Chicken Kiev

I've been making this recipe for years - though I've never considered it to be a true chicken kiev, based on other versions I've seen. I mention this because I don't any of my vast number of subscribers to go about making this recipe and then feel cheated when it doesn't turn out as they imagined.

The recipe originated with my cousin Becky. She comes from a long line of very fine Southern cooks. In addition to that cooking gene, Becky also picked up a lot of expertise in Italian cooking when she married into a large Italian family. The marriage didn't last but her association with "The Firm" most certainly did - along with insider information on lots of very fine cooking secrets and recipes.

I first had this chicken kiev years and years ago. Becky was, in her usual completely nonplussed manner, serving a huge crowd of Becketts. If it were me having to come up with such a huge meal, I'd have been a nervous wreck but, for Becky, entertaining in big numbers was no big deal. I can still see 3 jelly roll pans completely filled with chicken breasts - and I can still remember how good they tasted.
Her recipe conjures up happy memories of West Virginia and lots of beloved family members gathered round a table laden with good foods.

Now if I could just learn to duplicate her fantastic cheese secrets!