Depression Chicken

Poppa Sal toasts "Cent' Anni'

One of my mom's favorite dishes was "Depression Chicken". I'm sure that the name of the dish was a sign of the times. Mom would make it at least once a week - usually on Sunday after the pasta course.

Sunday was the day that my grandparents on my father's side would visit and have dinner with us. The whole family would all get dressed up on Sunday morning to attend Mass at St. Catherine of Genoa Church. After Mass, my dad Salvatore would take me to the German bakery, "Sylvia's", to pick out jelly donuts and danish pastries. He would buy an assorted baker's dozen. What a treat!

At home, the gravy (yes, gravy) would be simmering on the stove, while Mom prepared her chicken dish. This one-pan wonder is still one of my favorites.

Depression Chicken

• 1 chicken (cut up)
• 6 potatoes (scrubbed and sliced into wedges)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 can of peas, drained
• salt & and pepper
• rosemary, parsley, garlic powder
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Wash chicken and pat dry. Place in a greased baking pan. Add potato wedges and sliced onion, rosemary and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt & pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Bake uncovered at 350 for 1 hour. Add drained peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Chicken and potatoes should be golden brown. Enjoy.