Bacalaitos fritos (codfish fritters)

This recipe is from the traditional Puertorican cookery. But it can be made with shrimp, lobster or the fish or seafood of your preference.

For 30 fritters:

A) 1/2 pound of salted codfish filets, unsalted. Must not have any bones. I use the boneless one. I bring it to a boil for 15 minutes, drain it, pour more clean water and boil it again. It is too salty for our taste.

B) 1 1/2 cups of flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder (it can be omitted)
1 1/2 cups of water

C) 4 peppercorns (can be omitted)
2 cloves of garlic
fresh cilantro. All this crushed in a mortar or very chopped.

D) oil for frying

Shred codfish with hands. Make the batter with ingredients in B and add the codfish. Add ingredients in C. Fry by spoonfuls until golden brown. Drain in paper towels.

Chicken stew

In  my house we love beef. But knowing that is not good to abuse of beef we eat more chicken and fish, turkey and even some pork. We enjoy all food in a moderate way. This recipe of stew can be made with beef too.

I chop peppers, onions, some garlic. I cube 1 potato, slice some celery, broccoli, mushrooms. You can put carrots, even some corn cobs. I cubed for this time chicken breast.

Refry onions, peppers, garlic and chicken until chicken is a little cooked. Add some tomato sauce and saffron for a nice color. Add veggies and potatoes and a cup of white or red wine. I used this time Merlot. But if the only one I have is cooking wine I use it too. You can even use beer! Put the lid on and leave on medium low heat for about 20 minutes.

I cook for 6 people. I'm not good at measures. I like to add my touch to things. Depending on the quantity of people you are going to cook you add your ingredients.

The thing here is that it is cooked in the chicken juices and the wine. No water added or chicken broth. Very tasty and even healthy. Of course I almost forgot! Add some salt and pepper for taste because it will taste hideous! :)