Friday, January 29, 2021

Nordstrom Parmesan Crostini

 I saw that Nordstrom shared their Tomato Soup recipe along with their Parmesan Crostini recipe during the Covid-19 lockdown. I made the crostini and it's amazing! Definitely something I'll make for all tomato soups. 

Nordstrom Parmesan Crostini
(Source: Nordstrom)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
5 ounces freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 tablespoons Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Baguette, cut diagonally into 3/8 inch thick slices, each about 5 inches long (approx 24 slices)

Mix butter, cheese, salt, granulated garlic, and parsley together in large bowl. Spread a tablespoon of butter mixture onto crostini. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 12 minutes until golden brown. 

Roasted Poblano Corn Potato Chowder with Bacon and Gouda Cheese

 This is such a great and hearty soup! A new favorite in our household. 

Roasted Poblano Corn Potato Chowder with Bacon and Gouda Cheese
(Source: From a Chef's Kitchen) 

8 slices bacon

3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic, chopped

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

6 cups chicken broth

1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

6 large Poblano peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped (1 to 1 1/2 cups)

1 bag (12-ounce) frozen corn kernels, thawed under hot tap water

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded Gouda cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

 Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble when cool. Wipe out the Dutch oven. Heat oil and butter over medium-high heat in the Dutch oven. Add the onion, reduce heat to medium-low and cook 7-8 minutes or until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly, approximately 15 seconds. Add the flour and cook 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender. Add the roasted and peeled peppers, corn and heavy cream and bring back to a simmer. Add Gouda cheese and stir until cheese has melted. Add half the bacon, reserving the remainder for garnishing the chowder. Season to taste with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve in bowls, garnished with crumbled bacon.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

 This is a fabulous pasta casserole and we absolutely loved it! It'll be in our regular rotation. 

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

(Source: Southern Living)

8 ounces uncooked mini penne

4 bacon slices, chopped

1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 garlic cloves)

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (I used half and half)

1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cubed and softened

2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)

2 tablespoons ranch dressing and seasoning mix (from 1 [1-oz.] pkg.)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 cups shredded, cooked chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)

8 ounces low-moisture part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups) divided

Cooking spray

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

 Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook penne according to package directions; drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water. Place pasta in a large bowl, and set aside.

 Heat a large skillet over medium. Add bacon, and cook, stirring often, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve drippings in skillet.

 Add garlic to hot drippings in skillet over medium, and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in whipping cream and cream cheese; cook, whisking often, until cream cheese is melted and mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in Parmesan, ranch dressing mix, pepper, and reserved 1 cup cooking water. Pour over pasta. Fold in chicken and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Pour mixture into a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top with bacon and remaining 1 cup cheese.

 Bake in preheated oven until golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.

 


Saturday, December 12, 2020

One-Pot White Wine Pasta with Mushrooms and Leeks

 This has been my favorite pasta dishes over the last few months and it's so easy to make. 

One Pot White Wine Pasta with Mushrooms and Leeks

(Source: Food and Wine)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 medium leeks, trimmed and thinly sliced (white and light green parts only), about 1 1 /2 cups)

4 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

1 pound short pasta, such as penne, casarecce, or pipe rigate

1 1/3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2/3 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (about 2 ounces), plus more for serving

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh juice (from 1 lemon)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

 Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high. Add mushrooms, and cook, stirring often, until all liquid has evaporated, about 12 minutes. Add butter, stirring until melted. Add leeks, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of the salt, and cook, stirring often, until leeks are tender, 4 to 5 minutes.

 Stir in pasta, 3 cups water, stock, wine, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Increase heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until about 3 minutes short of al dente, (check cook time on package). Stir in cream, and simmer until sauce evenly coats pasta, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, herbs, lemon zest and juice, and pepper. Divide pasta evenly among shallow bowls, and serve topped with cheese.


Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Sol Food Pollo al Horno

 This is such a flavorful chicken recipe! Definitely a keeper recipe! 

