PICKLE CAPERS RECIPES

Steps:

• Add the chicken thighs and 1/2 cup pickle brine to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally to marinate evenly.
• While the chicken marinates, prepare the pickle mayonnaise: Finely chop 8 dill pickle coins. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, capers and chopped pickles; season generously with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• When ready to cook the chicken, pour the buttermilk into a wide shallow bowl. In a separate wide shallow bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, onion powder and 1 tablespoon each salt and pepper; whisk to combine.
• In a large Dutch oven or deep cast-iron skillet, add 2 inches of oil and, over medium-high, heat to 325 degrees, about 5 minutes.
• Working with one piece at a time, remove the chicken from the brine, transfer to the buttermilk and turn to coat. Lift chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess liquid to drip off, then add it to the flour mixture and turn to coat, patting extra flour mixture on top to ensure the chicken is well coated on all surfaces. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
• Working in two batches, add the chicken to the hot oil and cook, turning every 1 to 2 minutes, until crust is deep golden and chicken is cooked through, about 6 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool and season with salt and pepper. (An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest part of the thigh should read at least 165 degrees.) Repeat with the remaining chicken, adjusting the heat to ensure that the oil maintains a temperature of 325 degrees.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large, preferably nonstick, skillet over medium. Add 2 buns, split-side down, and cook until warmed and toasted, about 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining butter and buns.
• Make the coleslaw by tossing the cabbage with half of the pickle mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper. Slather the remaining pickle mayonnaise on the bottom of the buns and top with the chicken, red onion, remaining pickles and coleslaw. Serve with hot sauce, if using.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil
• Meanwhile, place the bread in a food processor (or blender) and pulse until uniform coarse breadcrumbs result, about 1 minute
• Set aside
• Pour the olive oil from the tin of sardines into a large pan and heat over medium heat
• Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute
• Add the breadcrumbs and stir continuously until golden brown and crunchy, about 4 minutes
• Remove from the heat to prevent burning, transfer the toasted breadcrumbs to a plate and set aside
• Clean the pan
• Heat the EVOO in the same pan over medium-high heat, add the onions and sauté until just caramelized, about 5 minutes
• Add the sardines, breaking them into pieces with a fork, and mix evenly with the onions
• Stir in the capers, parsley, lemon zest and red pepper flakes
• Squeeze in the juice from the lemon
• Mix the sauce gently and turn off the heat
• Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water until just al dente, about 7 minutes
• Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water
• Add the spaghetti to the sauce, season to taste with salt and pepper and mix until evenly combined
• Turn the heat to medium, add the pasta water and cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute
• Sprinkle the pasta with the toasted breadcrumbs, reserving some for serving, then mix again
• Serve immediately, topping each portion with another pinch of breadcrumbs
• Garnish with a lemon wedge and sprig of parsley