Chicken Vesuvio (Midwestern, particularly Chicago)

Dear readers, I wasn't going to blog until after I got back from Ireland, but if John McCain can try to suspend time and reason, I can blog whenever I want to. In these tough economic times, some people may think that the American spirit will simply rise above another tough moment in our lives.  Well folks, it's going to take a lot more than spirit to take our dear nation out of the economic toilet.  Instead of denying that the economy is failing, postponing debates, and waxing poetically about diva pitbulls and their make up, this is a great time to let history be our guide.  Before the nation fell into the Great Depression, President Herbert Hoover guaranteed he would usher in an era in which Americans would have "a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage."  Unfortunately, a year after Hoover moved into the White House, Americans could barely eat regularly, and could not imagine affording a vehicle of their own.  Although Hoover's vision was eroded by the stock market crash (sound familiar), I think the promises of a prosperous and comfortable America is hopeful.  I wonder what Hoover would think of our expectations about our lifestyles now.  If the presidential candidates promised only chicken and a Geo Metro or Dodge Omni in every driveway, most Americans would balk by such 'low aspirations' for the nation.  Or,  if a politician encouraged us to live under our means and save money, or if a president suggested that we can't fight terrorism through the purchasing of consumer goods, some Americans would be up in arms.  Our nation has fed us on a steady diet of high fructose corn syrup, an accepting attitude toward debt and a notion that patriotism is best expressed through consumption.  Now, we are paying the price...I think all those meals are going to cost us  $700,000,000,000, including lots of tax and tips to the most irresponsible CEOs in America.  But this current crisis in credit, housing, oil, banking, investing, health care and the occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq, has taught all of us that maybe simpler is better.  How about we wear last season's jeans, grow our own food, rent movies from our local library, and cook and eat an economical meal at home?  

So, if you are finding that your dollar doesn't stretch as far, may I suggest a Chicago original--Chicken vesuvio.  Chicago is a truly magical place.  It's where I was born, raised, fell in love with my husband and learned how to do the "Super Bowl Shuffle."  Chitown has never let me down, and Chicago foods are spectacularly modest.  I'm not sure if "the fundamentals of the economy are strong," but the components of this recipe are solid.  Chicken vesuvio comprises chicken pieces seasoned with garlic, oregano, and lemon juice, potato wedges and peas.  First you sear the chicken pieces in olive oil or whatever you have on hand, season it, and set the chicken aside.  In the same pan,  you partially pan roast some potato wedges until they are slightly brown, but not completely roasted.  Then, set the potatoes aside.  Deglaze the pan with some white wine or low-sodium chicken broth.  Set aside the sauce.  Put all the components in a hot oven with a few cloves of garlic to cook together.  Keep in 425 degree oven for about thirty minutes, then sprinkle a few peas on top and continue to cook for ten more minutes.  Before serving, pour sauce on top of chicken.  If you use all chicken drumsticks, some Russet roasting potatoes, a package of frozen peas, herbs from your garden, and a nice bottle of cheapo white from Yellowtail or Barefoot Wineries, you can have a lovely dinner for under $20.

How about you invite your neighbors over and talk about forming a food co-op?  Or bring some leftovers to the home of a friend who just got laid off.  Instead of eating out, eat and drink with your family and friends in the safety of your home.  And feel grateful that you still have a chicken in your pot.

Happy Eating!