As loyal Rosenblog readers will recall - and perhaps some occasional visitors too - earlier this month I announced a chicken recipe contest to show my appreciation for "International Respect for Chicken Day," a holiday declared by a poultry rights organization that seems to greatly misunderstand just exactly why it is that God The Almighty put chickens on earth. For the sake of easy reference, and future marketing schemes not yet quite devised, I have decided to call this the first annual Rosenblog "Respect A Chicken" Recipe Contest.

Doubtless thanks in part to my pledge of a special First Prize, a cassette tape from my extensive music collection, titled "Songs About Chicken," the responses really rolled in. Actually, I think that was thanks to a link from Michelle Malkin, AND links from many other supportive and friendly bloggers. A huge CLUCK out to you guys, and ANOTHER HUGE CLUCK out to the contest entrants. This is corny, I know, but when you share a family recipe, you share a piece of yourself. It was just simply outstanding to hear from all of you.

So then, enough emotive gushing. Let's get down to business. I am going to announce the winner now, and give a nod to a number of "Honorable Mention" recipes, as well. At the risk of sounding like a Dodge Ball instructor schooled at UC Berkeley, let me say that there were many fine recipes submitted, and just because yours isn't mentioned here doesn't mean I didn't think it was good. OK?

The recipes are all in the comments string to my original post. That's where you want to go. If you like chicken, and like to cook, I suggest you bookmark that post.

Without further ado, THE WINNER IS..........Archangel, for "Jambalaya - Chicken and Sausage." This was simply a Creole tour de force, what can I say? While I sought, and happily received, recipes both formal and informal, this detailed preparation is a delicious and evocative piece of Americana, and one which certainly pays homage to the best and highest use of a chicken. To actually make this, following the instructions carefully, is a great, but NOT at all intimidating lesson in good home cookin.' MY ADVICE: Go to the above-linked post, scroll the comments for Archangel's name in red, copy and paste, and then...whip this baby up.

Getcha some Dixie Beer on ice, the Wild Magnolias debut album (#26 on Robert Christgau's list of top picks for 1974) on the stereo - and get all down in it; up on it; or all over it. As the case may be.

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Again, you'll find these by the author's names (in bold red), in the comment string to the original post (link above).

CG Hill - Polynesian Chicken Salad. (A highly respectful treat).

Jason - Cinnamon-Garlic Chicken (I might cut back a bit on the salt, tho).

Busted Flat - Pecan Smoked Chicken. (Wow! Yeah! And I love the indirect smoking method on the grill, BTW).

Luann - Chicken in Coconut Milk. (Filipino Style).

Michelle M. - Easy Chicken Adobo. (A timeless Filipino classic).

Christine G. - Chicken N' Rice. (A scrumptious White Trash feast).

Susan - Curried Chicken. (Great dish from loyal Rosenblog reader, and ex-Puget Sounder, now living in South Africa!).

Mauser - Spicy Fried Chicken, and Soup.

navah m - Healthy Chicken Nuggets for Kids and Adults.

Knothead - Southern Style Chicken and Pastry. (A historical, and politically relevant recipe).

A special "No Thanks, Pal," to commenter "Vegan," who e-mailed, "Try substituting tofu, tempeh, or wheat gluten for chicken. It is very easy to make dishes that are both tasty and cruelty free." (What, no seitan?).

IN CLOSING: Thanks Everybody, for making the contest such a success. Let's do all we can this summer to respect chickens as often, and in as many different ways, as possible. Remember, they outnumber us by about 4-to-1. We must not tarry.

Posted by Matt Rosenberg at May 25, 2005 10:33 AM

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