Add a little bit of love to this recipe. It is the secret ingredient that works to make one feel better. The Blue Willow Inn Restaurant’s head cook, Ann Lowe, has been making this “feel good” stew for many years to comfort loved ones and friends when they’re not feeling well or simply down in spirit. It’s a true southerner’s comfort food.
1 (3 to 4-pound) broiler-fryer chicken
1 quart (4 cups) water
1 quart (4 cups) milk
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 sleeves saltine crackers
Salt and pepper
Thoroughly wash the chicken. In a stockpot on medium heat place the chicken in the water. Cook the chicken until tender. Remove the chicken from the pot, reserving the chicken broth. Add the milk to the broth and bring the mixture to a slow boil, stirring often to prevent scorching. Add the butter and melt. Crush the saltine crackers and add them to the stockpot. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Turn the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer, stirring often, until it thickens. Remove the skin and the bones from the chicken. Tear the chicken into bite-size pieces. When the broth mixture in the pot has thickened, add the chicken. Serve hot.
YIELD: 8 TO 10 SERVINGS