Macho Menus — Mother-In-Law Tamer (Chicken Divan)

Historical February 1991 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

I was flattered when Sue Rothschild called to ask if I would submit a recipe for the Macho Menus column. That seemed easy enough—that is, until I found out that I also had to write my own story to accompany it. Since I enjoy cooking, I have a number of favorite recipes, but author I am not; and how many of your favorite dishes come ready-made with entertaining histories?

Then it came to me.

I might not have a recipe with a history, but I had one that recently could be said to represent history-in-the-making.

It all started over the recent holidays during a visit from my mother-in-law. Before you say “oh no, not another nasty mother-in-law story,” let me say that I like my mother-in-law, and sometimes she likes me—as long as I stay in my place, and that place is not the kitchen. Like many women of her generation, she believes that men are not created equal in that arena.

A visit from one’s mother-in-law wouldn’t seem right or normal unless you engaged in some amount of effort to outwit her, out-flank her, or at least charm her into changing her mind about something—any little thing!!!

This visit was the one when I decided to prove that men could carry their own weight in the kitchen (cleverly concealed under an apron, of course!).

My macho bravado prompted me to announce that “TONIGHT, I am fixing dinner,” before I gave any thought at all to what I might make.

It was too cold to barbeque; and I didn’t think I was slick enough to sneak carry-out past my smirking spouse.

I needed something delicious, nutritious, impressive and easy!

Donning my apron and pouring a glass of wine a’la Julia Child, I began pouring over a collection of recipes secretly passed down to me by my ex-wife.

Most of these I had never attempted to cook, and those I had made, I had not tried in several years.

Then suddenly there it was—an old favorite of mine.

My spirits rose, or perhaps were bolstered by those in my glass, and I set about my task cheerfully.

I set the dining room table with our “good stuff.” I sharpened my knives and laid out as much gourmetappearing equipment as I could find.

I then sent mother and daughter off to spend the afternoon shopping, said a prayer and began cooking.

From the name I’ve given my recipe, you’ve undoubtedly guessed by now that it was a success. Mom not only enjoyed her meal, but gave me the ultimate compliment that a cook can receive (no, she didn’t burp!)—she asked for the recipe.

Here it is for you: “MOTHER-IN-LAW TAMER” (Alias: Chicken Divan)

INGREDIENTS:

Three boxes of frozen broccoli spears, or the equivalent of fresh broccoli

2 cans of cream of chicken soup

1 cup Hellman’s mayonnaise

1 tsp. curry powder

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

8 to 12 ozs. shredded cheddar cheese

1 heaping cup of coarsely crushed seasoned croutons

4 whole chicken breast

Poach chicken breasts and pull meat off of the bones. Thaw frozen broccoli, or blanch fresh broccoli. Lightly butter an 8″ x 14″ baking dish. Place the broccoli in the dish and sprinkle with the lemon juice. Add chicken.

Mix together the soup, mayonnaise, and curry powder. Spread over the layer of chicken. Sprinkle shredded cheese over that. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Remove and add crushed croutons over the top. Bake for another 10 minutes.

Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1991.

Read this article in the original newspaper issue.

Original source: SD_Times1991_02.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.