Christmakka Dinner

Let me start this post by introducing you to my Aunt Debi.  She is my mom's baby sis who is always chalk full of super tasty recipes that are always incredibly easy!  We exchange menus all the time.  For my annual Christmakka dinner this year I stole one of her menus and gave it a shot...here's what I made:

Miami Ribs

Jerk Chicken Thighs

Apple Pecan Coleslaw

Potato Latkes

The most popular dish was the slaw.  The crowd went wild for it!  It's a simple recipe BUT...you need an ingredient that they don't sell in the states.  Or at least in NYC.  For some reason, Canada has all of these fantastic sauces, cookies, candies, etc., that I cannot find here.  The good news is...there is a site that will deliver these special items right to your doorstep!  It's called Canadian Favourites and has surely become a favorite of mine!  Here's the recipe from Aunt D if you'd like it!

1 package ready to eat coleslaw mix (found at your local grocery store)

Kraft poppyseed dressing

Kraft Coleslaw dressing (Yes both - also, this is the one I cannot find in NYC)

1 Apple (doesn't matter what kind - I usually use one that I don't like that's been sitting in the fridge for like a month). Tonight I used a Fuji Apple which wasn't old and was very good. 

1 package chopped pecans

1 handful dried cranberries

Mix all ingredients together and add dressings to coat 

(give a squirt of both.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and enjoy!)

As for dessert...I am always inspired by the ever so talented Amy Atlas. This holiday season was bonkers for me so I cheated and picked up most of the desserts instead of making them myself.  Sometimes you just need to get a little help from the stores, ya know?!  The crowd fave was the Artisan Stuffed Cannolis.  Heavenly...

 The rest of the table included my homemade caramel apples - super easy peasy!  First prize pies, Pillsbury dough bake off cookies and some good old fashioned glass bottles of Coke.  There were no leftovers...

Smore's Pie...To die.

So back in the summer I threw a gower (yes, a gay shower) for my friend's JC and Chris.  It was a BBQ picnic theme and threw down.  Part of the dessert table was mini apple pies.  I found these through an article in NY Magazine for First Prize Pies.  This lady has changed my life.  Her pies are absolutely out of control.  She is a genius who has created a perfectly tasty and beautiful pie that I can use for dinners and dessert tables since I don't love to bake.  Be sure to check her out...

Eataling Mario's latest...

Mario Batalli really did it this time.
When I first walked into his latest venture I almost passed out.  Eataly is basically a food wonderland where you will find 3 different restaurants (fish, pizza/pasta and meat) and a meat and cheese hall where you can grab a table and stand around enjoying fresh cured meats, homemade mozzarella cheese and a plethora of other cheeses...not to mention an extensive wine list which you can also spend time tasting...and even walk around the market with if you so choose.  The enormous and beautifully designed space also includes a cafe, dessert bar and several stations to shop at for fresh fare such as meats, veggies and fruit, rotisserie chicken, fresh pastas, sauces and breads...the list goes on.
I truly didn't know where to begin here...so LM and I hit up the pizza restaurant.  No complaints from LM as he sucked back pizza, fresh bread and some icy water.  We picked up some chicken and potatoes for dinner and couldn't have been happier with our first (of many...oh too many) experiences at Eataly.  It's not to be missed...

Flatsy Chicken

So here's the deal...my Boobie who is 89 years to date is out of control.  She's the cutest woman on earth.  She cooks the most delicious food I've ever eaten.  Heavy, distinct flavors that radiate through her old fashioned cooking are irresistible.  I've tried my hardest to replicate her dishes and all though I try and try they will never come close.  Very good and tasty my way...just not the same as Boobie's.
One (well they all are really) of my favorite dishes is her "flatsy chicken".  Like you flatten chicken and fry it.  I can't exactly tell you the recipe because she's very sensititve to that but I can tell you how I do it...

1 package of boneless skinless chicken cutlets sliced thin
bread crumbs (any type you have on hand)
2 eggs
garlic powder
Mazzola oil (this is one of the secrets - so keep it on the DL)

Prep your chicken:  You need to "flatsy" it.  Using a cutting board that can handle meat so you can wash it in the dishwasher when you're done), hammer the meat till its as flat as it can go.

Mix your eggs up with a couple shakes of garlic salt.  Give a good stir with your fork.  Add the chicken and let it sit out while you prepare the rest of your dinner for that night (I like to serve with blanched peas doused in butter and s+p as well as mashed potatoes).

Using a large (GOOD) non stick frying pan, add some Mazzola oil to cover and heat on high.  Drop the chicken into the pan and fry till golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve hot out of the pan along with a bowl of chicken soup and some healthy sides and enjoy!