i am currently reading this novel
called The Help
and it is really, really good
and it isn't about food at all
but there is a character
that is a really good southern cook
Minny
and every time she tells her story
there is some sort of amazing meal lying in the periphery
and i admit
although not crucial to the story line
i can't seem to get it out of my mind
so for about a week now
i have had visions
of
smothered pork chops
fried chicken
dumplings
fresh peach ice cream
and
caramel cake
dancing in my head
and
try as i might
i just can't shake it
i
DO NOT CARE
that summer swimsuit season
looms near
gimme, gimme, gimme
1 whole fryer chicken--cut into parts (or 8-10 of your fave pieces)
Tabasco
buttermilk
2 cups flour
1/4 tsp turmeric
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp dried marjoram leaves
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp kosher salt
1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
peanut oil for cooking
Clean and dry the chicken pieces. Place in a large freezer/storage bag. Give the Tabasco about 5 or 6 shakes into the bag, then put enough buttermilk in the bag to coat all chicken pieces. Mix it around a bit to insure every piece gets coated with tabasco and buttermilk. Place in the fridge and let "marinate" for 4 hours or overnight. Remove chicken from fridge about an hour before cooking to bring to room temperature (if it is a very hot kitchen, use your judgement on this). You do not want to put ice cold chicken into the hot pan, but you also do not want it to sit out for more than 1 hour. Heat peanut oil in a heavy bottomed pan (i use a cast iron skillet), to about half-way up the sides. Meanwhile, prepare the flour. Mix the flour, turmeric, sugar, onion powder, parsley flakes, thyme, marjoram, pepper, salt, cayenne, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk and immediately drop into the flour mixture. Coat evenly and generously. Drop into the hot oil and be patient. Do not crowd the pan...do it in several batches if necessary. The chicken will take about 10-13 minutes per side depending on the size of each piece. Dark meat takes a bit longer, so put it in the oil first. Turn each piece only once...and keep the oil below 375..but at or above 350. Remove from oil and drain on brown paper or other kitchen paper.
EAT UP!
