Saturday, 10 May 2008

It's "Offally" Good!

Liver Cutter

Last week when I saw fried chicken liver on Glenna's blog, not only did inspiration for this week's column strike, but suddenly I had a mad craving for fried chicken liver and gizzards. Yeah, scoff if you like but let me tell you, don't knock em till you try em! At home in Guyana, we love to cook this bounjal (dry curry) and eat it with dhal and rice. Oh gosh just writing this has me salivating, I guess I know what I'm cooking tomorrow (lol).

Fried Chicken Liver

Seriously though, read this week's column about my first encounter with offal and how I grew to love it. The recipe for the fried liver and gizzards can be found here. The others are pretty straight forward but if you have any questions, leave it in the comments section or email me and I'll get back to you.

Liver wrapped in Bacon

Fried Gizzards

Mommy, Happy Mothers' Day! This is also my sister Pat's first Mothers' Day so do join me in wishing her and all other first time moms, especially those that read this blog, a very Happy Mothers' Day. And to all the mothers, I wish you a day filled with love, relaxation, good food and drink!

Finally, an update on my book. I completed it this past week and it's now off to the publishers. Thanks for your continued support and understanding epecially at times when I could not visit your blog. I turn my attention now to the mountain of assignments and exams I have to grade (groan) :))

Have a great weekend everyone!

85 comments:

glamah16 said...

This is a taste I developed as adult. Your look scrumtious. Im clicking on your recipe. Maybe I'll do one for Zlamushkas event instead as I have some in the freezer.

Chennette said...

Congrats on finishing the book! Good luck with the rest of the process...editing, proofing, editing :-)
I have not yet developed a taste for liver or gizzards, or brains or intestines or anything with strange textures.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Offals taste great and your dishes look particularly scrumptious and refined! Wonderful!

Cheers,

Rosa

Peter M said...

I don't each much liver but you would convince me to try all these offalings, er offerings out! lol

Alina said...

Congrats on finishing the book Cynthia. I have a question...do you cook the gizzards before you fry them? Happy Mother's Day!!

Sukanya Ramkumar said...

Hi Cyn.... This is my hubby's fav... Looks great...loved the fried chicken liver....nice pictures...so mouthwatering..Happy mother's day... Enjoy...

cs said...

congrats on finishing the book.never heard about the fried liver and gizzards,will try some for my hushe .love it bounjal with dhal and rice

Rachel said...

It is defintely offally ggod...especially the liver which I crave for very often..

StickyGooeyCreamyChewy said...

I adore chicken livers and gizzards! My grandmother made them many ways when I was growing up. I have some great Italian style recipes for them. Now that you've broken the ice, I'll have to dig them out and post about them. Thanks!:)

Nandita said...

Hi Cynthia,
The chicken and liver are not up my alley, but wanted to wish you and ur sis Pat a Happy Mother's Day and a great Sunday...
Hugs
nandita

zlamushka said...

omg, Cyn, congratulations on your book. Make sure you advertise it properly, so we all can buy a copy. I am currently on Tastes Like Home cooking fever, man I am having fun :-)

sra said...

Gizzards are my favourite piece in chicken, more than the liver. My gran used to make good curry with mutton liver, haven't tasted that in ages. In India, as far as I know, liver and gizzard and kidneys are routinely given with the rest of the meat - it's the other parts that you have to ask for specifically. I've not eaten those, though.

sra said...

Happy Mother's Day to your sister Pat and Mom.

Swati: Sugarcraft India said...

I am so happy to hear about the book... !!
I love the presentation and snaps as always..
Happy Mother's day wishes to ur mum n sis!!
Love..

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

I'll excuse the 'offal' jokes, as I love the stuff, and I love your suggestions. Liver and bacon I've had many a time, but certainly not deep fried liver... Must give that a go...

indosungod said...

Cynthia, Congratulations! on the book (When will you reveal the name?). I love liver but gizzards is not my thing. But the picture looks very inviting.

Kelly-Jane said...

I'm not keen on offal at all, but I have to say you are the first person to make it look appealing!

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Nina's Kitchen (Nina Timm) said...

I love chicken livers in any form. I will post a chicken liver pasta recipe soon. Here in SA, I think the liver in bacon is called: Devils on horseback, I think...

Sagari said...

delecious looking food cynthia

Arabic Bites said...

Happy Mother’s Day to your mom,you & all the mom’s in your part of the world who celebrate this special day :)

zainab

Veda Murthy said...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY CYNTHIA...FIRST TIME HERE LOVED YOUR BLOG....DO VISIT MINE WHEN U FIND THE TIME

http://iyengarskitchen.blogspot.com


Regards,
Veda

Chef Erik said...

All your pics look great, and I don't even eat meat. Very nice!

Alpa said...

I am so excited for you about completing the book! Many many congrats! Happy mom's day!

