Spicy Fried (Not Greasy!) Chicken Recipe, Keeping Your Flock Cool, Vintage Brooder Heater

                           

Amazing Spicy Fried (Not Greasy!) Chicken Recipe-
I found this book years ago at a discount store, what a find! Then I made the Southern-Exposed Fried Chicken recipe. OMG! I loved it, kids loved it, everybody loved it! It's the seasoning, and the soaking in buttermilk that does it. You fry it, then finish it off on the oven. When I was in my 20's I traveled thru the South briefly and had hot, spicy fried chicken. Nothing like the bland stuff I was used to. Trust me you'll love it, if not, hey someone will! I couldn't find this online, so I scanned the recipe-

                                         

 

You can vary it with the heat- I add a little more cayenne, and thyme- about 2 teaspoons. He has other great recipes, and the book can be found (used) pretty cheap online. I love his smothered chicken too! I serve with either homemade slaw/salad, and cornbread/biscuits, iced tea (sweet if you like), and you're all set! We have some fruit clafouti (like a cobbler with a yogurt batter) leftover for dessert. Ah, the good life... Another recipe- I found this on Kat's blog- Cake in A Cup What a great idea! Sometimes you just need a quick fix, and a whole cake is too much for 2 sometimes. In the heat of summer a quick microwave and bam- it's dessert! I may try something like vanilla for the berries we have ripening. I can't wait til the blackberries ripen, because we'll have another huge crop this summer! Just a few raspberries now...

Keeping Your Flock Cool in The Heat-

When I started thinking about starting an urban flock one of the big considerations was the weather here- very cold in the winter, very hot in the summer. And dry, as we're high desert here, and it's normal to have stretches in the 90's/100's. While the coop has good ventilation, I also bought a ready-to-use misting device (about $6.00 at Home Depot) that has a twisted, flexible section. I just attach it to the hose, turn on and attach it to the fence. It uses very little water. I use it right next to the coop late in the afternoon, and at night. During the day, when they're in their run/garden area, they get crushed ice in an old pie pan several times a day, in the waterer trough, and lots of cold water, in multiple waterers. They also love cold, wet veggies- cukes, especially! I make sure they also have lots of shade, including my new pergola. I water under it every day to keep it damp. I also water the area around the coop for evaporation every day/evening. Here's some other good ideas you could use-  How to Keep Your Flock Cool

Vintage Brooder Heater-

This is a nice kerosene brooder heater, in excellent condition. Has lots of brass detailing, and I got for $10.00 at a yard sale! Works great for extra heat (not in coop) in emergencies. A little step back into the past. I imagine all the little chicks it kept warm :)