Ingredients:
3 1/2--4 1/2 lbs. chicken parts
salt and pepper to taste
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1/3 cup flour
2 cups hot water
1 3/4 cups chicken stock
8 ounces mushrooms,sliced
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced (1 cup)
2 large stalks celery, diced (1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 or 2 bay leaves(my addition)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream
several drops of fresh lemon juice
Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
Directions:
Separate the legs into thighs and drumsticks; cut each breast half diagonally in half through the bone. If you wish, remove the skin. Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper. Heat in a heavy 8 - 10 inch skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden with the 4 T. unsalted butter. Place as many chicken pieces in the pan as will fit comfortably and cook, turning once, until pale golden, 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken to a plate and brown the remaining pieces in the same manner. Add to the fat in the pan the chopped onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender but not browned, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute then remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the water and chicken stock. Whisking constantly, bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Add the vegetables and seasonings through the pepper. Return the chicken pieces with all accumulated juices to the pan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat so that the liquid barely bubbles. Cover tightly and cook until the dark meat pieces are almost done, they should be just slightly undercooked, probably 20 minutes. Skim off the fat from around the sides of the pan with a spoon. If you wish stir in the whipping cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper and lemon juice.
Dumplings:
Mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Bring just to a simmer in a small saucepan the butter and milk. Add to the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork or knead by hand 2 to 3 times until the mixture just comes together. Push the chicken pieces down so that they are submerged in gravy and gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the top. Cover pan tightly and simmer slowly for 10 minutes. Don't remove the lid. Serve immediately.
NOTE: I had a leek in the fridge so I added it. It worked out very well.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Aging Graceully
Aging gracefully seems to be out of style these days. At least that's what I see when I look at all of these plastic and pulled faces on the screen and on the street. At the same time, getting old and losing your faculties is certainly a scary prospect. When I turn 84, I hope I can be as "fit and feisty" as Polly Mellen here. And without the plastic thank you.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Liber Novus
A 100 year old book, locked in a vault in Switzerland, described as either holding "infinite wisdom" or as the "work of a psychotic", written by one of the "era's greatest thinkers" and only a small handful of people have had a chance to get close to it. Fascinating, don't you think?
*Through writing on this blog I have become keenly aware of the fact that I use the word fascinating, a lot. Just so you know, I know. But I am still gonna keep using it.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Lonny
For any of you former subscriber/current mourners of shelter mags Domino and Blueprint who haven't already heard about Lonny magazine, well here you go. It is an online magazine that was created by two former Domino staffers. It is pretty neato, you can turn the pages just like a real magazine, adjust the layout and zoom in and out and all that fancy computer stuff. The first issue can be viewed now with a new issue due in December. I still miss having a new issue of Domino to pour over on Sunday morning but this helps fill the void.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Bleary Eyed
Bleary Eyed is my most favorite adjective. I love it. I mean I just, love it. To me, it is so perfectly descriptive. Perfect. It might seem odd but I think about it, about this adjective, quite a lot.
As in, I cannot wait for Sunday morning when, bleary eyed, I will sit and watch CBS Sunday Morning, snuggled on the couch with my daughter and a cup of green tea and a chocolate croissant. Perhaps the tea and croissant are what help make it more appealing. :)
OBSESSIONS...
I am easily obsessed with things. Lots and lots of things. Lately, I am kinda overboard obsessed with Maira Kalman. I mean I have been reading and loving her stuff for awhile but lately, I can't stop thinking about it or reading it. I can't even count how many times I have read this particular one. In love, indeed.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
bob's big boy
It's official. The Big Boy is back! On October 19, a NEW Bob's Big Boy opened in Downey. This one is actually a drive-in. Also, the Blasters (from Downey) were the opening day entertainment. Look for more (of the non-drive-in variety) around Southern California.
Monday, November 2, 2009
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