Claypot cookery

I've been wanting to try some Asian claypot recipes and instead of going to Chinatown to purchase I decided to make one. The contents of each pot will feed 2-3 people.

These are the pieces after throwing on the pottery wheel

After drying 24hrs the pieces are assembled

Next it has to dry completely and slowly so it does not crack. Then bisque fired, a glaze or stain applied then fired again.

"Arroz" a la Cubana

Came across this recipe for ground beef with peas and raisins and decided to make some alterations to the ingredients and form into a burger. This is a Filipino dish heavy influenced by the Spanish immigrants.

Arroz is Latin for rice or cereal grains which were replaced with cauli-rice. Typically served with Saba banana as well.

1lb ground beef

1 yellow onion chopped

1 tbsp garlic chopped

3 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp coconut amino or tamari

2 tbsp cooking sherry

2 tbsp fish sauce to taste

1 tbsp sriracha to taste

20 pimento stuffed green olives slice

salt to taste

Lard for frying

Combine all ingredients except lard and form into patties, refrigerate for at least one hour for flavors to meld. Cook over medium high heat for 3min per side, remove from heat. While burgers are resting fry some eggs  and enjoy.

Grilled pig liver

Time to get a new chimney

I know...I know...it looks gross but I like my liver on the rare side.

Fire up some brichettes and let get glowing red.

Slice 1lb liver into 1/2in thick slices. Melted some lard and slathered each piece with a good coating and season with salt and pepper. When coals are hot spread under grill. Close lid for 10min to build up heat. Place liver on grill and sear 3min per side and remove. Close lid if you get flames. Also grilled a few serrano chilies.

Served on a bed of cilantro cauli-rice