Category Archives: Poultry

DUCK BACON JALAPENO POPPERS

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Jalapeno poppers are a simple and popular appetizer.  There’s not a whole lot to them — jalapenos stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon, then baked or grilled.  Last year at Central Market’s “Passport to France” promotion, they took jalapeno poppers to a new level — stuffed with brie and dried apricots, and wrapped in D’Artagnan’s duck bacon.  Oh my, these things were tasty.  The duck bacon strips are thick and meaty, and add a great smoky flavor without all the fat of traditional bacon.  (I remove the small strip of fat before using the duck bacon, but you may prefer to leave it on.)  According to D’Artagnan, the USDA requires it to label its duck bacon as “uncured” because it has no added nitrates or nitrates. PSMBD002-1_VA0_SQ[1]

Smoked Duck Bacon from D’Artagnan

Speaking of French things in Texas, there is actually a city named Paris in Texas, located about 100 miles from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  (There is a 1984 movie named Paris, Texas which, although it was supposed to take place there, was not actually filmed there).  Jokingly referred to as the “Second Largest Paris in the World” by its residents, Paris, Texas is one of 15 American cities named Paris.  The city has a 65-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, which was built in 1993.  As the story goes, Paris, Tennessee had a 60-foot Eiffel tower, which it replaced with a 70-foot one to beat the Texas one by 5 feet.  Not to be outdone, the Texas town topped its Eiffel Tower with a giant red cowboy hat, slightly tilted, beating Tennessee for the tallest Eiffel Tower replica.  (Because everything is bigger in Texas, right?) TXPAReiffel_mwprint[1]

Paris, Texas Eiffel Tower topped with a big red cowboy hat

Paris, Texas is also home to Evergreen Cemetery, which purportedly boasts the only monument with Jesus wearing cowboy boots.  (It’s not entirely clear that the statute is supposed to be Jesus.  Some think it is an angel or a Shakespearean character.) jesusincowboyboots[1]

Jesus wearing cowboy boots

jesusincowboyboots[1] With a nod to the quirky city of Paris, Texas, I encourage you to try these Duck Bacon Jalapeno Poppers.

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DUCK BACON JALAPENO POPPERS
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer
 
Ingredients
  • 6 fresh jalapenos*
  • 4 dried apricots
  • 2 ounces brie*
  • 6 strips duck bacon
  • *Remember to exercise care when handling jalapenos, and avoid rubbing your eyes after handling them.
  • *Freezing the brie briefly makes it easier to slice.
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Cut the stem end off of the jalapenos and discard. Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise, and scoop out seeds and ribs with a small spoon.
  3. Cut apricots lengthwise into three pieces. Slice brie into rectangles approximately 1-1/2" x ¼". Remove strip of fat from duck bacon strips, and cut each strip in half lengthwise.
  4. Place a piece of apricot and piece of brie in each jalapeno half. Wrap a strip of bacon around the jalapeno and secure with a toothpick. Place the stuffed jalapenos in a small baking dish or pie plate. Bake for 20 minutes, or until jalapenos are soft and cheese is melted. Serve hot.

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 Jalapenos prepped and awaiting their filling

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 Dried apricot slivers and brie

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Brie and apricot getting cozy

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 Wrapped in duck bacon, it’s ready for the oven

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 Poppers, y’all!  Bon appetit!

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Can’t find duck bacon?  Use regular bacon — trust me, no one will complain!

THAI-STYLE CHICKEN SALAD

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I found this at an estate sale last year.  I wasn’t quite sure what it was, so I called it an Alaskan herb chopper.  That weekend I went on a Boy Scout training campout (I know, I know), and on the table of sharp and pointy things, I was surprised to see another Alaskan herb chopper:

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The man in charge of the table of sharp and pointy things told me it was an ulu knife (ulu meaning “cheap souvenir” in Eskimo languages), and that the ULU factory is located in Anchorage, Alaska.  Who knew?

According to the ULU factory website, the ulu knife is one of the most innovative tools that came from the Eskimo culture, and was the main cutting tool used by the Eskimos.  It was originally made from flat, thin rocks or slate, and the handles were carved from wood, ivory, or bone (mine is made from resin).  Eskimos used the ulu knife for everything including skinning seals, sewing mukluks, and eating blubber.  Today, according to the website, it is still a versatile tool that is good for skinning fish and cutting meats, vegetables, cheese, and pizza.

On a recent visit to my Dad, guess what I found in his apartment?  Yep, an Alaskan herb chopper:

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At this point, I was starting to feel like one of those people in a horror film who discovers that everyone around her has the same tattoo or necklace or something like that except her, and that something REALLY BAD is about to happen.  And now I want — make that need — to know who else has an Alaskan herb chopper?

Inspired by my versatile Eskimo tool, I decided to use it make a dish.  No, I did not use it to skin fish or eat blubber, but I did use it to . . . chop herbs!  Specifically, I used it to chop mint and cilantro for Thai-Style Chicken Salad.  It worked pretty well, and although it’s sharp enough that I wouldn’t try to get past airport security carrying one in my purse, it will never replace my beloved santoku knife.

This is not your tea room chicken salad (although those are perfectly tasty, too).  I like to make it using rotisserie chicken — it really adds to the flavor (and convenience).  Serve it with crackers for an appetizer or light meal.

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THAI-STYLE CHICKEN SALAD
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer, Poultry, Salad
 
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 3 cups minced cooked chicken breast
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped shallot
  • ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions, white and green parts
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, salt, chili powder, cilantro, mint, and sugar. Add the chicken, shallot, scallion, and mayonnaise, and mix until thoroughly combined.

 

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 The ULU knife reports for duty

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 Herbs annihilated by the ulu knife

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