Valentine's Day Karma

 

Yes, that's right, I'm asking this cute piglet to be my Valentine! How I would love to build this smiling little guy a flannel nest in my bed :)

I think there is a Taylor Swift song for every moment, I like unicorns, I have to talk myself out of buying cutesy clothes and novelties more often than a 25-year-old should, I like the color pink, hearts, animals holding hands and kissing, and almost anything so adorable or endearing that it makes you go "awwww" (refer to photos for examples), so what is there not to like about Valentine's Day? Apparently a lot, if you're my room mate or a couple other of my single girl friends, or probs any guy on the street who doesn't buy into "the whole commercialized holiday thing" (but feels obligated to do something nice for his girlfriend/wife/morethanjustfriends/notlabellingit). Whichever way, I decided to spread my spirit like cupid and bring some not-so-nutritious-treats for my Nutrition class (refer to yesterday's post), and to make dinner for my non-believing room mate, Jess. If this doesn't (kinda) cheer her up, I guess I can at least hope for some nice deeds=good karma? :) Dinner was delicious, two thumbs up and A++ to both Buttermilk Roasted Chicken and Strawberry Cake, and definitely will become go-to dinner/dessert recipes. Mashed Potatoes were good and satisfying as to be expected, also conveniently used up some of the buttermilk. Jess was in charge of salad and wine, which were also excellent.

 Watch this, and tell me it's not the cutest. 1:19, is the moment that encouraged to do nice things on Valentine's Day <3

Buttermilk Roasted Chicken (from Smitten Kitchen)

Ingredients:
2 cups buttermilk
5 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
1 tablespoon table salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, plus extra for sprinkling (Smitten Kitchen used Hungarian, I used regular, a smoked one would also be delicious)
Lots of freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken parts (Smitten Kitchen used all legs, I used all breasts ;))
Drizzle of olive oil
Flaked or coarse sea salt, to finish

Whisk buttermilk with garlic, table salt, sugar, paprika and lots of freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Place chicken parts in a gallon-sized freezer bag (or lidded container) and pour buttermilk brine over them, then swish it around so that all parts are covered. Refrigerate for at least 2 but preferably 24 and up to 48 hours.
When ready to roast, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking dish with foil. Remove chicken from buttermilk brine and arrange in dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with additional paprika and sea salt to taste. Roast for 30 minutes (for legs; approximately 35 to 40 for breasts), until brown and a bit scorched in spots. Serve immediately.

Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
3 lb potatoes (about 6), peeled and quartered
2/3 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Put potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain very well. Add buttermilk, sour cream, salt and pepper, and mash until fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning. More buttermilk can be added.
Strawberry Cake- For My Valentine (from Colored Grains)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup canola or plain vegetable oil
1 cup plain flour – not self rising, just all-purpose.
1 and 1/2 full teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon white vinegar or white wine vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
1/2 cup milk
250 grams strawberries, cut into quarters

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees C.
2. Mix the egg, milk, vinegar and oil in a big bowl.
3. Add the sugar and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Add the flour and baking powder, and mix well with a whisk till smooth.
5. Pour the batter into a round baking dish, which has been buttered or oiled a bit on the sides and bottom to prevent the cake from sticking. 
6. Now mix one tablespoon sugar with the quartered strawberries. Arrange the strawberries on the top of the batter, pushing each piece of strawberry in a bit into the batter.
7. Bake it in the oven at 180 degrees for 60 minutes or till the cake is done and a fork inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.