SOLID VEGETABLE SHORTENING RECIPES

Steps:

• MIX the BRINE in a 3 quart pot with an accompanying lid.
• PEEL 4 medium russet potatoes; CUT potatoes into 1/4" shoestrings (try to make them as uniform as possible; I use an adjustable-blade French-fry cutter).
• PLACE cut potatoes into the brine container; SEAL and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; BRING pot with brine and potatoes to a full boil; BOIL for 1 1/2-2 minutes; DRAIN and rinse potatoes under cold water; BLOT potatoes as dry as possible.
• PLACE potatoes side-by-side into freezer bags without touching, and without crowding; SEAL bags and freeze flat in refrigerator for at least 2 hours (just make sure fries are frozen solid).
• FILL deep-fryer with proper amount of beef tallow (or oil/shortening blend), to manufacturer's recommended amount; HEAT fryer in gradual increments to 375°F.
• PLACE 1/2 of the potatoes at a time into elevated deep-frying basket; GENTLY lower basket into hot fat.
• FRY for about 2 minutes but PAY ATTENTION TO THE COLOR -- potato color should be light golden brown with just slightly darker ends (see photo, and pull a french fry with tongs to test doneness if necessary); ELEVATE fry basket and shake to drain excess fat; SECURE basket and let drain for 30 seconds.
• TRANSFER fries into colander placed in sink; REPEAT with remaining potatoes.
• SEASON french fries lightly with fine flake sea salt while tossing (eat immediately, or keep warmed for a limited time in a 170°F oven).
• SERVE french fries with your favorite condiment and ENJOY!

Steps:

• Mix the paprika, salt, onion powder, sage, thyme, pepper, and garlic powder on a large plate until uniform. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and roll the chicken in this mixture to coat the pieces evenly and thoroughly.
• Pour the water into the cooker. Set a heat- and pressure-safe trivet in the pot. Stack the thighs on the trivet. Lock the lid onto the cooker.
• Optional 1 Max Pressure Cooker Press Pressure cook on Max pressure for 10 minutes with the Keep Warm setting off.
• Optional 2 All Pressure Cookers Press Steam or Pressure cook (Manual) on High pressure for 15 minutes with the Keep Warm setting off.
• Use the quick-release method to bring the pot’s pressure back to normal. Unlatch the lid and open the cooker. Line a large lipped baking sheet with paper towels. Use kitchen tongs to transfer the hot thighs to a large, lipped baking sheet. Set aside to dry for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 hour.
• Set a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Pour in enough oil to come about 1/2 inch up the sides—or melt enough shortening in the skillet to come to the same depth. Continue heating until the fat shimmers.
• Slip three of the thighs skin side down into the oil. Fry until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. Turn and continue frying until golden, crisp, and cooked through, about another 10 minutes. Transfer the thighs to a wire cooling rack and salt as desired. Add enough oil or shortening to get the depth back to 1/2 inch if necessary and wait a moment or two make sure the oil is again hot. Fry the remainder of the thighs in the same way. Serve warm.