Fried Chicken Dinner

To me, nothing, says comfort food like some home cooking. It is my opinion, that some of the best comfort foods are fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and buttermilk biscuits. Put together with a vegetable of choice makes an unforgettable Sunday or anytime dinner.

For the recipe you will need the following:

• 2–3 cups buttermilk
• 1 whole chicken, cut up
• salt, and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoons rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

First, we take the chicken, seasonings, and the buttermilk and put it into a container, or a Ziploc bag to marinate overnight or at least several hours.

Now for the seasoned flour, we will need the following.

• 3 cups flour
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoons rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Now will mix our flour and seasonings in a shallow baking pan (for dredging) and set it aside to start heating our oil.

For frying we will need about 4 cups oil, depending on your pan, heated to around 350 degrees.

Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour, until fully coated, and then fry for about 5–6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and juices run clear.

Place on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain, then serve.

I find that using a cast iron skillet and cooking in small batches yield some of the best results.

Variations: Take 3 pounds boneless chicken breast and cut into cubes. Change the cook time to 8 minutes and you have some amazing popcorn chicken. Cut larger pieces for strips or nuggets.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For this recipe, you will need the following:

• 8 medium red potatoes, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons roasted minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Combines potatoes, garlic, and salt in large saucepan and bring to boil. Cook until potatoes are tender, then drain. Add butter, milk, pepper, and then mash until the desired consistency.

Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

For this recipe, you will need the following.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons shortening, cold. Cut into small cubes.
• 1 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 400. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into large bowl. Using a pastry cutter, cut the shortening into the flour until mixture resembles coarse meal. Slowly add the buttermilk, stirring until all dry ingredients are moistened.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead roughly 11 to 12 times. Roll out until 1/2 inch thick and cut with a 2-inch biscuit cutter or you can use a drinking glass of the same diameter as my Granny used to do. Place onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Country Gravy

For this recipe, you will need the following:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 5 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups milk (I use whole milk but use what is your preference.)

Melt butter in a skillet, over medium heat. Whisk flour in until there are no lumps. Cook for a few minutes, continuously whisking. Slowly add milk, while whisking to remove clumps. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Corn on the Cob

For this recipe, you will need the following.

• corn, varies depending on how many you are feeding or want to eat.
• butter, if desired

Place corn in a pot with water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes unless a crisper consistency is preferred. Remove corn and brush will butter if desired. Other toppings include salt, parmesan cheese, or even Old Bay seasoning. The possibilities are endless.