While here, I’ve been trying to cook meals that I could freeze for my uncle to have when I’m gone. It’s not easy cooking in someone else’s kitchen. My aunt has a pantry full of stuff but, for the most part, it isn’t the kind of stuff I use . . which seems weird to me that such a well stocked pantry could be of so little benefit to one cook but work so well for another. We’re all different I suppose.
I have no idea the things my uncle loves or doesn’t like so I’m trying to stick with the basics. He wanted potato salad the other day so I bought a bag of potatoes. I was wanting to use them before I left so I figured I could make one of my favorites . . chicken with brown gravy and mashed potatoes.
Fried Chicken
Looking at my pictures last night, I had to laugh. After losing Speck yesterday and then my aunt having a really rough day, a laugh was good. In both pictures I took, there’s obviously food missing. A better blogger would take pictures before grabbing a bite out of the subject matter before the photo was taken. But, you can see that there’s obviously a piece (or two) of chicken missing.
I started with four large chicken breasts, cut them into strips, then soaked them in icy, salt water for about an hour. Then I dredged them in seasoned flour . . thank goodness my aunt has Slap Ya Mama in her kitchen! Those chicken strips are so good. I’m going to fry chicken strips more often when I get home.
Next, with all the chicken out of the pot, I added a bit of flour to the drippings, then onions and bell pepper. I would have added chicken broth but I forgot to buy it and all I had was beef broth so I added that and it turned out fine.
Chicken with Brown Gravy
Again, there’s a hole where a piece was missing . . and it was delicious! The plan for mashed potatoes was a good one but it never happened. We all ended up eating in different shifts and I wasn’t even sure that anyone else would be eating so I never made potatoes. I put three containers in the freezer and had left one in the fridge. Two people came in and ate and then much later, my uncle came home and ate. A very ill family member means you never know what will happen or when it will happen so we just doing what we can when we can.
The chicken was delicious and I’m happy there are three more containers of it in the freezer for him for when I’m gone.
Sherrill Pecere says
First, I’m curious what soaking the chicken in icy salted water does and then, after freezing, how’s the best way to ‘bring it back’ to original condition? We have a REALLY yummy chicken place here but I never take the leftovers home as I want my fried chicken crispy like it first tastes outta the pan. Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job there helping the folks.
Carol says
I’m wondering those same 2 questions—what does the ice water do and how do you crisp the chicken after freezing? And I KNOW you are a blessing to your ill family. Been there and it’s a tremendous help.
Lynne in Hawaii says
My sister would visit my dad about once a quarter the last several years of his life. He was blind but lived alone after my mom died. He loved soups and stews so my sister would cook up a storm and freeze individual portions. Dad could just pull out one for dinner and he was happy with whatever it was. These meals supplemented the Meals on wheels. This allowed dad to live on his own. He would hire someone to get his groceries, or take him to the doctor when she wasn’t around. You are doing a good thing for your Uncle. I am sure he will appreciate what you are doing.
Twyla Starr says
You are very thoughtful and loving to be with your family at this time. God bless you.
Barbara says
One reason I enjoy your blog is that when you write about food it shows the regional differences, especially the Cajun influence of your childhood, and the southern food traditions.
When I think of chicken and brown gravy, it is roasted chicken and gravy made from the pan drippings in my neck of the woods (Minnesota).I have never made fried chicken at home, and I rarely eat it out. I cook a lot, and so do my friends, and I know only one person that makes fried chicken. I didn’t grow up with and none of my siblings eat it.
I know a guy that owns some fried chicken restaurants in the SE part of the country, and he explained to me it is a tradition to go out for fried chicken after church on Sundays.
Thank you for sharing your life, and your sorrows. Maybe we all can share in your sorrows a little bit, and help carry the burden, that’s what friends, and internet strangers, can do.