Many years ago while living in St. Paul, MN a dear friend (Tom) gave to me a recipe that he called "Chicken Italian." I believe it was one of those recipes that is found on the back of a box or a bottle of Italian salad dressing. Although I did make it a few times while living in St. Paul it was not until I moved to California where it became a favorite staple of my menu as well as a favorite comfort food. Every time I make this recipe I think of my dear friend Tom who gave it to me; but, also I always think of my apartment in Burlingame and its big old fashioned O'Keefe & Merritt gas range.
The apartment in Burlingame was my first home in the Bay Area. Up until then I had been room-mates with a friend named Bob. The thing that sold me on this apartment was the nice large size, the big floor to ceiling windows in the living room and that big gas range in the kitchen.
So, over the years that apartment was the home of many happy events: Christmases, Thanksgivings, birthdays, friends visiting, and my mom visiting. I have fond memories of my four and one-half years of living there.
The first winter of living there was an exceptionally rainy winter and I do believe it was a record breaker in the amount of rain received. Frequently at the end of a long work day, a long commute from the Silicon Valley, I would arrive home wet and tired. The first thing I would do was turn on the heat and if I had chicken in the fridge, I would make "Chicken Italian." There was something about pre-heating the oven on that big old gas range...and then browning the chicken in a frying pan before putting it in the oven that was comforting. The cares and concerns of the work day would ease away, the oven would give off a gentle warmth that would fill the kitchen, and basting the chicken while it cooked would be one of those simple and pleasurable chores...while the rain poured outside tap-tapping against the windows.
Now I have lived here for over 30 years and as I look back I smile fondly at the memories...especially when like last night...I was once again making "Chicken Italian."
p.s. If you want the recipe for "Chicken Italian", go to "recipes" and/or type in "chicken" on the search bar.
The apartment in Burlingame was my first home in the Bay Area. Up until then I had been room-mates with a friend named Bob. The thing that sold me on this apartment was the nice large size, the big floor to ceiling windows in the living room and that big gas range in the kitchen.
So, over the years that apartment was the home of many happy events: Christmases, Thanksgivings, birthdays, friends visiting, and my mom visiting. I have fond memories of my four and one-half years of living there.
The first winter of living there was an exceptionally rainy winter and I do believe it was a record breaker in the amount of rain received. Frequently at the end of a long work day, a long commute from the Silicon Valley, I would arrive home wet and tired. The first thing I would do was turn on the heat and if I had chicken in the fridge, I would make "Chicken Italian." There was something about pre-heating the oven on that big old gas range...and then browning the chicken in a frying pan before putting it in the oven that was comforting. The cares and concerns of the work day would ease away, the oven would give off a gentle warmth that would fill the kitchen, and basting the chicken while it cooked would be one of those simple and pleasurable chores...while the rain poured outside tap-tapping against the windows.
Now I have lived here for over 30 years and as I look back I smile fondly at the memories...especially when like last night...I was once again making "Chicken Italian."
p.s. If you want the recipe for "Chicken Italian", go to "recipes" and/or type in "chicken" on the search bar.
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