Sandeepa said...

The fried liver looks awesome. Hubby loves chicken liver, me a fan of goat liver though, have you tried it, tastes awesome when cooked spicy

ashaan said...

This looks so so so scrumptious Cynthia. Wow, so you have been working on a book. Do let us know the details as soon as it is out.

Asha

daphne said...

offal! Not a big fan of it but I dont hate it either.

tigerfish said...

All these can definitely make it to the famous street snacks here in Taiwan. They like intestinal parts here too :O

Congrats on your book.

chocolate shavings said...

Cynthia, all those photos look great. I learned how to prepare liver at school, and I find that usually people either absolutely love it or hate it. These pictures definitely make me want to try everything!

Dhanggit said...

chicken liver is one of my favorites!! too bad not everybody like them, like my mom in law and sisters :-) anyways thanks for all sumptous dishes my eyes feasted on!! so yummy!! good luck on your book dahling!!

Anamika:The Sugarcrafter said...

Do i need to say more as others have already said what i wished to say...and ...when is your book coming in the digital format ?

Mary said...

I happen to love chicken livers!Especially the bacon wrapped ones. So tasty!
Congratulations on finishing your book!

Jyothsna said...

Happy Mothers day to your sis and mom!

Shilpa said...

Wish you a very happy Mother's day Cyn. I don't say I like chicken livers, but those pics look so drool worthy. Wow.

Congratulations on finishing the work on your book. Yaay..I am happy for u...

Maryann said...

Bacon makes everything taste better ;)

JennDZ - The Leftover Queen said...

Hmmmm. I have never been a big fan of organ meats. I think I had my fill when I lived with the Navajo and just kind of decided I was dne. But these pics do look rather tempting, I must say!

Susan said...

Not my cuppa, but those deep-fried nuggets do look tantalizingly good.

Well done on the manuscript, Cynthia.
It's the first of many arduous tasks until publish date, but you are well on your way. Congrats.

Pixie said...

Hi Cynthia- I like your personal comment post. Best wishes and all the best with your new cookbook- I'm certain it will be a great success!

Mochagold118 said...

Hooray Cynthia, here is a cold glass of Banko to celebrate the completion of the manuscript. May I please have my liver and gizzards stewed with a little gravy, over some smooth boiled eddoes or some nice fluffy cassava. Ouch, I just woke up after that large lehleh hit the keyboard. Cytnthia thank you for sharing and continuing to satisfy my visual appetite and longings for home.

Gattina said...

these lives totally fantastic! I never thought of frying them, but why not?! :)
they will be perfect to munch on while I enjoying your book!

Marvin said...

The grilled liver wrapped in bacon looks so delicious! And congrats on finishing the book.

Anali said...

Belated Happy Mother's Day Pat and Congrats on finishing the book Cynthia! Way to go! ; )

Proud Italian Cook said...

A big congrats on your book Cynthia!! Hope you had a wonderful Mothers Day! I'm not much of a liver fan, but the way you present it, I would try the bacon wrapped one. Photo's beautiful as usual!

Lori Lynn said...

Another Liver Lover! YAY!

Cynthia - Are we related?

Argus Lou said...

Haven't seen chicken liver sold here but I love to do a simple panfried calf liver, lightly seasoned and herbed, once in a while (it's a good source of iron, too). And, yes, it's 'offally' good as well. ^_^

Homecooked said...

Looks yummy and simply delicious! I didnt know u could fry liver!

Asha said...

Thank you Cynthia. I had a great Mother's day!:))

I have eaten none of these parts but Bacon, we love it. Congratulations on finishing the book,good luck!

I made your Paratha roti for Z's event,thanks for that. Here it is:

http://aromahope.blogspot.com/2008/05/
leafy-paratha-rotioil-roti-and-kanji.html

familiabencomo said...

OK - Is it a bit too early to say I love you? I know we just "met" & all, but.... Holy-moly everything you do is amazing!

Congratulations on your book - how exciting!

xoxox Amy

Swati: Sugarcraft India said...

Sweet Cynthia, I have a small something awaiting for you at my blog :))

Pat said...

Hi Cynthia!

I am coming over from Maria's at "Proud Italian Cook" blog.

I don't have a cooking blog, but I love to cook, so I am very happy to find your blog and your recipes!

I've eaten offal as my husband is Italian and he loves every part of the pig -- from snout to tail...lol!

Hope to visit again soon when I get back form vacation

Hugs, Pat in NY

Foodie said...

Hey girl, where are you?
I know I was gone for a while but you?
Thank for having me back in the blogging world and the wonderful comments. I absolutely loved all your gizzards and liver recipes.Though a vegetarian, I can imagine how much passion you put in creating this amazing recipes.

