Burmese Chicken Curry

This chicken curry was featured in a section of the NY Times called “A Kitchen Resolution Worth Making: Follow The Recipe Exactly.” After a long day of tending to kids (and their zillion requests for snacks), that can sound appealing. It’s from Burma Superstar in Oakland, CA and is worth the time – you can taste the “time.” And my kids ate it! Step 1: Trim 2.5 lobs chicken thighs of excess fat and cut into bite-size pieces; transfer to a bowl and mix in 1 tbsp paprika, ½ tsp turmeric and 2 tsp Kosher salt. Step 2: In a large pot, heat 1/3 cup canola oil over medium-high. Stir in 2 finely chopped onions, lower the heat to medium-low and cook until translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Add four crushed garlic cloves and continue to cook about 5 minutes more. Stir often so it doesn’t burn. Step 3: Add the chicken and stir to release the spices into the onion. Pour in one can of coconut milk and bring to a near boil. Let the coconut milk simmer briskly for about 4 minutes to thicken. Lower the heat to medium-low and add 1.5 tbsp fish sauce. Stir in 1 cup water and bring to a near boil. Step 4: Lower to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Stir in 1 tsp curry powder. Serve with rice or noodles, cilantro and lime and an easily wilting green.

Savory Loaf with Cheese, Olives and Herbs

Over the course of the pandemic, we baked, baked and baked some more. I got tired of sugar so was excited to find a savory loaf bread - especially given how much thyme we had growing on our roof. Thank you Melissa Clark. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-inch loaf pan (or line it with parchment). In a large bowl, whisk together 2½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon baking soda. In a smaller bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil and 1 cup dairy product like buttermilk or plain yogurt. Whisk in 2 eggs. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry. Now, switch to a rubber spatula and fold in ¾ cup olives and 1¾ cups grated cheese. Finally, add a tablespoon or so fresh thyme or other herbs.