The House Smells Fabulous

We just got home from the beach picnic.  Boy was it cold!  It was a nice time though.  Walked the Venice Boardwalk and then ate our picnic on the beach. 

For lunch I made Oven Fried Chicken.  Why oven?   The reason is so that it is not completely deep fried in oil.  Barefoot Contessa has you use and inch of oil in a large stockpot.  I use a little less than that.  You are only cooking it in the oil for about 3 minutes per side - just long enough to get a nice and golden crust.  Then into the oven it goes for about 30-40 minutes.  

Now I have taken Barefoot Contessa's recipe and added my own touches to it.  Here is the Food Network link to her recipe (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/oven-fried-chicken-recipe/index.html).  It is delicious on its own, but I like to add to the buttermilk marinade.  I add in about 2 Tbs minced garlic, 2 bay leaves and about 1 tsp of crushed red pepper.  Now honestly, I don't measure, so these are approximates.  If you have some on hand, Old Bay Seasoning tastes really good when added to the flour mixture.  But it is also delicious just as it is.  Have fun with it.  The recipe is so good that it is great hot or cold!

Okay I am off to boil my potatoes for the Colcannon tonight.  See you soon!
KC