Fowl Play

Sometimes such a simple idea (and tried and true formula), with really basic yet quality elements can be a smash hit. This time, I was ready to take the chance again with comfort food. Thinking (day dreaming, really) about the noodles and gravy in Frankenmuth, Michigan at the all-you-can gorge family-style chicken dinners of my youth and childhood served as my muse. There though, they ruin them with a topping of cracker crumbs - why, I have no idea, I guess some people just like it better that way. A basic roux, turned to a luscious thick gravy, my version puts the chicken in (I hate to chicken out), since I intend this as a main event and not just a little something on the side. And store bought egg noodles, which are labeled dumplings (they need too be extra wide to handle the gravy) even though they are not, fit this bill of fare just fine. Creamy, savory, warm and inviting. The perfect combination of yum.

Foul Play, 1978 hit romantic comedy starring Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn, Dudley Moore, and of course the late great unsung hero of cinema Billy Barty. The plot is unoriginal, yet somehow manages to be both amusing and satisfying. With Hawn, as a subdued librarian who knew too much, and Chase as a serious San Francisco cop (post-SNL, pre-Fletch), who set out to solve a murder mystery involving a pack of cigarettes, an albino, a dwarf (Barty, duh) and the Catholic Church. Funny dialogue, perfect casting, romance, intrigue and lovely scenery round out this romp. A familiar formula, done right.You get what you get when you go for it....

The Recipe:

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

4 cups chicken broth

12 oz Egg noodles, broad or dumpling style

3 tbsp butter

1/2 cup flour, plus more for dredging (up the past)
1 tbsp olive oil

Salt to taste

Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess, and saute until cooked through. Remove from heat. Bring to boil 5 qts of water in a large pot. Meanwhile, in yet another pan, melt butter until it stops bubbling and whisk in the flour. Whisk for one one minute, then slowly add the broth, still whisking, until smooth. Bring to a boil, and stir until thickened. Add the chicken to your now gravy. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, put in a casserole dish and add gravy chicken combination. Stir and serve 4.