Chicken and Cabbage (Griot's Cookbook)

This recipe is on page 69 of the Griot's Cookbook (see details on this historic book in my Orange-Marmalade Muffins). It was contributed by the late Doris Waters. "Aunt Doris" (as she became affectionately known by me) was my 3rd and 4th grade teacher at P.S. 141 on the corner of Payson and Pulaski Streets in Baltimore, Maryland. My late mother taught 6th grade on the 3rd floor and my classroom was on the 2nd. Aunt Doris was one of those "aunts" that isn't an aunt, but rather a close family friend. I'm sure you have a few of those. "Miss" or "Mrs" was too formal and in my day you better NOT EVER call an elder by their first name. You'd wake up in China with a ringing in your ears. It was while sitting in Aunt Doris' classroom (Miss Waters during school) one day in November 1963, I first learned President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. I and my classmates had been a rowdy bunch that day, so Miss Waters had turned off the classroom light. That was in instant cue to put our heads on our desks and to sit on our hands. The funny thing was when I peeked up to look at her, her complexion had sallowed; she seemed almost ghost-like. Tears were falling down her face. We were instructed to get our wraps from the cloakroom and to go home quietly. I made my way to the 3rd floor to my mother's classroom. Mother did not cry in public. It just wasn't her way. But while our drive home was usually filled with laughter, this day Ma said nothing whatever. Interesting how food can trigger memories. But just as we are what we eat, we are also a combination of our memories--both happy and somber. Anyway, this is a recipe created by Aunt Doris and it ended up in the published cookbook. One day I'll tell you about the time Aunt Doris and Mom went to Aruba together -- and about the pool boy named Pedro. Enjoy! ·.·´¯'·.··.·´¯'·.·Editor's Commentary: "We were visiting with Doris and she kindly volunteered to let us "try" her chicken and cabbage. Grand main dish. Next day, my husband finished off the cabbage and declared it to be better than the day before." E.M.W.·.·´¯'·.··.·´¯'·.·

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 4  chicken breast halves, with skin off or
• 4  whole  skinless chicken legs
• 1  medium cabbage, coarsely shredded
• 2  cups tomato juice
• 1  large onion, sliced for rings
• 1  teaspoon pepper
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon  italian seasoning
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1  tablespoon  oil
• 1  garlic clove, minced

Directions

1. Sauté onions and garlic, lightly in oil (to bring out flavor).
2. Add tomato juice, seasons, cabbage. Bring to a gentle boil. Add chicken; spoon some cabbage over the chicken.
3. Lower heat. Cover and simmer until chicken is done (about 40 minutes).
4. Check occasionally and stir gently to prevent sticking.
5. Other vegetables which might be used include mushrooms, green peppers, lima beans, string beans, etc.
6. DO NOT USE LEAFY VEGGIES!