Fried & Crispy

"The devil could not be everywhere so he invented the frying pan."
G. Hauser

As all greatmatters we may do, taking care of our body and health is a duty, for our body is the home to our soul.

This would perfectly open the post, if only this post is a warning to stay away from the frying pan.

But my oh my, how delicious it is to have my food fried and crispy.

Yes, I do realize we need to keep ourselves healthy... yet sometimes we have a tendency to spoil the tastebuds and tip our diet to a more unwholesome choices of food.
When this urge hits you,
Know that I'm here,  I understand what you're facing,  and share these recipes I found devilishly delicious.
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Fried Green Tomatoes

You'll need:
- 6 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup / 150 g plain flour
- 4 eggs, beaten to a foam
- 4 tbsp beer
- 2 cups / 250 g dry bread crumbs
- 2 cups / 500 ml oil, for frying
- salt to taste

Directions:
- Cut tomatoes into 1cm thicj slices. Discard the firat and last slices with skin on side.
- Place four bowls side by side and fill the first with the flour, the second with the eggs and beer, and the last two with the bread crumbs.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet (frying pan) until very hot.
- Dip the tomato slices into the flour; make sure they are well-coated and shake off any excess. Flour all the slices and set them on paper towels. Be sure not to lay the floured slices on top of each other.
- Immerse the slices in the egg, turn a couple of times, drain and pass to the first bowl of bread crumbs. Turn a several times until well-coated.
- Repeat with the second bowl of bread crumbs.
- Place 4 or 5 slices in the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Turn carefully at least twice using tongs or two forks.
- Continue to fry until all the tomatoes are cooked.
- Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
- Serve hot.

The dish comes from Italy, where it is served often throughout the summer months.

*I like to use eggplants and oyster mushroom as well... also you can sprinkle the salt in the flour to add more taste.
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One more recipe, this one is baked but with the same crisps :)

Chicken Maryland

You'll need:
- 2 lb / 1 kg chicken pieces
- 1/2 cup / 75 g plain flour
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten with 2 tbsp water
- 3 cups / 180 g fine dry bread crumbs

Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350˚C / 180˚F / gas 4.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper. Roll the chicken in the flour.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg mixture, then coat with bread crumbs.
- If preparing ahead of time, the pieces can be left in the refrigerator until cooking.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a rack over a baking dish.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the chicken is tender and golden brown.
- Serve hot or room temperature.

*I honestly believe this recipe would also be great if fried ;)

-These recipes are from The Little Big Cook Book by McRae Books.-

Have fun and selamat makan!

Naomi