Daniel Skurnicks Franco Chinese Steamed Ginger Custard Recipes

DANIEL SKURNICK'S FRANCO-CHINESE STEAMED GINGER CUSTARD

Steps:

• Set up a steamer. The best choice is a large bamboo steamer over a wok. If you have a smaller collapsible steamer insert that fits into a pot, you'll probably have to make the custard in two batches.
• Add water to the wok or pot, and bring to a boil; keep at a simmer. Set out 6 6-ounce heatproof custard cups, teacups or bowls.
• Place a strainer over a bowl, and using a fine rasp-type grater, grate the ginger into the strainer. Push the ginger through the strainer. You need 2 teaspoons of juice. If some pulp is included, that's fine.
• In a separate bowl, gently whisk the yolks and sugar together until blended. Whisk in the milk, the half and half and the ginger juice. Strain the mixture into the 6-ounce cups or bowls. Seal each with a piece of microwave-safe plastic wrap or foil.
• Place the cups in the steamer, cover the steamer or pot and adjust the heat so that the water is at a steady medium simmer. Steam about 17 to 22 minutes, until the custards are set. Tap the cup lightly to test for doneness; it's O.K. if you have a small wobbly spot in the center.
• Very carefully transfer the cups to a rack, uncover and let rest for about 15 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or cover and chill for as long as 1 day. Repeat with the rest of the batch, if necessary.
• Serve cold, with or without the spiced caramel syrup poured over.

STEAMED CHICKEN (ZHENG JI) WITH GINGER-SCALLION DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Rinse the chicken in cold, running water, and blot dry completely with paper towels.
• Rub the salt all over the skin of the chicken and inside the cavity.
• Place the chicken, breast-side down, on a heat proof platter, and set aside for 15 minutes.
• Set up your steamer, or place a rack inside a wok or other deep pan.
• Fill with about 2 inches of hot water.
• Cover tightly and gently steam over medium heat for 1 hour, replenishing the water from time to time.
• Remove the platter of cooked chicken and pour off all of the liquid.
• In a small bowl, combine the sugar, salt, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and scallions.
• In a small pan, combine the oils and heat until they smoke.
• Pour the hot oils over the ginger-scallion mixture.
• Chop the chicken into serving sized pieces and serve with dipping sauce.

SPICED CARAMEL SYRUP

Steps:

• Pour the sugar into a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan set over medium-high heat. Once the sugar starts to color, swirl the pan so that it melts and colors evenly.
• When the caramel is a light reddish-brown color, or as Mr. Skurnick says, "Irish-setter red" (it takes about 5 minutes to reach this stage), drop in the spices and, standing away from the pan, carefully pour in the water. When it boils, reduce the heat to very low and cook for 2 minutes.
• Strain the caramel into a heatproof container (discard the spices or use them for tea), and cool completely. You can keep the syrup covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It will thicken; warm gently to reliquefy.