Spicy Fried Chicken Bites With Derby Dip Food

HONEY FRIED CHICKEN BITES

Steps:

• Combine 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/3 cup pickle juice, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken thighs, seal the bag and shake to evenly disperse. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
• Whisk together the honey, chopped pickles and the remaining 2 tablespoons each pickle juice and hot sauce in a large bowl until well combined.
• Whisk together the flour, paprika, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Pour in the remaining 1/4 cup of buttermilk and use your fingers to work it in, making the flour shaggy.
• Fill a large, wide Dutch oven or pot with about 2 1/2 inches of oil, then add the shortening. Attach a deep-fat fry thermometer to the side of the pot and bring to 350 degrees F over medium heat. Line a large baking sheet with paper towels and a wire rack if desired and set aside.
• Drain the chicken in a colander but do not pat dry. Transfer the chicken to the flour mixture, making sure to press the pieces into the flour to fully coat. Set on a plate. (If you notice the chicken getting soggy in any spots as it sits, dredge it in the flour mixture again.)
• When the oil is at 350 degrees F, very carefully slide the breaded chicken into the oil and fry until deep golden brown with an internal temperature of about 170 degrees F, about 4 minutes. Remove to the lined baking sheet and sprinkle with a little salt.
• Put the chicken in the bowl with the honey mixture and toss to coat. Serve in paper cones with toothpicks for skewering the chicken bites.

ARROZ CON POLLO BITES

Steps:

• In a small pot combine the olive oil and annatto seeds. Heat over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Strain the seeds from oil and discard the seeds. Reserve 1/2 cup of the oil for the Roasted Pork with Citrus Mojo Marinade recipe and 1/4 cup for the Arroz Con Pollo Bites.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat 2 tablespoons of the annatto oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides and transfer to plate. To the same skillet add the remaining 2 tablespoons annatto oil, the onion, pepper, and garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Add the rice and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and add the cooked chicken. Cover, turn the heat to low and cook until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Slice the top and bottom inch off of each plantain. Slice through the skin from the top down to the bottom on each side of each plantain. Peel the skin off in strips and slice the plantain into 1-inch thick slices. Fry the plantain slices 3 minutes on each side. Remove and drain on a paper towel lined sheet tray. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Smash the plantains with the backside of a large metal spoon or with a small skillet. Put the plantains back in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Remove to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Combine the olives with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a mini food processor and pulse until coarsely ground. Set aside.
• To assemble; put a teaspoon of the olive tapenade onto a fried plantain. Top with a tablespoon of rice. Put a piece of chicken on top and a little more of the olive tapenade, for garnish. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Arrange the bites on a serving platter, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and serve.

THE DERBY

Steps:

• For the bacon: In a large skillet, scatter the lardons and turn on the heat to medium. Cook until crisp. Make sure to reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. Then drain the crispy lardons on a paper-towel-lined plate.
• For the mornay sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter to the bacon fat and set over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until blonde, 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk until combined. Add in the gruyere and nutmeg, and simmer until thick, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper.
• For the sandwich build: On 4 of the slices of toast, layer 2 tomato slices, top with a quarter of the turkey and then the second slice of bread. Ladle lots of mornay sauce over top. Top with a nice pile of bacon and fresh parsley.

DEEP FRIED CHICKEN BITS

Steps:

• Cut chicken into little strips approx 1 inch long.
• In a bowl add flour, paprika, pepper, mixed herbs, garlic powder and mix together well.
• Beat the two eggs in another bowl.
• Place oil in frying pan approx 1 inch deep and put on full heat until sizzling.
• Dip each strip of chicken in eggs, then coat in flour mixture until chicken is fully coated.
• Place in frying pan and turn until golden brown.
• Enjoy with salsa dip, garlic mayo, sweet chilli sauce -- Delicious!