil)!  Cover, uncover, flip, switch, rotate.  These are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.  And don't try to make fries healthy.  Just eat something else. And eat these less.  Than healthy things.  Kisses.  

Oven Fries

from Cook’s Illustrated

NOTE: Take care to cut the potatoes into evenly sized wedges so that all of the pieces will cook at about the same rate. Although it isn't required, a nonstick baking sheet works particularly well for this recipe. It not only keeps the fries from sticking to the pan but, because of its dark color, encourages deep and even browning. Whether you choose a nonstick baking sheet or a regular baking sheet, make sure that it is heavy duty. The intense heat of the oven may cause lighter pans to warp.

3 russet potatoes (about 8 ounces each), peeled, each potato cut lengthwise into 10 to 12 evenly sized wedges

5 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil

Salt and ground black pepper

Adjust oven rack to lowest position; heat oven to 475 degrees. Place potatoes in large bowl and cover with hot tap water; soak 10 minutes. Meanwhile, coat 18 by 12-inch heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet (see note) with 4 tablespoons oil and sprinkle evenly with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside.

Drain potatoes. Spread potatoes out on triple layer of paper towels and thoroughly pat dry with additional paper towels. Rinse and wipe out now-empty bowl; return potatoes to bowl and toss with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Arrange potatoes in single layer on prepared baking sheet; cover tightly with foil and bake 5 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake until bottoms of potatoes are spotty golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes, rotating baking sheet after 10 minutes. Using metal spatula and tongs, scrape to loosen potatoes from pan, then flip each wedge, keeping potatoes in single layer. Continue baking until fries are golden and crisp, 5 to 15 minutes longer, rotating pan as needed if fries are browning unevenly.

Transfer fries to second baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste and serve.

(Servings: 3-4, Prep time: 20 min., Cook time: 35 min., Difficulty: Easy)

Printable Version

foodforscot Ratings:

Shanon (taste):  9/10

Scot (taste):  9/10

Effort:  3/5

Dishwashing Effort:  2/5

Roasted Edamame Salad

Let's say I am trying to find out if there are more babies born each year in a particular month.  Or if there is a month where the least amount of babies are born.  How do you think I would go about that google search?

Option 1 - Short and Sweet

"babies born each month"

Option 2 - Old School

"babies + (common dates of conception or common date of births) + frequency"

Option 3 - In the Form of a Question

"Dear Google, 

How are you doing today?

I was just wondering, what is the most common month when babies are born?  While you are at it, what is the least common month?  

Hugs and Kisses, 

Shanon"

Option 4 - Start Broad, Click to Find More

"baby birth statistics"

What kind of searcher are YOU?  98% of the time my searches are in the form of a question.  While I do not write a letter to google each time I search, I do like to treat google as much like a human as possible.  Just like how I treat my dog.  It is called respect, people.  

If you were wondering, after some research, the answer to the questions seems to be that most babies are born in late fall.  The least amount of births happen somewhere in late winter/springish.  These are US statistics and are semi-unofficial.  But that seems to be the trend.  

Try this salad!  It is so good!  Roasting the edamame and corn makes it nutty and delicious.  This could also be eaten with tortilla chips as a salsa type thing.  

Roasted Edamame Salad

by Alton Brown via FoodNetwork

12 ounces fresh or frozen shelled edamame, about 2 cups

1/2 cup fresh corn kernels, about 2 ears of corn

1/4 cup finely diced scallion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup chopped fresh tomato

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place the edamame, corn, scallion, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper into a 13 by 9 metal pan and stir to combine. Place on the middle rack of the oven and roast for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the edamame begins to brown. Remove from the oven and place in the refrigerator until completely cool, approximately 30 minutes.

Add the tomato, basil and vinegar to the edamame mixture and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, as desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

(Servings: 4, Prep/Cook time: 40 min., Chill time: 30 min., Difficulty: Easy)

Printable Version

foodforscot Ratings:

Shanon (taste):  8/10

Scot (taste):  9/10

Effort:  2/5

Dishwashing Effort:  2/5

Sweet Potato-Chicken Hash with Poached Eggs and Green Chile Hollandaise

Hi.  I missed you.  Actually, not really.  Is that bad?  Should I just lie about things like that?  Ok, I kinda did.  But not enough to cry about it.

I apologize for my vacay from the blog.  I was having a blast.  Which apparently can be very distracting.  I have about 85 recipes to post in order to catch up.

Here is one of them.  I made this for Scot's birthday brunch.  There was no doubt in my mind that he would love the heck out of this brunch dish.  After he took his first bite, and proclaimed his love, I booyeah'ed at least 3 times in my head.  It is important to stay grounded.

I would explain what is in this, but actually Bobby's title says it all.  It is a perfect sweet potato dish for me too.  I like when sweet potatoes are savory with a hint of their natural sweetness.  And adding spice is ideal.  I guess this is a brunch item at Bobby Flay's restaurant, which is why it uses 160 pots and pans and also why there is tons of prep.  It is definitely a restaurant type meal, but nice to make for a special occasion.  I didn't patty the hash up, like it says in the recipe.  In fact, the hash is particularly patty-able.  I just cooked it all loose in a big skillet and served it in mini cast irons skillets.  Makes sense.  

Sweet Potato-Chicken Hash with Poached Eggs and Green Chile Hollandaise

by Bobby Flay via FoodNetwork

2 large sweet potatoes

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 scallions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup canned chipotle peppers

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups water

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

4 eggs

To prepare the hash: In a medium saucepan, cover the potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, about 25 to 30 minutes. Drain the potatoes, peel and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper and place in a saucepan of simmering water. Poach for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. Cut each breast into 1/2-inch cubes. Place the potatoes, chicken, scallion, cilantro, chipotles and honey in a large bowl and mix gently until combined, season with salt and pepper. Form into 4 equal-sized patties. Heat the oil in a large saute pan until just smoking. Season the patties with salt and pepper to taste and saute the patties on each side until golden brown. Keep warm.

To prepare the poached eggs: Heat the water and vinegar until simmering in a large frying pan. Break each egg into a cup and gently add to the water. Poach for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the yolk is nearly cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan with a slotted spoon to drain the liquid and top each hash patty with 1 poached egg.

Green Chile Hollandaise

3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Pinch white pepper

1 large poblano pepper, roasted, skinned, seeds removed and finely chopped

1 stick unsalted butter, melted until foamy

Place the yolks, salt, pepper in a blender and mix until smooth. Slowly, drop by drop add the warm butter to the mixture and blend until emulsified. Place in a bowl and fold in the chopped poblano peppers. Serve immediately or place the bowl over a pot of simmering water to keep warm, stirring occasionally.

(Servings: 4, Prep time: 1 hr., Cook time: 30 min., Difficulty: Intermediate)

Printable Version

foodforscot Ratings:  

Shanon (taste) :  9/10
Scot (taste):  10/10
Effort:  4/5
Dishwashing Effort:  4/5