Country Casserole

Recipe By     : Jo Anne Merrill
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :1:15
Categories    : Casseroles                       Poultry

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   3      pounds        chicken
   5      tablespoons   all-purpose flour
     1/2  cup           margarine
   1      cup           onions -- chopped
   1      cup           celery
     1/4  cup           green bell peppers -- diced
     1/2  teaspoon      salt
                        black pepper
   2      cups          chicken broth
                        --- Topping: ---
   1      cup           all-purpose flour
     1/2  cup           cornmeal
   1      tablespoon    baking powder
   2      teaspoons     sugar
     1/2  teaspoon      salt
     1/4  teaspoon      ground sage
     1/4  teaspoon      ground thyme
     1/8  teaspoon      black pepper
   1      tablespoon    vegetable shortening
   3                    large eggs -- beaten
     3/4  cup           milk
     1/4  cup           black olives -- chopped
     1/2  cup           cheddar cheese -- shredded

* Instead of chicken broth you can use bouillon cubes dissolved in boiling water. Try to use low salt broth.

     1. Cut fryer into serving-sized pieces. Dust lightly with 1/4 cup flour. Use a 3-quart casserole for this dish. Place 1/4 cup melted margarine in casserole and add cut-up chicken. Roll chicken to coat with the margarine. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
     2. Sauté onion, celery and green peppers in 1/4 cup margarine until tender and onion is translucent and limp. Blend in 1 tablespoon flour, salt and pepper to taste. Place this mixture around chicken. Spoon topping over chicken. Have chicken broth boiling and pour over the topping slowly. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle shredded cheese over topping for last 5 minutes of cooking time if desired.

TOPPING: Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, salt, sage, thyme and pepper in a mixing bowl. Cut in 1 tablespoon shortening. Add slightly beaten eggs and milk; blend well. Stir in sliced olives.

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Serving Ideas : Serve with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable.