The Yankees have another, much more prominent, food connection aside from my obsessive collection of chicken recipes. Molly O’Neill, formerly a food columnist for the NY Times Magazine is the sister of beloved Yankee star right-fielder, Paul O’Neill. Molly wrote a classic NY cookbook that is a collection of recipes from all over the city I’ve heard described as covering everything “from the firehouses to the Four Seasons”.
I chose this fiery Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe from Molly’s New York Cookbook (Workman) in honor of the Yankee bats finally heating up in their 8-5 Game 3 win… and… their decision to throw fire-balling lefty CC Sabathia to try to grab a commanding 3-1 series lead. Make this one…careful with the chiles…don’t rub the eyes…or touch anything you don’t want considerably heated…and see if the Yanks can keep the fireworks going.
Go Yanks!
Vernon’s Jerk Style Jamaican Chicken
From Molly O’Neill’s NY Cookbook
1 1/4 lb large white onions,
1/2 lb fresh chiles
4 oz fresh ginger, peeled
1/4 cup ground allspice
1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
3 tbs freshly ground black pepper
1 cup white wine vinegar
1 cup dark soy sauce
1 chicken 4 to 6 pounds, cut into 6 pieces
JERK SAUCE: Pulverize the onions, chiles, and ginger in a blender or food processor. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the allspice, thyme, black pepper, vinegar, and soy sauce.
Coat the chicken with the sauce. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, turning once.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place a meat thermometer in one of the thigh pieces. Place a shallow pan of boiling water on the oven floor.
Put the chicken on a rack and place in a roasting pan. Roast, basting frequently with the sauce, until three-quarters cooked (120 degrees on the meat thermometer), 30 to 45 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven. Remove the meat thermometer *
Preheat a broiler or grill
Baste the chicken with more jerk sauce. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes under a preheated broiler or over a very hot charcoal fire. Remove from the heat and let sit for 15 minutes before eating
