Fried Chicken and Life Lessons

 
My great grandmother invited my family for a visit when I was elementary school age. We lived in a rural small town and she lived in the biggest building I had ever been inside in a far away place with a funny name. Yonkers.

Remember, I said great grandmother. I estimate she was in or near her 70’s. Think pantyhose with a low heeled shoe, sort of like Queen Elizabeth, but topped with an apron. Hair perfectly done. Stout, with a stern looking face at first, that always broke into a broad smile.

One afternoon, we all got in the car and started the trip. Rest stops and rest areas were a popular thing – not just for using the rest room but for grabbing a quick bite to eat. It felt like a magical outing for sure since we stopped! Wow.

My dad never seemed to drive straight to her apartment building. We were often given a bit of a tour, “See that, that’s where I went to the park,” or, “That’s the house where my aunt lived.” What I would give to be able to relive those moments now. I had no idea how fast time would pass and how very fragile a single life is or that not everyone gets to grow old.

Between you and me, I think he also meandered around for a few minutes to get his bearings. And then, to find parking. In time, we went in the small elevator and were on our way to see Nana!

As soon as she opened the door -  I smelled it. I saw the beautifully golden brown fried chicken stacked on a platter and I could hardly contain myself. This was a treat!

But, I wasn’t hungry. We just ate at the iconic Red Apple Rest and I immediately felt the need to share this information with my Nana.

She shot my father a look and said, “You ate? Didn’t you think I would feed you? Of course I would feed you.”

She was INSULTED.

“Nana, we don’t want you to go through all of this work for our visit,” (or something like that) was what he assured her.

He was able to charm her back and we did all gather at her table to enjoy the crispy fried goodness of that delicious chicken.

The memory blurs from there but I remembered the rules of hosting I was starting to learn. Always have good food on hand for your family, friends, or guests. Make it your best. Make sure you have plenty.

We left feeling Fed Well and hopefully she didn’t stay angry or disappointed or have hurt feelings for long. I remembered feeling guilty for blurting out that we ate but in self-defense, I did not want to be forced to sit and eat when I was not hungry. Funny how we find the room to eat when presented with truly mouth watering food.

Nana lived to see the birth of my first son, her great-great-grandson. Amazing.

 

Add a little bit of...spice (A few spices you should have in your kitchen)

 I confess, I watch Tik Tok videos and yes, it is kind of like Sesame Street for grown-ups. Quick one minute video clips, often set to music, that entertain, educate, or offer like hacks are the ones I gravitate toward. If you know Tik Tok then you have likely heard this little sound byte about, Add a little bit of spice. I had to include it here on the blog for fellow Tik Tok viewers.

Spices. Dried seasonings we add to foods to dial up flavor and add a bit of personality to dishes. They can be mild, pungent, bitter, peppery, sweet, grassy or earthy, or woody (to name a few).

Asked to create a short list of essential spices for Zulily, I compiled this blog post (Click Here) with 12 must haves for your kitchen.

PLUS, I include a recipe for making your own seasoning mixtures like Adobo and a popular steak blend.

Remember, dried spices are a bit more potent in flavor then their fresh version. When cooking, it's best to make adjustments if the recipe calls for dried oregano and you have fresh or vice versa.

Mixing up your seasonings is a bit like interior decorating. Learn which flavors can compliment each other (like having prints and florals in a room), experiment with taste combinations to create new twists on favorites, and when in doubt, leave it out - too much can sometimes just be well, too much.

During the winter months, I like to make a chicken stew with carrots. I also enjoy alternating the spices to bring different flavors forward. And, one of my surprise additions is ginger! The warmth is comforting without being overpowering. Ginger really doesn't get enough love and in addition to adding a flavor punch offers a bunch of health benefits (relieves nausea, can help with weight loss, can reduce joint pain and stiffness, and more). Yes, you can make a tea, but blend it with other seasonings for salad dressing, chicken, and beef. So, if you are thinking of a quick way to change a flavor profile while adding some potential healthful benefits - add some ginger!

I hope you are feeling Fed Well and find new ways to incorporate more spices in your cooking!

Cooking with Hot Sauce - thoughts and recipe ideas

 

I have a confession to make. I am not a hot sauce person. It's awful, I know. So many people love spicy food but I am not one of them. Never was.

For me, it starts as a warmth, that quickly accelerates, spreads and blows out all taste sensation, replacing it with the hot sensation that is 100% distracting from the flavor. And, more simply, I just don't enjoy it. But I know I am in the minority. 

Plus, once in awhile, I still try things because well, you never know - I might like this level of heat, this time.

I also know Buffalo anything is wildly popular at get togethers and since we are starting to socialize again this dip may be a hit at your next party:

CREAMY BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP 

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken 
• 1 – 8 ounce package of softened cream cheese
• ½ cup of ranch style dressing 
• ½ cup of hot sauce 

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. 
2. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl then transfer to a shallow baking dish. 
3. Bake for 20 minutes, stir to make sure the dip is hot all the way through. 
4. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or vegetables. 

Click here for more hot sauce inspired recipes!

Recently, one of my nephews thought this was a dish I had already made and requested it but it was actually part of a pot luck style gathering at my house. Now, I am prepared to make it at a future party! 

In fact, he is graduating high school this year - quite a milestone. The graduation ceremony will likely be much smaller with only his parents and perhaps brother in attendance, it doesn't mean we won't celebrate it with the same enthusiasm after he receives his diploma. I can't wait. And, I can't believe he is old enough to graduate high school. He can age while I am on pause since I remember quite vividly when he was born! We have spent his 18 years together at many celebrations and life events and have been Fed Well.

CG - I wish you all the best on your future chapters!