Southern Fried chicken- Memphis Tennessee

Memphis Tennessee is one of the hottest places on earth or at least that’s what it felt like when we arrived after 12 hours on an air contioned train.  We had just taken the overnight sleeper train from Chicago which isn’t much fun when you can’t afford a nice wee room with a bed in it and instead spend the night hugging the arm of a chair. It was 7 in the morning and we were tired and confused as we arrived into what appeared to be Elvis land or you might call it the city centre in Memphis. As we arrived at are hostel which of courses as all the hostels we stayed in was extremely questionable we attempted to check in then broke down when we were told there was no check in till 2 this happened a lot while traveling extreme lack of research on my part.  

After ditching are back packers bags at the hostel and hoping that they don’t disappear by the time we get back we went out into Memphis to discover what was going on.  After discovering Beale Street we began to feel at home with the live music playing from every shop restaurant and street corner we felt like we had arrived. Of courses like every real foodie it wasn’t long before I was starving and couldn’t resist the smell from a certain small dinner type restaurant. The smell from the fryer wasn’t like are usual Scottish chip shop smell it smelt fresh and I could smell the herbs and spices as soon as I walked through the door.

 After being greeted by a southern American man with the most amazing accent he didn’t have to do much persuading we had already sat down with a menu. The menu covered all bases of typical mid-south American food with wings, ribs, chicken and catfish the stability of the entire menu. I had to have the southern fried chicken which of course came in a hearty portion fit for about 10 of me but that didn’t stop me the honey mustard sauce complemented the crispy chicken which had been cooked to perfection. The typical American thin fries had been replaced by chunky fresh cooked chips which were all potato. This small taste of home completed the dish perfectly and after being away for almost three months it was a welcomed addition.

This dish really summed up are time in Memphis very fun a bit messy nothing posh and lots of Elvis. Everyday in Memphis was a treat for the ears and the mouth a trip that I will never forget all I can say is bring on the wonderful train journey down the Mississippi we have a pillow this time.

Here is my recipe for southern fried chicken with mash and my own take on honey mustard sauce. I played around with different spices until I found the perfect variation of a great dish.

This is a delicious basic southern fried chicken recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds chicken pieces
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 3 cups vegetable oil
• Salt

·         3 tbsp  Mixed herbs

·         2 tbsp Garlic powder

Honey mustard sauce

·         100grams mayonaise

·         10 grams mustard

·         20grams honey

Preparation:

Rinse chicken; pat dry and then set aside.

Combine milk and eggs in a bowl; whisk to blend well.

In a large heavy-duty resealable plastic food storage bag, combine the flour, salt, and pepper mixed herbs and garlic.

Dip a chicken piece in the milk mixture; let excess drip off into bowl. Put a few chicken pieces in the food storage bag and shake lightly to coat thoroughly. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken pieces.

Heat oil to 350°. Fry chicken, a few pieces at a time, for about 10 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Chicken breasts will take a little less time than other pieces. Pierce with a fork to see if juices run clear to check for doneness. With a slotted spoon, move to paper towels to drain; sprinkle with salt.

Mashed potato complements this dish well