Pancake Poppers Food

PANCAKE CHICKEN POPPERS WITH MAPLE WHISKEY DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Make the maple whiskey sauce: Add the butter, grated onion, and lemon zest to a medium saucepan over medium heat, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the butter melts.
• Add the bourbon whiskey, maple syrup, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, five-spice powder, cayenne, and hot sauce to the pan. Whisk to combine. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 minutes until the sauce has reduced by a quarter. Keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.
• Make the chicken poppers: Pour 4 inches (10 centimeters) oil into a deep heavy pot and bring the oil to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) over medium heat.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and season with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the five-spice powder, and black pepper. Using your hands or a large spoon, mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the chicken to the pan, in batches, if necessary, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook, stirring, until the chicken is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Add more oil as needed between batches and set aside to cool.
• In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder until combined. Add the milk and egg and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Set a wire rack over a sheet pan. Working in batches, using tongs, dip the reserved chicken pieces into the batter, then carefully (as not to burn yourself) lower the pieces into the hot oil in the deep heavy pot. Cook until the chicken rises to the surface and the crust is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the wire rack. Serve immediately, with the dipping sauce on the side.

PANCAKE POPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray 2 mini muffin tins with cooking spray.
• Mix milk and vinegar together in a bowl; let stand until milk curdles, about 5 minutes. Beat in oil and egg.
• Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; stir into milk mixture until smooth. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin tins with a tablespoon or a small batter scoop.
• Bake in the preheated oven until batter is risen and still pale, about 8 minutes. Remove from muffin cups with a silicone scraper.

CRISPY (NO-FRY) POTATO PANCAKE POPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Very generously brush melted butter into the bottom and sides of 24 mini muffin cups. Place the tin(s) on a baking sheet and set aside until needed.
• Add cold water to a large bowl until 1/3 full. Grate potatoes into the cold water, then fill the bowl almost to the top with more cold water. Swish the potatoes around with your hands to rinse off the starch, then pour off most of the water and refill with more cold water. Continue this process until the water runs almost clear. Pour potatoes into a colander and let drain for a few minutes.
• Transfer grated potatoes to a clean kitchen towel. Wrap potatoes in the towel and squeeze over a bowl until no more liquid comes out.
• Transfer potatoes to a clean bowl and add garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and olive oil. Sprinkle flour over top, then add Parmigiano-Reggiano. Mix and toss gently with your hands until thoroughly combined and mixture feels damp.
• Grab potato mixture from the bottom of the bowl to get as much moisture as possible, and fill the prepared muffin cups. It's okay if the mixture comes up above the pan by 1/2 to 1 inch.
• Bake in the center of the preheated oven until golden brown on top, caramelized on the bottom, and crispy all over, 40 to 45 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and let sit in the pan for 5 minutes before flipping them over onto the baking sheet.