Enjoy the rest of Winter, Summer is coming!

After a very warm weekend, the weather forecast is pointing towards cooler temperatures and, perhaps, some rain. I hope it isn't the last rain of the year but I expect that with California being what it is, this is probably the end of any inclement weather. I'm a cold-weather person so at the first hint of dropping degrees, I start planning my evening meals around warm, spicy, comfort food. Of course, being on an budget, I have to temper my inspirations with what's on sale.

Chicken is almost always on sale somewhere in the area. I also keep a couple in the freezer for the times the grocery stores let me down. This is a warm and tasty meal that's not difficult but is sure to get you a few compliments from a picky family. Besides, as always, if you streamline your time in the kitchen, you have more time to sew . . . okay, clean house, too!

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
About 3 tablespoons flour
3 pounds or so of cut up chicken (legs, thighs, etc.)
Butter as needed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 generous teaspoons paprika
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup fresh, sliced mushrooms
1 cup sour cream

Mix salt, pepper, and flour together. pat chicken pieces dry and thoroughy dust them in the flour mixture. Melt butter in a large skillet. Over medium heat, brown the chicken on all sides. Add chopped onion and continue until onion is limp. Add 1 teaspoon of paprika, chicken broth, and mushrooms. Stir and lower heat. Cover and cook 30 minutes until tender. Stir in sour cream and heat thoroughly. Sprinkle with remaining teaspoon of paprika. Serve over hot, buttered noodles. Serves about four.

Couldn't resist sharing these . . .

Life is nothing but a competition to be the criminal rather than the victim.
- Bertrand Russell

The greatest of faults, I should say, is to be conscious of none.
- Thomas Carlyle

Before I met my husband, I'd never fallen in love, though I'd stepped in it a few times.
- Rita Rudner