Bulk Coating Mix
Though we are a busy and hungry family of nine, we have never used the recipes for bulk mixes recommended to large families. We prefer to make our food fresh, and—as we have increased our cooking experience—we prefer to season according to the inspiration of the moment. This, however, is the one bulk mix that we do use fairly regularly, to season the occasional oven-fried chicken. The freezer-stash comes in handy on busy nights when we want a good dinner without too much time spent sorting through the spice drawer.
The original recipe is from Whole Foods for the Whole Family by La Leche League. As usual for our flavor-loving family, we greatly increased the amounts of herb and spice. And because Mama can’t stand marjoram or basil, those are omitted. If we want some heat, a few shakes of red pepper flakes (added to the evening’s portion) definitely provide that.
Bulk Coating Mix
In a large bowl combine—
• 4 cups freshly-ground wheat flour
• 2 tablespoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons thyme
• 2 tablespoons oregano
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 2 tablespoons sage
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon unrefined sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Store the mix in an airtight container in the freezer. The recipe makes enough to bread six whole chickens.
Photograph: This wooden bowl is over fifty years old. A friend (whose mother’s it was) gave it to me, and I sanded and oiled it to a warm and satiny finish. Its first duty in its new home was to hold the ingredients for this bulk coating mix.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012