Isabelle's Chicken Recipe and Story

My grown son is now in his own condo and this collection of recipes I called, Dearest Michael were written when he was younger as you will see by my references, as a gift to him for this very moment.

Whether you read them for the story or the recipe, know that they were written as a tribute to the many people who have influenced my kitchen, my cooking and my notion of family.

STORY

Dearest Michael,

Grandma Belle was an integral part of our lives. I was as close to her as I was to Grandma Kitsie and I miss them with an almost vengeance as their legacy of life has been a major influence in mine.

Their example has shaped my world views, my ethics and moral compass and the way I cook and exist in my kitchen. Isabelle would hand write her index cards along with the date making sure her name would appear on the card like so many cooks of her generation would do.

When Kitsie and Isabelle died, I managed to retrieve both of their recipe card files- worn jam packed boxes filled with notes and butter stains.

Kitsie’s is like deciphering a secret code; Isabelle’s are clear and thorough, but this is no reflection of who they were as strong women. Kitsie could throw a few ingredients on a card and know how to put it together by instinct, Isabelle was more methodical and was a direction follower. The end results were the same in delicious food, they both took different paths to get there and this is true of life, parenting, decisions, choices.

Recipes are a unique metaphor for all.

Grandma Belle started to wind down in her cooking as she got into her nineties, but I have fragrant and tasty memories of so many meals, like her Chocolate Cake, her Brisket, her Chicken Soup and this one that has been a staple in our family like so many. You do, too, because good recipes, like good advice, are often passed through generations.
I was fortunate that I was born to young parents, ensuring a long and healthy relationship with my grandparents, who were only in their late forties when I came along. And you were also lucky as you got to know your Great Grandparents too.

This recipe, like a family tree, has lots of stories. I have made this as a staple like stuffing on a Thanksgiving table. Every Jewish holiday, this sweet chicken dish has been made. This recipe, given out generously to anyone who asks, was one of the first recipes I learned to cook back in my early kitchen days as it is easy (and almost humorous) in its ingredients.

I have figured out ways to make it with less processed ingredients over the years and a healthier version follows, but do this the old school way for your kitchen. It is foolproof and you will never be disappointed by its melt in your mouth, sweet and tender joy it brings to your palette. You will be transported back to many dinners of your young life.
I Love You. Love Mom

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• 1 Chicken (about 6–12 pieces) what type of chicken is up to you, but Grandma and I always used chicken thighs, bone in and skin on; it adds a lot of flavor. (If you use boneless, the time to cook it will be much shorter.)
• Juice of 1 lemon, salt, pepper and garlic powder
• Half of an 8oz bottle of Catalina Salad Dressing. If you can’t find Catalina, use French. (if you are using more than 6 pieces of chicken, you could probably use the whole bottle)
• Half of an 8oz jar of Peach jelly (same here, you may need the whole jar, the mixture should be pourable so get a feel for it)
• ¼ cup of water
• 1 package of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• 4–6 small potatoes cut in half (if you feel like it, otherwise just put them in whole)