Comfort Food Or Bust

You have to admit there is nothing quite like the smell of comfort food cooking in the kitchen, especially when you come home after a long day at work (or play), and it is almost done cooking. It is like a little slice of heaven right in your own home.

I have to admit that I have become something of a 'Foodie' over the years. I'm not real picky and will eat just about anything but if you say you can cook I would expect you should be able to make a Hollandaise Sauce from scratch.

I grew up in Hawaii and on of my favorite things to eat at elementary school was Shoyu Chicken. You coould tell it was Shoyu Chicken day in the cafeteria because all the kids would have a sticky ring around their mouths. Shoyu is also called Soy Sauce. Real hardcore Foodies would probaby use Aloha Shoyu available from the manafacturer at www.alohashoyu.com. That said, onto the recipe.

• 1 package chicken, about 5lbs., I prefer thigh meat.
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced or 1 teaspoon powdered
  
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup dark, brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
  
• 1 cup shoyu
• 1 piece of star anise (Badia is the brand I found in the Mexican food section. You mileage may vary.)
  
• 6 cups water or chicken stock
• 1 bunch green onion, chopped with some of the green tops

In a 4 quart pot added the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot add the garlic and onions and cook them until the onion is soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the chicken and brown on both sides. Add the shoyu, ginger, water, black pepper, brown sugar and star anise. Stir together well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cover. Simmer for about 45 minutes until the chicken is done. Serve with some white rice and your favorite vegetable. Yum.
Serves 4