Cooking with my Mother-in-law

Years ago, before Charlie and I were married, even before we were engaged, I had the joy of eating meals with my in-laws. Early on it was only on a few Sundays and maybe a Wednesday night every so often. But after we got engaged and while planning our future Charlie accepted a job after graduation with Westinghouse in Baltimore MD. Sundays faded out unless he had come home for the weekend, but I had dinner there every Wednesday which was a blessing. 

Charlie’s father was a day laborer, and his hours were dictated by the weather. He could arrive home any time from 5pm until 8pm. So, I had many special hours to spend with “Momma” while she cooked, and we waited together. Pleasantly and without realizing it at the time I was receiving private cooking lessons. My Mother-in-law was a resourceful cook who created delicious meals. And one of the most memorable is one that I remember mostly because the preparation astonished me: chicken baked in wax paper. It always turned out crisp, nicely browned, and moist….and like all of her dishes, truly delicious. Mother’s Day is approaching, and I was thinking about my Mother-in-law and this simple but delightful dish popped into my mind.

A SIMPLE CHICKEN RECIPE

Depending on the number of people you are cooking for will determine how many chicken pieces you will need. Thighs and Breasts work best.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 or 400º depending on your oven.

Each piece should be skin on and bone in, washed and patted dry. Sprinkle each with a   slight amount of salt and pepper (a little garlic powder, for me), coat each piece heavily with Hellman’s mayonnaise*, dip in seasoned breadcrumbs, sprinkle slightly with Romano cheese, freshly grated, and enclose each piece separately in wax paper. Place on a heavy bottom baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes or until a meat thermometer declares the chicken fully cooked. Remove from oven and let sit undisturbed for 5 or 6 minutes. Carefully unwrap so as not to disturb all the breading and serve.

*I’m sure my Mother-in-law used olive oil instead of mayo. But mayo works easiest for me. Those were wonderful days from stories to soups to pasta to pizza and many great meals.

BUON MANGIATA!