The Best Chicken Ever

Some like it fried, some like it roasted -- here in the Crème kitchen...we like it Mojo'd.  Tonight's class was a taste of Cuba!  Pineapple Mojitas, Crispy Plantains, Mojo Chicken, and Black Beans, and Tres Leches Cake.  My private group was a dinner club (how fun is that?!?).  The girls sat at the island while the boys chatted at the back table.

Tonight's class was especially hands on -- the first recipe was Pineapple Mojitas.  I gave each student a glass, mint leaves, and limes.  As they passed along the mortar to release the mint flavor, I helped top them off with Fresca, rum, crushed ice, and pineapple juice.

Plantains are the name of the game!  They are closer to a vegetable than a fruit, which makes them the perfect base for a sweet and salty appetizer.  Cut, fry, smash, fry, season.  Couldn't be simpler!

This menu is all about the chicken...but it's also all about this Tres Leches Cake.  A simple yellow cake mix with a few add ins makes for the most lusciously creamy cake!  There is something to be said for a chilled cake, especially in the summer heat!

Next, I pulled out the chicken thighs that I had been brining with oranges, salt, and cold water.  A few citrus, herbs, and seasonings make for a terrific Mojo marinade.  I patted the chicken dry, poured half the Mojo sauce on top, and save the remainder for a baste for grilling.  Can you say flavorful, tender chicken?!?

Now, I know that traditional black beans don't have bacon -- but my version does.  Add some chopped onions, green peppers, seasonings, a bay leaf, and the works!

Serve Mojo Chicken with a side of Coconut Rice and Black Beans.  So. Good!!!

It wouldn't be a Crème class without something sweet...Enjoy!  It was my pleasure having you in the kitchen. Cheers! XOXO Paula