The Charleston Bog Recipes

THE CHARLESTON BOG

Steps:

• In a cocktail shaker, muddle the raspberries with the mint leaves, lime wedges and Honey Syrup. Add ice and the bourbon and cranberry juice. Shake well and strain into a pilsner glass. Garnish with the mint sprig.
• Honey Syrup:.
• In a small heatproof bowl, stir honey with boiling water until dissolved. Let cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

LOWCOUNTRY CHICKEN BOG

Steps:

• To make the broth, you can either cut the birds into serving pieces or keep them whole. Either way, submerge the birds in water and bring it to a simmer. Skim any scum that floats to the top. Add salt to taste, then the remaining broth ingredients. Simmer very gently for 2 hours.
• Remove the chicken or whatever meat you are using, and strip the meat from the bones. Set aside. Strain the broth into a large bowl or pot, through a strainer that has a paper towel set inside it; this strains out debris. Reserve the broth.
• Heat the butter in a heavy, lidded pot that can cook 2 cups of rice in it. Add the onion, cover the pot, and cook, stirring once in a while, until the onions are just turning brown -- about 10 minutes.
• Add the rice, shredded meat and the garlic and stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often. Add the smoked sausage and the broth you just made, or if you are using pre-made broth, add 1 quart now. Stir well, cover the pot and drop the heat to low. Cook gently until the rice is done.
• When the rice is ready, add some broth to make the dish a bit soupy, then stir in the green onions and parsley.

CAROLINA CHICKEN BOG

Steps:

• Put fat or oil in a deep skillet or large casserole over medium-high heat. A minute later, add gizzards and hearts and cook until quite brown and sticking to pan, at least 3 minutes. Stir once, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then brown other side. Add peppers, onions, celery and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add red wine and tomatoes, bring to a boil, and adjust heat so mixture simmers; cook for about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir until smooth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture turns quite brown, about 10 minutes. Add this roux to simmering stew; cook 5 minutes.
• Add meats, stock, thyme, red pepper flakes and bay leaves; cook at a lively simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes. Add chicken meat and cook another 15 minutes or more (this can sit on stove, simmering, for hours; add a little water or stock if it threatens to dry out).
• Heat remaining butter in an 8- or 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When butter foam subsides, add livers, 1 or 2 at a time, and cook until quite brown on one side; sprinkle with salt and pepper as they cook. Turn and brown on other side.
• Stir vinegar and mustard into stew. Add livers and stir. Serve over white rice.