Momma Marj's McCutcheon Crunchy Chicken

You could say I have a "use whatcha got" mentality when it comes to creating dishes. Well this thought process comes mainly from the woman I watched use the very same thought- each night for 18+ years. She made it look so easy, so effortless! Night after night she would plate up and wow the crowd with incredible dishes she just came up with. I rarely saw her looking at a cookbook following a recipe- and if she did, it was usually just for some inspiration. It went a little something like this. Well I have this and this, so I can make this....and wah la! Thirty minutes later, dinner would be served. Racheal Ray who? She ain't got nothin' on MY mama! 

I grew up on leftovers and I'm proud of it. Some people turn up their nose at leftovers- but really, if you started with something delicious, chances are it only gets better with time. Time allows for all those flavors to "marry" and melt into one another...that's when the magic happens. Especially when it's yo mama's leftovers. The hubby and I had the sweet treat of getting to sample some of those special mom-made leftovers this evening. 

Tonight's menu offered two dishes. Both with local flavor and a whole-lotta-love!

Momma Marj's McCutcheon Crunchy Chicken

Ingredients: 

• boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• garlic powder
• McCutcheon's Sweet Pepper Relish
  
• panko bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Sprinkle chicken thighs with garlic powder.
2. Spread McCutcheon's relish on top.
3. Layer panko crumbs on top of relish.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. 

** McCutcheon's is a local store that has been operating here in Frederick, MD since 1938. [wowzer!] They sell everything from perfectly pressed apple cider, every fruit preserve you could think of, pasta sauces, and hot sauces. Good Lord, they have a lot and it's all GOOD and supa-dupa cheap! If your local, GO! If you're not, [come visit!!] check out their website that I have linked above. 

Momma Marj's Mellow Mushroom Noodles 

Ingredients:

• egg noodles, cooked
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms (any will do)
• Persian Lime Infused Olive Oil from Lebherz Olive Oil + Vinegar Emporium
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• poppy seeds

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot to a rolling boil and begin cooking egg noodles
2. Meanwhile, sauté mushrooms in the Persian lime infused olive oil, season with s+p
3. Remove mushrooms from pan, add more olive oil if necessary, and throw in almonds
4. Sauté almonds until golden brown.
5. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, sprinkle with poppy seeds to season and garnish. 

** Lebherz Olive Oil + Vinegar Emporium [L.O.V.E] is a fabulous little treasure that opened in downtown Frederick, MD by one of my fellow TJ high school alumnae. They feature oils and vinegars from all around the world. They bottle and seal the oils in house. If you haven't visited yet, what are you waiting for?! If you are an out-of-towner, they ship ;) Check out their website [if you haven't already] that I have linked above. 

~~~

You know what else is good for the soul? Cute kitties. 

Tinkerbell: the sweet one.

Chloe: the sassy one.

TGIT peeps!