American Staples
To celebrate my family’s recent naturalization, I give you my very best recipes for some real American staples.
Fried Chicken
Combining Scottish frying techniques with West African seasonings, African-Americans in the southern states perfected this American staple dish. Deliciously crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, deep-fried chicken has become popular all over the world.
Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken Sauce
Fried chicken has become a Korean staple. This sauce tastes similar to that from our favorite local restaurant Gala Chicken, which in turn reminds us of the amazing chicken we ate in Korea. Subtle hints of cinnamon and cardamom creates a mouthwatering aroma that we find especially irresistible.
General Tso’s Chicken Sauce
While honoring the Qing dynasty Hunan military leader Tso Tsung-t’ang, this spicy, sweet and sour dish was actually created in the USA and is one of the most popular dishes served in North American Chinese restaurants.
Orange Chicken Sauce (Panda Express Style)
We fell in love with this American-Chinese dish when we first moved to California twenty years ago. There is nothing like it in the Swedish variety of Chinese food. It is sticky and sweet with a distinct citrus flavor on top of crispy, yet tender fried chicken.
Donuts / Doughnuts
Donuts came to America via Dutch settlers, but the typical ring shape was invented in the US. The hole allowed the donuts to cook faster and more evenly, plus it cut down on the amount of dough and thus increased profit! In fact, the hole used to be a lot bigger back in the day. This recipe makes amazingly soft and delicious doughnuts, with or without the suggested toppings.
American Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies were invented by Toll House Inn owner and chef Ruth Graves Wakefield in 1938. They taste amazing with ice cream! Sugar cookies and snickerdoodles (my favorite) are other American classics definitely worth trying.
Some Swedish Classics
Inspired by me recent trip to Sweden, I give you some classic Swedish recipes that are really easy to make.
Knäckebröd (Swedish Crispbread)
This Swedish pantry staple, referred to as Wasa crackers in the USA, is easy to make at home. For real authentic taste use an active rye sourdough starter, but yeast works well too. The recipe can be variated by adding seeds, spices, different flours and so on. Why not make your own favorite?
Hasselback Potatoes
The name suggests that the dish originates from Restaurant Hasselbacken in Stockholm, but similar recipes can be found in old Swedish cookbooks. This is my husbands favorite potato dish and it is great with practically anything. Even by itself!