[CH] Re: Speeding Brats
GarryMass@aol.com
Mon, 19 Jul 1999 16:35:29 EDT
Sunny and Fellow ChDs, RE: SPIEDIES
(Long recipe post, if not interested, hit delete)
There are some great web listings that tell you (much like a Cockney having
to be born within the sound of Beau's Bells) that if you're not in or from
greater Binghamton, NY (even Pa.) it's just about illegal to possess the
recipe.
Spiedies
(this sauce can also be converted into a basic hot sauce by adding chiles)
A variation on shishkebab, spiedies are native to -- and very popular in
-- the upstate areas of New York State, though they may be found in the
contiguous portions of neighboring states, including northern
Pennsylvania. Natives of upstate NY who have moved from the area
have been known to have commercial "spiedie sauce" shipped, by the case,
to their new home!
Spiedies are very easy to prepare and to cook. Thanks to all the folks
in alt.culture.upstate-ny for their thoughts and contributions!
The Meat:
--Cut your choice of meat into cubes, about 1 1/2" or so. Boneless
skinless chicken breast comes out very tender, but most meats (lamb,
pork, beef, venison) will make fine spiedies. If you use beef, use a
more tender cut so that it doesn't come out too tough. Veal,
especially, may come out tough unless left to marinate for several (3 to
4) days. Mixing two or more meats is very tasty.
Even some kinds of fish steaks (salmon, shark) have been used, but these
need only "marinate" for a half hour or so; or, just brush on the
marinade from another batch while grilling.
The Sauce:----------
Most bottled commercial spiedie mixtures, such as Salamida's, are both
expensive and use a little too much oil for some tastes. This recipe
(actually a vinaigrette) produces a more tangy sauce, and will marinate
anywhere from one to three pounds of meat. 8 bay leaves (crumbled up)
4 tsp oregano 8 sm cloves of fresh garlic, minced 1/2 C lemon juice
1/2 C salad oil or fruity olive oil (preferred) 3/4 C vinegar (any
variety)
1 tsp pepper 3 tsp salt (or to taste)
(If using lamb, try adding a couple of mint leaves)
Mix all ingredients together in a non-metallic dish. This is the decision
point about whether to add chiles or chiles sauce now or wait and put it on
the finished product. Add meat, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for
at least 24 hours; stir
occasionally. Olive oil will solidify when refrigerated, so remove the
spiedies once or twice per day to allow the oil to 'melt', then stir.
Spiedies can be left marinating for 2 to 5 days; some claim that they
can be left for a week or more! (Longer marinating may help make
beef & veal more tender.) Add more marinade if required.
To Cook:--------
Purists insist that spiedies must be skewered, shishkebab style, and
grilled on the barbecue for just a few minutes. Brush marinade on them
occasionally. Do not overcook! The marinated meat (especially chicken)
takes on a color that makes it difficult to tell when it's done.
Health considerations suggest that you do *not* use leftover marinade on
your spiedies at the serving table, since the raw meat will leave all
manner of unhealthy bacteria in it; reserve some of the marinade
(ormake a fresh batch) to serve at table.
Spiedies are best eaten on large sliced hunks of French or Italian
bread; the accepted method is to grasp the bread in one hand, place the
skewer inside it, and pull the skewer out, leaving the spiedies inside
the bread. (Certainly, it saves time!) Kids, however, often prefer to
eat them right off the skewer.
Leftovers (if any) keep well in the fridge for several days.
(courtesy Flora's Recipe Hideout)
Gareth the Spiedie ChileKnight