Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

With today’s highly important Presidential Primaries, I began to ponder “What IS American cuisine?”

We, The United States Of America, were founded by British settlers; however, this land we love was already home to Native Americans and had been for hundreds of years. Shortly before those three fleeing vessels ran aground on Plymouth Rock, Dutch settlers had already made homes along the North Eastern shores, presently known as New York and even before that, Spaniards were following the trail of a popular explorer, Christopher Columbus. Already, our pre-country was a melting pot of culture and flavors.

Let’s bring it up to present day. The good ole US of A is filled with more ethnicities, more religions, and more traditions than any country in the world, making for a culinary cornucopia of flavors and textures.

So how does one answer the question “What IS American cuisine?” with certainty? Okay, everyone think about this and before second-guessing yourself, blurt out the answer. Its okay to say it out loud, no one will think you are crazy and while you are at it, list it below. What did you say? Apple Pie? Hot Dogs? Chili? Hamburgers?

Well, in honor of voting day, I liked to share an old family recipe for what I think is truly American cuisine. Fried Chicken. Go home Tuesday night, proudly wearing your ‘I Voted’ sticker and fry up this American tradition, calories be damned. And even if you don’t make this recipe, VOTE!

Southern Fried Chicken

• 1 broiler/fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Flour, for dredging
• Vegetable shortening, for frying

Place chicken pieces into a plastic container and cover with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt enough shortening (over low heat) to come just 1/8-inch up the side of a 12-inch cast iron skillet or heavy fry pan. Once shortening liquefies raise heat to Medium/ High. Drain chicken in a colander. Combine all spices. Liberally season chicken with this mixture. Pat spice mix into chicken deeply. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess. Place chicken skin side down into the pan. The oil should come half way up the pan. Cook chicken until golden brown on each side. Remove from skillet and place on a sheet pan with a wire rack. Place in pre-heated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until juices run clear from all pieces.

Now go VOTE!!

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