SCRUM TIME GRUB WITH CHEF JP
It’s a big rugby weekend again and Chef JP has the munchies.
Now that we have tasted victory, here are some winning ideas for match day – Jerk (beer chicken), half time chilli bites and All Black (and blue) berries.
Take it from me, if you want to impress your friends or foes, then this is the combination to ensure a ….
May the best dish win!
JERK CHICKEN
When it comes to a winning chicken dinner, then Jerk Chicken is the best way to intercept.
These succulent beer-soaked chicken thighs – with a tad of Black humour – makes for the best game play especially in a gathering of Bok hungry fans.
Brine your chicken overnight in some Castle lager with added thyme, nutmeg, star anise, liquorice sticks and black peppercorns. After this over nighter, your bird will now be quite the drunken chicken.
Pop it in a hot oven for about 10 minutes to cook, then, to add a bit of a crunch and a punch, crank up the heat and grill the skin for a few minutes. Whilst grilling your chicken, add a surprise in the form of a Chinese cucumber.
An interesting aside, this doesn’t taste anything like a cucumber. Actually, its hot as hell and, strangely enough, it’s called a morning glory! Who the hell knows why?
For plating, I created a goalpost cameo using a liquorice stick. Season with some coarse sea salt and a hint of smoked paprika. Have another laager, bite your tongue and get ready for kick-off.
HALF TIME CHILLI BITES
So, you’ve probably chosen sides by now. Just before everyone burst out of the change room again, turn up the pressure a little more with some snacks with a bite. Buy some poppadum before the rugby – it really is just a little hard pellet – that you can place in the air fryer for three minutes on 180ºC. They pop up, golden brown and crispy. Add some of the devilish chilli (use the left over Chinese cucumber if you are brave enough) and you have the perfect side kick.
ALL BLACK (AND BLUE) BERRIES
A dessert doesn’t have to be complicated – but it should be the perfect cool down after a hard game. I used blue berries (which are in season and in all of our shops right now), fresh cream, liquorice sticks and a hint of mint.
So, enjoy the game, enjoy some good company …
