Food Science

Since I'm changing my major to Food Science Health and Nutrition, I've been spending my spare time doing a lot of research. 

For those that don't know, here's a brief description of what my new career choice will be like. 

A food scientist, or food technologist, looks for better ways to select, preserve, process, package and distribute food products, including the ingredients that go into them. A food scientist also must have extensive knowledge on the nature, composition and behavior of food, such as what happens to its flavor, color or nutritional properties when cooked or placed in storage. Biology, microbiology, chemistry and engineering are just some of the diverse fields of study that food science draws on to ensure safe, high-quality consumer products.

I came across this article while doing some browsing between classes. Since my blog is all about cooking, I thought it would be a fitting addition since I haven't posted in a while. 

Although this article is referring to Europeans, it is still very much relevant to Americans. 

"Many different factors affect the type of food chosen and consumed, but the skill to prepare appropriate food plays an important role. A lack of skills in preparing and cooking food could impact on health as it can limit choices. Can building people’s confidence in cooking food make Europeans healthier?"

Click here to read more : Cooking Skills and Health

The Whole Enchilada

For Christmas I got this cookbook that has only chicken recipes and a chef jacket lol (It's serious now). I had planned on putting them to use a while ago, but for one reason or another I didn't get to. Hopefully, when I get back to my apartment I can try and do something once a week, and keep the blog updated more often.

The recipe that I chose was actually not technically an enchilada recipe. It was a recipe for Mexican pancakes. Buuutttt, me being me, I decided to make it my own. So I made a few modifications that definitely took the recipe to the next level. It was a little time consuming, but not very difficult and it tasted great!

Mexican Chicken Pancakes

Ingredients

Butter, for greasing

8 oz of cooked chicken (See cooking tips below)

1/4 - 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)

1 bunch scallions (spring onions)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 eggs

Salt and pepper 

2/3 cup milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil (you probably will actually need to use more than that)

2/3 cup sour cream

8 tbsp grated Cheddar Cheese (I actually used a "Mexican" blend of cheese and Pepper Jack)

Cilantro leaves to garnish

16 oz. Salsa de Chiles Frescas

Directions (Prep and Cook Time: 1h, makes 8 pancakes)

1. Preheat over to 400° F. Lightly butter 1 large ovenproof serving dish (or 2 smaller ones)

2. Cut the chicken into small pieces. Sprinkle the chicken with a little chili powder, if desired. Roughly chop the scallions.

 Chicken tip: Season the chicken by covering it evenly on both sides with equal portions of garlic powder and seasoning salt (about 1 tsp on each side <for chicken breasts>). Pan sear the chicken in a large non-stick skillet with about 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil at medium heat. 

3. Put the flour and eggs into a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Gradually beat in the milk to make a smooth batter. (You will most likely need to add more milk than the recipe requires in order to get the right consistency)

4. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a skillet (frying pan). Add a ladleful of the batter and tip to cover the base of the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the base is firm then flip and cook for a further 1 minute. 

5. Repeat, using the remaining batter, to make 8 pancakes, interleaving the cooked pancakes with parchment paper. 

6. Pour the sour cream into the base of the prepared dish or dishes and spread so that it evenly covers the bottom. Sprinkle over the chopped scallions. 

7. Place an eighth of the chicken pieces into the center of each pancake and add a little grated cheese to each, reserving a little to garnish. 

8. Fold up each pancake, securing with a toothpick (cocktail stick), if needed. Carefully lift the pancakes on top of the sour cream mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pancake.

9. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. While the Pancakes are in the oven, heat the Salsa in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat until hot. Remove the pancakes and pour sauce over them. Garnish with the cilantro. 

And that's all there is to it. I served mine with rice and beans, and everyone loved it! 

"Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly."  —-M. F. K. Fisher

Bon  Appétit !