Oven Fried Chicken

2020 has had a turbulent take-off. Everyone seems to be on edge including the President of the United States. What makes his despair even more virulent and horrific is that his agitation has a tendency to become the direct cause of not only American despair but specific misery and uneasiness worldwide. Lives are lost, in turn whole cultures and familial patterns are shattered. The world would be so much better if people like Chump were not passive-aggressive and dealt with their problems head-on as opposed to taking their frustrations out on innocent bystanders. But that is not our current situation. Chicken is what some might label the president; maybe even Oven Fried Chicken.

I attended a NCAA Division I college basketball game last night and felt like an interloper the entire time despite the fact I am an alumna of both the schools that played. Fans and members of the home team band alike yelled out some of the most vicious, vile insults I have ever heard at a sporting event. If this is the definition of a 21st century, institute of higher learning, I would not have my child participating. The fanatics were over and above older, White and male. The players, assuredly the opposite. I asked my Georgetown law school educated friend (she bought the tickets) if we as a society were properly teaching our kids how to lose gracefully. She without hesitation replied “no.”

Entitlement, is the term that has been bandied about in the last few years usually in reference to millennials or so-called welfare queens, who in fact, in the United States, happen to be overwhelmingly White women. But facts, like whether jumping on a players back during a basketball game is a foul or the degradation of the nation’s quality of public schools or drinking water or infrastructure or the rising federal deficit do not matter anymore so do not worry. Just do not think about any of it.

Professional athletes have been called privileged and entitled especially in the last 25 years despite the fact that they themselves are employees of someone who is able to pay their multi-million dollar salaries. Remember when Dorothy uncovered the Wizard’s secret in “The Wizard of Oz?” That is the era we currently live in. Let us not think about who the entitled truly are because well, some of them are our political representatives, our children and some of the entitled may even be us.

So, for the majority of us who are suffering from violent attacks, may we at the least enjoy some respite in a healthier version of a favorite comfort food, fried chicken. Harissa, a North African red pepper and paprika combination, gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor. I added more than I suggest here and you should too if you like Oven Fried Chicken hot. Throw in the ultimate potato salad and some incredible vegan pinto beans. Rejoice.

Oven Fried Chicken

• 1 lb. Organic Chicken cut into pieces (I used 3 large chicken breasts)
• 1/4 Cup Melted Butter
• 1/4 teaspoon Real Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Harissa Seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon Minced Organic Red Onion
• 1/4 teaspoon Dill Weed
• Flour
• A squeeze of Fresh Lemon Juice

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Dip a piece of chicken into the mixture of melted butter, salt, seasoned salt, harissa, minced onion and dill weed. Dredge in flour and place skin side down in a shallow baking dish. Repeat with each piece of chicken. Spoon all remaining seasoned butter over chicken. Place into oven for 30 minutes watching periodically to ensure the chicken does not burn. Turn chicken and continue to cook for 15 minutes or until the meat is tender and brown. Serves 2 to 3 people.