12.18.2009

Three Sisters Chicken

When my three brothers and I were little, we thought our Mum was the only one who knew how to make the best honey-baked chicken in the whole wide world. We begged her to make it, craving the salty sweet contrast of honey and mustard with the lingering flavor of curry powder. We'd scrape every bit of sauce left in the pan and drizzle it over the brown rice mounded on our plates. There were rarely leftovers.

Upon visiting our cousins, however, we were astounded to discover that not only was it one of our most-requested dishes, it was a family favorite in the homes of both my Mum's sisters too.

We shouldn't have been surprised. Joy (aka Mums), Rosalie and Janet share more than just recipes and cooking skills. You can tell they are sisters by their hands, their adorable dimples, and their uncanny habit of sighing in unison after every gale of laughter. (Trust me, they cannot laugh without the accompanying sigh. Us cousins tried to make them one time and by the end we were all crying with laughter because they just couldn't manage it.)


 Mums


Rosalie

Janet

They grew up the youngest of seven children to missionaries in Northern Canada. They were dirt poor but resourceful, learning early how to garden, can fruits and veggies and bake up a storm. I love hearing them tell stories of the missionary barrels they would get at Christmas stuffed with second-hand clothes and toys that filled their little hearts with awe and joy.

They went to the same school and met their husbands, who happened to be roommates. They each had one daughter (and sons!) and we grew up to be dear friends with our mothers and each other. Every year, no matter where we are, we try to get together for one jolly weekend filled with laughter (and sighing!), tears and fabulous memories.

My Mum and my aunts are strong and feisty women. They have suffered deeply and experienced great joy, becoming softer, kinder, freer with each passing year. As they wend their way into their sixties I watch in unabashed delight and pride as they forge a new version of themselves and flourish in their amazing gifts. I love their honesty, soft hearts and courage. They are some of the bravest women I have ever known and when life seems dark and hopeless I think of them and know I can make it.

We are scattered across the States and Canada now, but we all still make Honey-Baked Chicken. We still delight in the smell of caramelized chicken wafting from the oven, still scrape the pan to get those last lovely bits of sauce, and those sisters still sigh after every laugh.

Mums, Rosalie and Janet - I'm so glad you're in my life. I love you. :-)


Mustard, salt and honey for the sauce


Honey and butter melting together.


Honey Baked Chicken all browned and lovely.


Honey Baked Chicken

3 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
2/3 cup butter melted
2/3 cup honey
4 Tbsp prepared mustard
1 tsp salt
2 tsp curry powder

Back at 375 for 30 minutes, basting once or twice, until caramelized nicely. Serve with brown basmati rice and carrots boiled with dill.

20 comments:

  1. That was lovely. Thank you for sharing. :)

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  2. Your mom looks so great! Just like she did way back when... I too love this recipe.

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  3. answ: Thanks!! :)
    / Olof - http://thecompletetruth.blogg.se/

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  4. I LOVE this post! I smiled the whole way thru it and even let out a contented sigh at the end. Now I'm craving my favorite comfort food (I've always requested this chicken & rice if Mom is making my birthday dinner). You described our moms so well. Made me miss mine. Made me miss all us girls. We really have to get together soon!!!

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  5. What a lovely post and what a lovely family. I will try you recipe and perhaps it will become one of our favourites too.

    Blessings Gail
    [popped over from Down to Earth]

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  6. I love this pic of her too, Karen :-)

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  7. I'm SO glad, Danyellee!! I love and miss you terribly! :-)

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  8. Blessings to you too, Gail! :-) I'm so glad you stopped in and I hope you love the chicken as much as we do. :-)

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  9. I'm always looking for new ways to prepare chicken, and this is definitely right up my alley! I love honey on or in chicken, so I must try this. That said, what a lovely post..heartwarming to read and great photos too :)

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  10. What a wonderful tribute to these lovely women in your family. Thank you for sharing this. It touched my heart. You are blessed to be part of such a family.

    I am going to try this chicken recipe, it sounds yummy. It will be a joy to think of you and your family each time I make it.

    FlowerLady

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  11. I just felt a sudden pang, reading your post. Was reminded of the honey soy chicken wings my mom used to make for us all the time, when we were kids.

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  12. What a lovely lovely post! I can't wait to try the recipe!

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  13. This is such a heartwarming post. I love it when I read/hear about families that are so close-knit. My family is really close now and I hope we stay that way into the future.

    This chicken sounds delicious! I am on such a honey mustard kick at the moment, that I know I would love it.

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  14. Heart the story...to bits. What a blessing.And thanks for the chicken recipe too :-) kitchenbutterfly.com

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  15. Thank you so much, dear ones. I'm so glad this touched your hearts and hope you really love the chicken. :-)

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  16. I just read your post Krista. Danielle told me I must! Made me cry. What a sweet commentary on precious memories. You have a great blog!

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  17. I'm so glad you read it, Janet. :-) I confess I cried as I wrote, then as I edited, and again as it went to "press." :-)

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