Chicken, Herbs, Garlic + Sour-Orange Braise (Cooking in Iran)

Hen of the Woods (Maitake) are everywhere this fall. When I find Chicken of the Woods, particularly when it’s older and tougher, I like to make braised chicken curries. The similarity to real chicken breast is uncanny in these dishes. This is my attempt at using Hen of the Woods in the same manner. It doesn’t work as well at replicating the texture of real chicken unfortunately, but the meal was great!

Joe’s Rating: 6
Difficulty: 5

Pawpaw and Banana Pudding (South)

This is tied for my favorite dessert of all time (with strawberry shortcake from Momofuku.) I try to make it every September when pawpaws are in season! The pawpaw is a tropical-tasting fruit that has notes of guava and banana but is native to North America. Keep an eye out for it at nice produce markets (or forage it). This recipe is a show-stopper.

Joe’s Rating: 8
Difficulty: 8