Issue 027: HU, You Know

Hey Q-Crew!

If you don’t know, I’m an alumna of Howard University, one of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation! I wanted to start Yardie Choice month off with two foods that I used to love during my time at HU. The Chicken Bacon Caesar Labretti from a campus restaurant named Pandini’s and the classic DC delicacy, Wings with Mambo Sauce (except made in an airfryer).

This month’s theme is Yardie Choice! There’s no overarching rhyme or reason to this month’s recipes other than the fact that I really wanted to make them. They either remind me of nostalgic tastes from the past that I’ve missed or new recipes I’m eager to try. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Airfryer Wings with Mambo Sauce

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Chicken wings
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp corn starch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp canola oil
  • Mambo Sauce:
    • 1 cup ketchup
    • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
    • 1/4 cup hot sauce
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup honey
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
    • 2 tbsp butter
    • cornstarch slurry to thicken (2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water)

      Step 1: Pat wings dry with paper towel.

      Step 2: Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and canola oil.

      Step 3: Add baking powder and cornstarch and mix.

      Step 4: Air fry at 400⁰ for 10-12 minutes.

      Step 5: Flip and air fry for another 10-12 minutes.

      Step 6: Add the ketchup, rice vinegar, hot sauce, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and butter to a sauce pan on medium heat.

      Step 7: Bring up to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

      Step 8: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced and thickened to desired consistency. Add the cornstarch slurry if you would like it thicker. Note, it will thicken more as it cools.

      Step 9: Serve the wings with fries, a large sweet tea, and the mambo sauce on the side.

      Step 10: Or serve the wings with fries, a large sweet tea, and the mambo sauce all over. It’s up to you!

      Chicken Bacon Caesar Labretti (Panuozzo)

      Prep time: 10 minutes

      Cook time: 30 minutes

      Servings: 4 but yall will likely have leftovers because it’s huge lol

      Ingredients:

      • 2 16oz pkgs pre-made pizza dough
      • 1.5 lb grilled chicken breast sliced
      • 6 strips bacon cooked and diced
      • Olive oil to drizzle
      • 2 cups cut Romaine lettuce
      • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
      • Freshly grated parmesan
      • Fresh cracked black pepper
      • Creamy caesar dressing

      Step 1: Shape the dough into a circle and flatten with hands on a floured surface.

      Step 2: Drizzle one half with olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.

      Step 3: Fold in half then drizzle the top with more olive oil.

      Step 4: Bake at 500° for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden brown.

      Step 5: Shred the lettuce and mix with your preferred amount of Caesar dressing. (Do this right before using so the lettuce doesn’t get soggy.)

      Step 6: Open the baked dough and drizzle a bit more Caesar dressing if preferred.

      Step 7: Top with the chicken, lettuce, bacon, freshly grated parmesan, and fresh cracked black pepper.

      Step 8: Close, cut in half, and enjoy!

      Now on Ko-fi

      I Like It Saucy Pocket Guide!

      Unlike my e-cookbooks that have a range of recipes, a pocket guide is a reference dedicated to only one subject, in this case, sauces! This mobile e-book has condiments, dipping sauces, and gravies galore.

      This PDF mobile cookbook is designed to be easily viewed on your phone so that you have all the recipes on hand exactly when you need them.

      Grab your copy today!

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      Contemporary and fusion West Indian cooking... or whatever else I think up #LetHerCook