A dear friend had a birthday recently, and requested dinner. Aside from the dessert — a request for Beet Cake — I was given free reign. So the next time you’re having six-to-eight people who ain’t fancy over, why not try …

THE BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA

Brined Asian Flavors Chicken Two Ways

Grilled Asparagus

Cold Chili-Sesame Almond Butter Noodles

Chocolate Beet Cake with Whip Cream and Raspberry-Balsamic Reduction

Brined Asian Flavors Chicken Two Ways

1) Take 1 Spatchcocked Whole Chicken and 5 Breasts; rinse; pat dry.

2) In large container, blend Brown Sugar and Salt at a 2:1 ratio — no more than 1/2 a cup of the Brown Sugar; add Soy Sauce, Siriacha Hot Sauce, Star Anise, Cinnamon Sticks and crushed fresh ginger medallions. Mix. Cool. Place chicken in prepared airtight container for 24 hours.

3) Prepare Charcoal Grill for medium heat. Remove Chicken from Brine. Grill, turning. When Whole Chicken is done, brush with mix of 2 Tbsp each Honey, Maple Syrup and Butter, plus 6Tbsp lime juice.

Grilled Asparagus

Trim 2 heads asparagus, bending stalk at woody end until it breaks. Rinse. Place in container with olive oil. Grill. Serve.

Cold Chili-Sesame Almond Butter Noodles

(I doubled this recipe, and everyone left with leftovers.)

1 16-Oz box Rice Noodles or What Noodles, thick.

1) Boil in 2 quarts salted water. Drain, but RESERVE SOME OF THE BOILING WATER (which, really, is pasta rule #1). Toss with chili-sesame oil. Cool.

2) Mix 1/2 C Almond Butter, Milk, Boiling Water and Chili-Sesame Oil until desired consistency/spice level is attained. Toss with noodles. Serve cold with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Chocolate Beet Cake with Whip Cream and Raspberry-Balsamic Reduction

Has been featured here previously, but for:

Raspberry-balsamic Reduction

1 Pint frozen Raspberries

2 Tbsp White Sugar

3 Tbsp Water

Heat on low heat until mixture lightly bubbles, berries burst and liquor thickens.

Add Balsamic Vinegar to Taste.

Cooking is something we do for, and with, friends.

Also, seriously, I’m taking questions. 

J.