Southern Fried Chicken: An American Recipe

We have been invited to a celebration of citizenship on Saturday. A couple from France with whom we are friends have just become United States citizens and a big party for about 50 people is being thrown to celebrate.

They asked the hostess (also a friend of ours) to tell everyone that no presents are required but that everyone should bring their favorite American recipe on a 3×5 card. The are becoming citizens but remember they are from France and food remains important

So many of our recipes have other country origins, that we had to think about a recipe that was strictly American. It took a little thought because not only must it be an American recipe but it needed to be a great one since, our friends really understand food

We decided to share our special recipe for:

Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients:
2 ½ -3 lbs chicken, cut up
3 cups buttermilk
salt
2 onions sliced thin
1 cup flour
3 tsp. Kosher or sea salt
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. cracked black pepper
1 cup vegetable shortening
½ cup butter

Preparation:
Step 1. Place chicken in bowl and sprinkle with salt & let set for 2 hours
Step 2. Remove salt by rinsing with water
Step 3. Place chicken back in the bowl and cover with onions and buttermilk
Step 4. Cover and refrigerate overnight
Step 5. Place flour, salt(3 tsp)cayenne and black pepper in a paper of plastic bag-shake to mix.
Step 6. Drain chicken & place in bag one piece at a time. Shake to coat with flour mixture
Step 7.Repeat until all pieces are coated & keave to dry and come to room temperature.
Step 8. Melt shortening and butter in large skillet over high heat. Add chicken and cover
Step 9. Lower heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes then turn and cook for 8 minutes

Service: Pile on a serving platter and everyone, take a piece of this great fried chicken

Tip: Take a quick peek at the chicken after 6 minutes to make sure your heat is right to get a golden brown chicken after 10 minutes on that first cooked side. Adjust the heat up or down as needed.