Meme’s Fried Chicken and Gravy

Name: Meme’s Fried Chicken and Gravy
Yield: serves 4 to 6
Ingredients: 1 (4-pound) chicken, cut into pieces (see page 99); Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 pound (2 cups) solid vegetable shortening, preferably Crisco, for frying, plus more if needed; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups chicken stock (page 227) or low-fat, reduced-sodium chicken broth, or 1 cup milk plus 1 cup chicken stock or broth

December 9, 2011

Fried chicken is as deeply rooted in Southern culture as kudzu. It would be my hands-down choice for my last supper. Meme knew how much I loved it and spoiled me. When I lived far away and flew home to visit, it didn’t matter what time of the day or night I arrived—2:00 P.M. or 2:00 A.M.—she would be at the stove frying chicken to welcome me home.

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