By Teri Cayton
The Parsons Advocate
We as a society have been going through some very hard times. We have Covid-19, dams bursting and cyclones, what else can be thrown at us before we break? Momma Said, “What doesn’t kill you make you stronger!” I hope that is true because we are going to have to stay strong to keep this big blue ball we live on afloat.
I am glad I live alone because I don’t think I could take being shut in with someone else this long. I have been able to work through this crisis and that helps to get out of the house. I know a lot of you have been in close quarters with spouses and kids and I am sure it must wear on you. Try to take a moment to find some quiet time just for you and rest your brain.
Drink a cup of tea or just step outside for a few minutes. Being shut-in deprives your body of essential vitamins and just a few minutes in the sun can boost your vitamin D. It will help to calm your nerves just to listen to the birds. I did hear the locusts are going to be emerging soon so if you want some quiet time outside you better do it quick.
I do not understand their purpose but I guess God had a plan for them so be brave and don’t let the noise drive you up a wall. Gran’s house was surrounded by oak trees and when the locust came out it the noise was almost unbearable. Her neighbor would start her lawn mower up and just let it run to disguise the noise. Momma Said, “Do what you have to too survive.”
Jalapeno Honey Crispy Fried Chicken BLT
- INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless, trimmed, about 1/2 inch thick
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil
- 4 buns (optionally, lightly toasted)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 large beefsteak or heirloom tomato, sliced
- 1 cup lettuce
- 8 strips bacon, cooked
- 6 tablespoons jalapeno honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
DIRECTIONS:
- Marinate the chicken in the mixture of the buttermilk, egg and 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning for 1 hour to overnight.
- Grab a piece of chicken, gently shake excess marinade off, dredge in the mixture of the flour, 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning, cornstarch, and baking powder and place on a wire rack while you repeat for the remaining chicken.
- Heat the oil to 350F/180C in a large pot and add a piece of chicken and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, before setting aside on a wire rack to cool. (Option: You can place the chicken in a preheated 300F/150C oven to keep it warm until all chicken is cooked.)
- Assemble the sandwiches and enjoy!
Option: Use your favorite spice blend or combo. Like cajun seasoning and taco seasoning or keep it simple with something 1 tablespoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne.
Option: After dredging the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it in the buttermilk mixture and dredge a second time for even more crispy coating!