September SRC Reveal: Beer Braised Chicken Thighs

Is a meal ever just a meal?



I don't know about you, my friends, but for me, food is rarely just a means to an end. It's a journey. Wow... That sounded profound, didn't it?


But it is! Every time I cook something up in the kitchen, I'm preparing myself - and those who dine with me - for an adventure. I have a tendency to visit Italy... A lot.... What can I say? I'm a carb lovin' kinda gal.



I'm conscious of the history behind each meal - be it my own whilst chowin' down on a dish my parents made when I was a kid or crafting a delicacy from a country I've (wished I've) been to. I can't not be. A degree in Women's Studies has forced me to see the inequities (and white guilt) in everything.In doing so, I'm keenly aware of how we consume other cultures in this sense. When we eat food or dishes from cultures other than our own, do we owe it to the originating culture to understand the importance of what we're eating? Do we impose a new imperialism upon them by appropriating something as intimate as food? Or is it just that? ... Food....I know right? Who brought the Feminist to the party, anyhow? Jesus.

All that being said, cooking and food - regardless of location or space - is a way to connect with others, whether that be in growing the harvest, preparing the dishes, enjoying the meal... Or in this case, sharing a recipe.



I've been a member of the for a few years now and this month's assignment really re-enforced my awareness of the connection behind food, identity and culture.

This month I was assigned . Now living in the states, Denise's blog is a love story to her original home, Brazil. I spent some serious time perusing her recipes and posts and one thing quickly became evident: Food is more than a way to survive physically - it's a way to survive emotionally, spiritually and culturally. It's also friggin' delicious and can be a lot of fun.



Denise - thank you for sharing your story with me this month. Your was moist, flavorful and perfect for the Autumn weather. It was a pleasure.

BEER BRAISED CHICKEN (FRANGO NA CERVEJA) - serves 4



INGREDIENTS:

6 Strips Thick-Cut Smoked Bacon, cut into 1/4" pieces.1 Shallot, peeled & finely diced.1 Lb Brown Mushrooms, sliced.4 Chicken Legs.Coarse Sea Saltwhat does yours say about you?
Full Post