Hey, where is my blog on your readable feast girl? I thought you added me to that list?
Zlamushka invited me to participate for the tried and tasted event, and I have said I will try. But looking at the amazing recipes right know I think I am definitely gonna make something. Loved the post about mango. Hmmmmm my favorite. Just drooling on that mango icecream.
Do send me the recipe. Please please.
Cheers
Pintoo

Foodie said...

Gosh, me so forgetful.
Forgot to congratulate you on finishing your book. Congratulations once again. And wishing you a Happy Mother's day.

Kelly-Jane said...

PS I've tagged you :)

Jen said...

Congratulations on finishing the book!!

farida said...

Cynthia, these look so delicious! I love liver!

Happy MD to your sister and all the moms around the worls!

Great news about your book! I am so happy for you! Can't wait to buy it!

Ashwini said...

Cynthia -

Thanks for your comments on my blog. Being a newbee, your support and motivation is truly appreciated. Congratulations on finishing the book! Would await for an update once its out!

Thanks,
Ashwini .

Deborah said...

You always post the most interesting things, and the photos always have my mouth watering!

Kalai said...

I've never been a fan of these parts, but those pics look awfully enticing!!

marye said...

O.k..it looks good..but I don;t do liver.
But if I did..this is where I would get the recipe..
does that make sense? :/

Caminarsingluten said...

Thanks for your visit, from that magnificent blog with its exquisite prescriptions.

Kisses

Razor Family Farms said...

I'm a BIG fan of liver! I grew up enjoying pate and other delicious dishes. When others would cringe -- I always wondered why.

I still can't figure it out.

That looks amazing!

Blessings!
Lacy

Keva said...

Hi Cynthia! Congrats on finishing your book!

arundati said...

i'm vegetarian....but the pics are offally good!! and happy mother's day to Pat!! enjoy the roller coaster!! hugs!!

neema said...

Iv never liked gizzards but my husband loves it.Your dish looks and sounds delicious will def try it and let you know.

KC said...

Those fried chicken livers are way toooo tempting. Congratulations on finishing your book!

Ivy said...

Happy belated mother's day to you and your sister and congratulations on your book. We eat a lot of offals in Greece and they look great.

Helen said...

I would give anything to take photos like you do Cynthia, they are so beautiful.

Beachlover said...

oh!!my hubby love liver and gizzard,but all the time I just stir fry for him.Your idea wrapped with bacon is so refreshing,love it.Thanks for sharing:))

Betty Jo said...

Lordy, Lordy! I looooooove fried gizzards!! Yours look so yummy I could bite my monitor screen! xoxo

Betty Jo said...

PS
Congrats on finishing your book!!

deLa said...

i love your southern dishes! i have given you an i love you award! see my blog (if you get a chance)

Jeena said...

Hi Cynthia, I love liver and yours looks delicious. I have never ever known liver to be battered and fried it looks amazing.

In the UK we fry lambs liver or oven bake it in a gravy with onions and mushrooms and eat it with mashed potatoes. :-D

meeso said...

This is reminding me of my mom always eating the "weird" parts of chickens while she used the other parts to cook dinners for us... I always stared in disbelief at her, but she swore they were the best parts and the rest of us were missing out :D

Sapna Anu B.George said...

Cynthia your phots and mind blowing and your illustrations too are very properly done.......... will be visiting more. Gret to meet you here

wmw said...

Congrats on your achievement! Your pics look lovely as usual, if not better!

Half Baked said...

Congrats on getting your book finished! All your dishes look offally good;)

"Joe" who is constantly craving said...

wow..never seen them cooked like this way b4..gizzards are normally boiled and eaten with chicken rice..

Lisa said...

Ay ay ay! Congratulations on finishing the BOOK!!! That was so fast!

The chicken livers look amazing, and I have some, from my local meat guy, in the freezer that I've been wondering what to do with. Maybe I'll try them fried!

Glenna said...

Thanks for the link, Cynthia.

Hey, good for you for being so outgoing and willing to try new things. I'm very impressed!

Anthony said...

I *loves* me some liver and bacon. I remember as a child my father would cook this every Friday and I would hate even the small of it. but it's amazing how one's tastes change over time.

Roopa said...

You know my husband is a great fan of chicken gizzards,hearts,liver, the only way I tried cooking was by making a curry out of it, I should try this one, as it looks crunchy :)

Precious Pea said...

WOW! I don't take chicken liver and gizzard but with yours, I am changing my mind. Liver with bacon, must be so tasty!

Leslie said...

I love love love fried chicken livers...I used to have them when I was a child..but it has been years! Maybe I will be in search of some today! Love the site

Deborah Dowd said...

I am so pleased to see someone else who likes liver! My mom used to make our chicken livers with onions, but I also like them fried crispy. Your's look incredible!

Burcu said...

Cynthia, these are beautiful pictures. Although liver is one of the few things i still cannot make myself eat, I decided to give it another try after your appealing pictures.

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