Southern Sunshine Tango

A Historical Delight

The Southern Sunshine Tango is a beloved dish with roots deeply embedded in Southern culinary traditions. This dish takes inspiration from the bountiful produce and vibrant flavors of the Southern United States, while incorporating a unique twist that dances on the palate like a sultry tango on a warm summer evening. The term 'Sunshine' showcases the fresh, sun-ripened ingredients that are central to this dish. It's a dish that exemplifies the warmth, comfort, and hospitality of Southern cooking.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast - 2 pieces, boneless and skinless
• Orange - 2, juiced
• Honey - 3 tablespoons
• Cornmeal - 1 cup
• Buttermilk - 1 cup
• Sweet Potatoes - 2 medium
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Cilantro - for garnish
• Butter - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken Breast

Begin by marinating the chicken breast. In a shallow dish, combine the juice of two oranges with honey, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breast to the marinade, ensuring it is completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate. Meanwhile, you may want to set up a cooking timer to keep track of the time.

Preparing the Sweet Potato Mash

Peel and dice the sweet potatoes. In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil and add the diced sweet potatoes. Boil until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Mash the sweet potatoes with butter, salt, cumin, and a touch of black pepper for seasoning. Set aside.

Cooking Process

Chicken Breast Coating and Cooking

Remove the chicken breast from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. In a shallow dish, pour the cornmeal, and in another, pour the buttermilk. Dip each piece of chicken breast first in buttermilk, then coat with cornmeal, ensuring an even layer. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Time your cooking with a cooking timer to avoid overcooking.

Garlic and Herb Finish

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the aromatic garlic over the chicken breast. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Serving the Southern Sunshine Tango

To serve, spoon a generous amount of sweet potato mash onto each plate. Place a piece of crusted chicken breast on top, allowing the vibrant colors and flavors to speak for themselves. For an added touch, serve with freshly steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.

Enjoying the Meal

The Southern Sunshine Tango is best enjoyed with a chilled glass of iced tea or a light, citrusy white wine. Its rich yet refreshing flavors make it a perfect dish for both casual and formal dining experiences. As you savor each bite, let the warmth and harmony of the orange and honey marinade, paired with the comforting touch of sweet potatoes, transport you to the sunny South, where every meal is a celebration of life.