Turn a Plain Piece of Meat into a Succulent Entree

Make the meal served at your family table a memorable one. Chicken, beef, pork

or fish, whichever is your favorite, don't settle for a plain meal ever

again. With a few simple ingredients that most of us probably have in the cupboard,

you can dress up a simple meal and make your family say "mmmmm."

The base for most sauces and gravies begins with a roux: a mixture of flour

or corn starch blended into meat juices or bouillon and water. Butter can be

used to make a cream sauce. Blended well and seasoned with a touch of garlic,

curry, pepper, herbs or other spices, it's that easy! Drizzle this burst

of flavor over your dish. You and your family will begin looking forward to

dinner.

My family loves it, right down to the last drop, swiped up with a hot buttered

dinner roll. Our favorite is a zesty Italian glaze that I make for grilled Chicken.

• Brown your chicken in olive oil. I like the boneless, skinless breast

meat.

• Once browned, remove chicken from the pan and set aside. Turn the heat

down to low.

• Melt 2 tablespoons of butter to the oil in the pan.

• Add one clove of crushed garlic. Powdered Garlic will also work.

• Half of one onion diced, and two bouillon cubes.

• Once the onion and garlic have softened until clear in color, add 3

tbls. of flour.

• Stir the flour in until it absorbs all of the oil, butter and juices

from the chicken. It should become a paste.

• Using a whisk, (a fork will do), slowly add 3 cups of water, a little

at a time. This keeps lumps from forming.

• Season with some Oregano and Basil, (Italian Season). A pinch of red

pepper flakes, Salt and Pepper to taste.

• Replace the Chicken into the pan, cover and let simmer for 35 to 40

minutes. Stir occasionally. If too thick, add a few tbls of water. If too thin,

leave cover off and let it reduce down. (evaporate)

Quick, easy and delicious, the chicken will be moist and tender, never dry

and chewy. You too can make saucy, delicious dishes, by following the quick

and easy recipes and directions, for meats, rice, potatoes, vegetables, pastas

and more at MariasCookery.com