CHICKEN SAFFRON

This is a simple, yet delicious recipe. You can satisfy the palates of a big crowd with less energy and stress. The neat thing also is that it can be served at formal gatherings, like I did at home with four Ambassador’s wives and their entourage (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines).
Ingredients:
4 pounds boneless and skinless chicken (visible fat removed), sliced in serving chunks, washed and drained.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup ginger, peeled and julienned
2 shallots, chopped finely
4 cups water
1 cup saffron
3 pieces chayote, peeled and diced (1”x 1”) or sliced in chunks
salt and pepper to taste
Garnishing: Cilantro leaves
Methods:
1. In a skillet, sauté the ginger over medium heat about a minute. Then add the onions. Continue to sauté until the onion is transparent.
2. Stir in the chicken and saffron, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through – about 12 to 15 minutes. Add the water in between cooking to make sure it does not get dry, and if you want your recipe a little bit soupy.
3. Add the chayote and simmer until it is cooked, but still crunchy and greenish.
4. Check the seasoning and serve garnished with cilantro.
Household Hints:
1. In due time, your stove/range will accumulate hardened oil and dirt all over, including surrounding walls. Here are some hints to clean up the mess:
If you have tiled walls, your job is halfway done. Mix one cup baking soda to 1/2 cup water and a few drops of liquid soap. With this mixture, scrub the affected walls using the scouring side of a sponge. Leave the solution to do its dirty work for 15 to 30 minutes. Then go at it again with the rough side of the sponge. Then wipe clean with a damp rag. Dry with another clean rag or paper towel. If your wall is not tiled, use the same technique, except this time, use the soft side of the sponge so as not to damage the paint. Touch up the paint if necessary. I recommend a glossy enamel paint for your kitchen walls for easy cleaning.
2. If you have a deck at home, it is a good idea to seal it the start of summer every year, or if you notice water on the surface no longer beads. If it has dirt or old stain, this has to be removed first before applying the seal. You can do it yourself – if you have the time and patience. My husband and I have done it and it was not that difficult. To have it done professionally, expect to spend between $580 to $1,000.
Editor’s note: Mrs. Evelyn S. Bunoan is Owner/Master Chef, Philippine Oriental Market & Deli (with more than 25 years of service to the Filipino-American community) - 3610 Lee Highway, Arlington, Virginia; (703)528-0300; Master Chef (French cuisine), Le Cordon Bleu, London, UK; recipe creator, improviser, and food stylist and writer; kitchen-tested and mastered more than 300 recipes.