The aroma of barbecued foods – even on smoggy days – is the surest of signs that summer is here. The right type of smell can make your mouth water and ignite an immediate craving for something grilled. However in summer, the body burns up less fuel than in winter, therefore it’s recommended to eat light dishes.
Thankfully, the Vescio-Mollan family have the answer: their grilled honey soy chicken and drumsticks and beetroot salad. The family of four, Melissa Vescio, Scott Mollan, twins Axl and Madeline Mollan welcomed us to their home on a beautiful Sunday morning to show us how to make the two dishes.
Long-term Beijing residents Vescio and Mollan have been living in the city for nine years, after moving here for Mollan’s job in an advertising firm. Axl and Madeline attend the Xinzhong Jie Kindergarten. Vescio is a volunteer for The Australian and New Zealand Association of Beijng (ANZA), and buys the family groceries at the normal spots of Zuojiazhuang, Sanyuanli, Jenny Lou’s, and April Gourmet.
When it comes to cooking, Vesico says, “It’s my time to create something fun and exciting. I love cooking and being in the kitchen, it makes me happy.”
Honey Soy Chicken Wings and Drumsticks 亲爱的我是鸡翅和鸡腿
Ingredients 成分
- 500g or 8-12 pieces of chicken 500克（8到12块）鸡肉
- 1/2 cup of honey 半量杯蜂蜜
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce 四分之一量杯酱油
- 2 cloves of garlic 2个蒜瓣
- Olive oil 橄榄油
Instructions 做法
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees 将烤箱预热至180度。
2. Marinate all the ingredients together in a bowl. Let it sit for half an hour. 将所有食材混合均匀，腌制30分钟。
3. Place on a baking tray. Cover with foil. 放在烤盘上，表面包上锡箔纸。
4. Cook for 30 mins. Check that the chicken is cooked all the way through.烹制30分钟，检查鸡肉里面是否全熟。
5. Remove the foil, and use the grill to brown the chicken. Check the chicken and turn over until all pieces are golden brown. 除去锡箔纸，让鸡肉的外面烤上焦黄色。将鸡翻面，确保鸡肉外层全都烤至焦黄色。
Ingredients 成分
- 3 medium size beetroots 3棵中等个头的甜菜根
- Half a cup of balsamic vinegar. 半量杯意大利黑醋
- Handful of Spinach or Arugula (washed and ripped up) 一把菠菜或芝麻菜，择洗干净
- Cup of cheese (Cheddar, feta or something with a bite to it) 一量杯奶酪（干酪、羊乳酪或其它硬质奶酪）
- Salt and pepper to taste 盐和胡椒
Instructions 做法
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees 将烤箱预热至180度。
2. Wash and clean the beets. Cut the stems off. 清洗甜菜，去茎
3. Wrap the beets up in foil and place on a baking tray. 用锡纸包裹甜菜，置于烤盘上
4. Bake them for and 1-1/2 hours until they are tender. (You can use tongs to check) 烹制一小时到一个半小时，直到甜菜根变软（用工具试一下）
5. Allow them to cool. 等待食材冷却
6. Unwrap the foil, and peel off the skin. 除去锡纸，剥去甜菜根的外皮
7. Cut the beets up into bite size pieces in a bowl. 将甜菜根切成适口的小块
8. Add the spinach or arugula, vinegar, salt and pepper. 加入菠菜或芝麻菜，香醋、盐和胡椒
9. Mix it through. 混合均匀
10. Top the salad with cheese. 在沙拉上放上奶酪
This article originally appeared on page 26-27 of the 2016 June-July Issue of beijingkids magazine. Click here for your free online copy. To find out how you can obtain a hard copy, contact distribution@truerun.com.
Photos: Uni You
