Family Mealtimes Together

 Remember our ancestors? Especially those who farmed the land–they were hearty eaters. They never worried about calories, just homecooked meals that were hearty, tasty and being able to sit down at the table together as a family. Growing up in my grandmother’s house and living on an apple farm, when it came to eating, our family ate hearty foods. I even tremember my grandmother would tell us to eat, eat. No one ever went hungry in our house. Calories didn’t count. Your hard work burned up a lot of energy.

Quick Dinner Recipes

 Why not just throw those calories out the window just once and give a family kitchen party, serving those hearty comfort foods we all enjoy? Don’t dwindle over the first course. Start with a Homemade Farmhouse Chicken Stew served with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob (if fresh corn is not available to you, use frozen), fresh green beans from the garden, some cranberry sauce and hot rolls right out of the oven. Apple, Pear or Blueberry pie and coffee for dessert.  And, if your guests come dressed as farmers and you use old-fashioned dishes, there will be just the right atmosphere for an evening of fun and good eating. This recipe is familiar to some, I added my own personal touch to kick it up a bit. The Citrus and Basil Rub adds a little bit of tangy kick to this dish with the flavors of lime, lemon, black pepper, grapefruit, salt and basil.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, (5-pounds), disjointed

4 Tablespoons butter

1/2 cup flour

3/4 cup ketchup

3 cups boiling water

1 sprig of fresh Rosemary

1 garlic clove, pressed

1 teaspoon Citrus and Basil Rub (available through Noel’s Kitchen)

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

Place chicken in a deep stock pot. Melt butter in large skillet; blend in the flour. Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, stirring consistantly. Pour mixture over the chicken. Cover; simmering three-four hours, stirring occasionally. Makes six servings.