Chicken Plus Waffles Adds Up to Sweet,
Savory And Special for Mother’s Day Brunch
Ah… Mother’s Day … that second Sunday in May when
this country pays homage to the
queens
of the castle. Naturally everyone wants to do something special
for their mothers and anyone else who has mothered them during the
year. This tribute often involves getting mom out of the kitchen.
It is one of the busiest days of the year in restaurant land and
deservedly so. But deciding how to celebrate can often be a challenge
particularly if you have constraints on time, money or patience.
When I was a little girl my siblings and I would make breakfast
for my mother and bring it to her in bed. Preparation the first
couple times took us so long she had to get back in bed to actually
be served. With time, my sisters and I got quite proficient at
Mother’s Day celebrations. We graduated from breakfast in
bed for our mom to brunches and dinner parties for our extended
family.
Nowadays my sisters and I are in different cities with husbands
and offspring so we qualify for the honor of being served or catered
to for the day. (Ok, we are hoping that our spouses get the hint.)
I know that I can expect great things from my husband and kids
for they are at least familiar with the location of the kitchen.
I am looking forward to the “annual” surprise breakfast
in bed prepared by my husband and served by my kids.
After my husband purchased a commercial grade waffle iron he
became “the man “
our very own breakfast chef extraordinaire. He had already perfected
his technique for pancakes. I do admit his waffles and pancakes
are legendary. When paired with one of my favorites, fried chicken
wings, this seemingly odd pair makes a great meal. Add a fresh
fruit salad, a beverage and “brunch is served.”
The chicken and waffles combination has been around for years.
When partygoers in 1930’s Harlem left the clubs after hours
and stopped for something to eat they couldn’t decide if
they were in the mood for breakfast or dinner fare. A resourceful
chef married the duo and created something exciting. So for a
soulful experience, for you or your mom or as a hint to pass along
to the rest of your family… try our version of the popular
chicken and waffles combo. We think you will enjoy the juxtaposed
flavors of savory and sweet for this Mother’s Day treat!!!
Mother's Day Recipes
Wilcher’s
Wonderful Waffles
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs slightly beaten
1 -½ cups buttermilk
1 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil cooking spray
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt, mixing well.
Set aside. Combine eggs, buttermilk, milk, vegetable oil
and vanilla; mix well. Add egg mixture to flour mixture
and blend until batter is smooth. Spray waffle iron with
vegetable cooking spray. Ladle or spoon batter onto waffle
iron. Cook until waffle is golden and edges are crisp. For
best results serve hot. Top with warmed maple syrup and
or fresh fruit.
Yield: 6 (7-inch diameter) waffles
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Fried
Chicken Wings
4 pounds chicken wings
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups vegetable shortening
Rinse chicken with cold water; pat dry. In a large bowl
combine buttermilk and hot pepper sauce. Add chicken; toss
to coat evenly. Marinate in refrigerator at least 1 hour.
Remove chicken; discard marinade. Place chicken on parchment
paper or plastic wrap. Combine seasoned salt, garlic powder
and pepper. Sprinkle mixture evenly on both sides of chicken.
Place flour in zip-top plastic bag. Place 4 to 5 wings in
plastic bag, seal and shake to coat evenly. Remove chicken;
repeat procedure with remaining pieces. Melt shortening
in Dutch oven or large cast iron skillet over medium heat;
heat to 350`F. Fry chicken in batches 10 minutes per side
or until done and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
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