Henrietta’s Spicy Fried Chicken

Lard: The Lost Art of Cooking with Your Grandmother’s Secret Ingredient by the Editors of GRIT Magazine

(Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2012, $24.99)

When Memphis-born Henrietta relocated to Lincoln County, Kansas, to be with her husband after the war, she found herself smack-dab in the middle of bland…bland food, that is. So she took her mother-in-law’s fried chicken recipe and gave it some zing to create this spicier version. Serve with your favorite potato salad and coleslaw for the perfect summertime picnic.

• 1 to 2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne
• 1/4 tsp. dry mustard
• 1 (2 to 3 pound) frying chicken, cut up into 8 pieces
• 1/4 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
• 2 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. celery salt
• Lard, for frying

In a large bowl, combine the black pepper, poultry seasoning, paprika, cayenne and dry mustard. Dredge the chicken pieces in the spices.
In a paper or plastic bag, combine the flour, garlic salt, salt and celery salt; shake to mix. Add the chicken, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat.
Heat the lard to 340 degrees and 2 inches deep in an electric skillet or on medium heat in a large cast-iron skillet. Add the chicken pieces and fry for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes. Increase the heat to 355 degrees for an electric skillet or medium-high for a regular skillet. Fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink at the bone. Remove the chicken from the fat and drain on paper towels. Serves 4 to 6.

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CHÂTEAU DE CAMPUGET
ROSÉ 2011

With an unfortunate white Zinfandel stigma, Rosé wines aren’t very popular in California. This amazes me since a good Rosé is perfect for drinking on a hot summer’s day.

Château de Campuget Rosé 2011 is a fantastic, incredibly drinkable Rosé from France – perfect to try with friends by the pool this season. The wine has an intense pink color, so it’s nice to look at and drink. One sip and you’ll experience a wonderful balance between acidity and fruit; it boasts a bouquet of raspberries and black currants.  

The winery behind this Rosé, Château de Campuget, is in Costières de Nîmes, part of the Rhône Valley in the south of France. It’s a beautiful wine property that dates back to 1640! After such longevity, it’s no wonder they know how to make great wine.

Search out this wonderful Rosé and buy a bottle or a case to enjoy with your BBQs, get-togethers and picnics this season; at approximately $10 per bottle (retail cost), more Californians are sure to become Rosé drinkers soon!

— Richard Righton
Owner, Bidwell Street Bistro in Folsom