Sol Food Pollo al Horno

(Source: San Francisco Chronicle)

1/2 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced

1 tablespoon kosher salt (I omit)

2 teaspoons garlic salt (I do a combination of 1 teaspoon garlic salt and 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 tablespoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

 Combine everything together and marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to overnight. When ready to eat bake 50-60 minutes or until golden brown.

 


Saturday, December 5, 2020

Chicken Paprikash

 We absolutely love this Chicken Paprikash! 

Chicken Paprikash

(Source: Molly Yeh)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 large onions, thinly sliced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Pinch of sugar

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

Crusty bread, for serving, optional

 Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan. Add the onions, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, paprika and cayenne and cook, stirring, until dark red in color, 2 minutes. Add the flour and the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the broth and sugar and cook until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken to the sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook over medium-low heat until the chicken is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and vinegar. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread if desired!


Monday, September 28, 2020

Oven Fried Ranch Chicken

 I haven't been posting a lot lately because I barely have time to cook elaborate meals after giving birth to our first baby in June. However, I have been making simple meals that barely take any time and this has been our favorite for the last few months! The chicken is so juicy and it's healthier than eating fried chicken for dinner. 

Oven Fried Ranch Chicken

(Source: Food Network) 

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 sprigs thyme, leaves stripped and chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

3/4 teaspoons onion powder

3/4 teaspoons garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Kosher salt

2 (3-4 pound) chickens, each cut into 8 pieces

Cooking spray

3 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

1/3 cup chopped fresh chives

Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk the buttermilk, mayonnaise, half of the thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika, the onion and garlic powders, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat; cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight. 

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on each; coat the racks with cooking spray. Combine the breadcrumbs, chives, the remaining thyme and 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a shallow bowl. 

Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere. Put the white meat on one wire rack and the dark meat on the other rack, skin-side up. Coat the chicken with cooking spray. Transfer to the oven, placing the dark meat on the bottom oven rack; bake until the crust is golden and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 165 degrees F, 50 to 55 minutes. Let cool slightly on wire racks, 10 minutes. Season with salt and eat. 



Saturday, August 1, 2020

Mini Hashbrown Frittatas

Mini Hashbrown Frittatas

(Source: Southern Living Magazine)


Baking spray with flour

 1 (20-oz.) pkg. refrigerated shredded hash browns (such as Simply Potatoes)

 10 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 1/2 cups), divided

 1 (10-oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed

 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

 1 small onion, minced (about 1 cup)

 6 large eggs

 3/4 cup half-and-half

 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes (from 1 pint tomatoes)

 Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with baking spray. Toss together hash browns and 2 cups of the cheese in a large bowl until combined. Spoon hash brown mixture evenly into prepared pan, filling all cavities (about 1/2 cup each), pressing up and around sides to form a cup. Bake until edges are golden and crispy, about 30 minutes.

 Meanwhile, place spinach in a clean kitchen towel; squeeze to remove liquid. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add spinach, and cook, stirring occasionally, just until spinach is warmed and combined with onion, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, and set aside until ready to use.

 Remove baked hash brown cups from oven, and spoon 1 heaping tablespoon onion-spinach mixture into bottom of each cup. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until eggs are beaten and mixture is well combined. Carefully pour evenly into hash brown cups to cover onion-spinach mixture. Top evenly with tomatoes, and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

 Bake at 375°F until eggs are set and hash browns are crispy and browned, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven; cool on a wire rack 5 minutes. Serve warm.

 

Monday, June 8, 2020

Chicken Marinades

These have been a few of our favorite chicken marinades lately:

Huli Huli Chicken Marinade
(Source: Food and Wine)

1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
2 pounds chicken

Stir together pineapple juice, stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, and garlic in a medium bowl. Reserve 1 cup marinade for basting and drizzling. Place chicken in a large zip-lock plastic freezer bag; add remaining marinade. Seal bag, and refrigerate at least 3 hours or up to overnight. 

We either grill the chicken or roast it on a rack in the oven. 

The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe
(Source: ModernHoney.com)

2 pounds chicken thighs
1/3 cup - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil depending on preference
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper

In a bowl, stir together oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. 

Piece chicken with a fork all over. Place in a large Ziploc bag. Pour marinade over chicken. 

Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or 4-5 hours. (I usually marinate it overnight). Grill when ready to eat. 

Chicken Marinade
(Source: Spend with Pennies)

1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
4 boneless chicken breasts

Combine all marinade ingredients in a small bowl or a freezer bag. Add chicken and marinate at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours. Grill, bake or broil as desired. 

Chicken Marinade
(Source: Dinner at the Zoo)

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Place all ingredients in a large bowl or resealable gallon sized bag. If using a bowl, whisk to combine the ingredients. If using a bag, seal the bag and shake to combine the ingredients. Add 2 - 3 pounds of chicken, then marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours. Proceed with cooking method of your choice. 






Thursday, June 4, 2020

Spring Green Salad with Roasted Garlic

We recently went to a town that is used to film the Walking Dead series in Georgia and stopped at Nic and Norman's for a bite to eat. I had their salad and it was fabulous! I've tried replicating it at home and it's just as good as what we had at the restaurant! 

Spring Green Salad with Roasted Garlic
(Source: Inspired by Nic and Norman's)

Baby mixed lettuce (I used spring greens) 
Candied pecans (I used regular pecans)
Goat cheese
Cherry Tomatoes
Roasted Garlic 
Balsamic Dressing

Place a layer of spring greens in a salad bowl. Top with pecans, goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic and drizzle the dressing on top. Delicious! 


Monday, June 1, 2020

Flour Bakery Banana Bread

This is the best Banana Bread that we have ever tried! Definitely one that we will make again!

Banana Bread
(Source: Flour Bakery)

210 grams unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I omitted)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
230 grams granulated sugar
2 eggs
100 grams canola oil
340 grams mashed bananas
2 tablespoons creme fraiche or sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
75 grams walnut halves, toasted and chopped

Position a rack in the center of the oven, and heat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-5 inch loaf pan. 

In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. 

Using a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment (or a handheld mixer), beat together the sugar and eggs on medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. (If you use a handheld mixer, this same step will take about 8 minutes.)

On low speed, slowly drizzle in the oil. Don't pour the oil in all at once. Add it slowly so it has time to incorporate into the eggs and doesn't deflate the air you have just beaten into the batter. Adding it should take about 1 minute. Add the bananas, creme fraiche, and vanilla and continue to mix on low speed just until combined. 

Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour mixture and the nuts just until thoroughly combined. No flour streaks should be visible, and the nuts should be evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. 

Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until golden brown on top and the center springs back when you press it. If your finger sinks when you poke the bread, it needs to bake a little longer. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes, and then pop it out of the pan to finish cooling. 

The banana bread can be stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, it can be well wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 weeks; thaw overnight at room temperature for serving. 

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Very Best Swiss Meringue Buttercream

I've always been a huge fan of Swiss Meringue Buttercream because it's less sweeter than the American Buttercream. It's just as easy too! Below is the recipe that I've been using for a while and it's definitely a keeper. Sometimes I'll add peanut butter and that turned out fantastic as well.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream
(Source: Food Network)

6 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 sticks unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Bring a few inches of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the egg whites, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer.Set the bowl on top of the pan (do not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water). Cook, whisking, until the egg whites are frothy, the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm, 3 to 5 minutes. 

Transfer the bowl to the stand mixer and beat with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until the mixture is cool and stiff glossy peaks form, about 5 minutes. Beat in the butter a few pieces at a time, waiting until they're incorporated before adding more. The frosting may look liquidy or curdled but just keep beating until smooth and shiny. Add the vanilla and beat until fluffy, 3 to 5 more minutes. 

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Very Best Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti with Sausage
(Source: Once Upon a Chef)

1 lb ziti noodles
1.5 lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage (or removed from casings)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano) cheese
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package directions for very al dente, about 7 minutes. (It will continue to cook in the oven so you want to undercook it just a bit.) Drain and add the pasta back to the pot. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 425°F and set the oven rack in the middle position.

Heat a large sauté pan (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned and just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan and set over low heat (if you don't have enough fat in the pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil). Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until soft but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar and red pepper flakes and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Add the heavy cream, 1/3 cup of the Pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and basil to the pan; stir until evenly combined. Carefully pour the contents of the sauté pan into the large pot with the pasta and gently stir to combine. Spoon half of the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the remaining Pecorino Romano. Spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Pecorino Romano. Transfer to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the cheese has melted and browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with more basil and serve.

Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled and refrigerated, covered, up to 2 days in advance. Since the dish will be cold, the baking time will need to be increased. To bake, cover tightly with aluminum foil and place in a 425°F oven for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned and the pasta is hot throughout.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The dish can be frozen unbaked. When you’re ready to cook it, defrost in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then proceed with the Make Ahead instructions above.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Best Ever Succotash

We absolutely love corn in the spring/summer months, so when I saw this recipe for Succotash, I had to try it. The recipe is so simple to follow and we love all the veggies in this side dish. Dr. Sweetpea raved about how good this was and ate several servings of it during his dinner.

Best Ever Succotash
(Source: Southern Living Magazine) 


10 ounces fresh or frozen baby lima beans (2 cups)
4 center-cut bacon slices
1 cup chopped sweet onion (from 1 small onion)
4 ounces fresh okra, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices (1 cup)
1 garlic clove, finely chopped (1 tsp.)
3 cups fresh corn kernels (4 ears)
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons butter
5 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup)
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Place lima beans in a medium saucepan, and add water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce to medium-low, and simmer until beans are just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

While beans simmer, place bacon slices in a large cast-iron skillet over medium. Cook until crisp, about 8 minutes, turning once after 5 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels; crumble and set aside. Reserve drippings in skillet.

Add chopped onion, fresh okra, and garlic to skillet over medium, and cook, stirring often, until onion is just tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in fresh corn kernels, salt, pepper, and drained beans, and cook, stirring often, until corn is tender and bright yellow, 5 to 6 minutes. Add butter, and cook, stirring constantly, until butter is melted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and sliced basil; sprinkle with crumbled bacon, and serve immediately.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Egg Shop Fried Chicken

We ate at Egg Shop a few years ago when we were visiting my brother in NYC. I had their fried chicken breakfast sandwich and it was probably one of the best that I've ever tried. I've been looking for their fried chicken recipe ever since and I finally found it! Definitely a keeper for us!

Egg Shop Fried Chicken
(Source: Egg Shop Cookbook)

Brine: 
6 cups water
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup packed browns sugar
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 tablespoons red chile flakes
4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade:
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 egg

For Frying: 
3 to 4 cups canola oil, for frying
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper

Wildflower honey and coarse sea salt, for serving 

To make the brine, in a large saucepan, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, garlic, and chile flakes and bring to a boil over medium heat. Set aside to cool completely. 

Add the chicken to the brine and soak for 24 hours in the fridge, or at least overnight. Drain the chicken from the brine. 

At least 1 hour before you're ready to fry the chicken (and up to 24 hours ahead), in a large bowl make the marinade. Whisk together the buttermilk, celery salt, cayenne, paprika, and egg. Add the chicken and marinate it in the fridge. 

To fry the chicken, in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set up a cooling rack or some paper towels on a baking sheet to drain the chicken. 

As the oil comes to temperature, combine the flour and black pepper in a shallow bowl (this will affectionately be referred to as "Judge Dredge"). When the oil is hot, remove one chicken thigh at a time from the marinade and dip in Judge Dredge to coat it fully. Shake off any excess flour. Then repeat to dip each piece back in the marinade and then the dredge to ensure an even, crisp coating. 

Fry the chicken, one or two pieces at a time, taking care not to overcrowd your makeshift deep fryer. The chicken should be fully covered by the hot oil. It's fully cooked when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit at it's thickest part, 5 to 7 minutes. If you don't have a well calibrated thermometer handy, it's okay to cut into the chicken slightly and check for done-ness, no more pink. The chicken will stay juicy because we did all the work of properly brining. 

Remove the chicken to the cooling rack or paper towels. You can keep the chicken warm and crispy in a 200 degree oven or serve immediately. Just before serving, drizzle the chicken with your favorite local wildflower honey and garnish with a pinch of coarse sea salt.