Country Brunch ~ Fried chicken, home fries, cinnamon applesauce & buttermilk biscuits

That’s an absolutely delicious spread! Here’s a recipe to help you create your Country Brunch with all the classic flavors:

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Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts)

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, mix the buttermilk with hot sauce (if using). Place the chicken pieces in the mixture, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor).

2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
   In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F). Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing down gently to coat evenly. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 10-12 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Drain and Rest:
   Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels for a couple of minutes to remove excess oil.

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Home Fries

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Potatoes:
   Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain the potatoes.

2. Cook the Potatoes:
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Crisp the Potatoes:
   Add the partially cooked potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are crispy and golden on all sides.

4. Garnish:
   Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

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Cinnamon Applesauce

Ingredients:

• 4 medium apples (such as Gala or Fuji)

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:
   Peel, core, and chop the apples into chunks.

2. Cook the Apples:
   In a medium saucepan, add the apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes until the apples are soft and easily mashable.

3. Mash and Serve:
   Use a potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency (smooth or chunky). If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend it with an immersion blender. Adjust sweetness with extra sugar if necessary.

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Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

2. Cut in the Butter:
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the Buttermilk:
   Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky.

4. Shape the Biscuits:
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle and fold it over on itself twice. Roll it out again to about 1-inch thickness and cut out biscuits using a round cutter.

5. Bake the Biscuits:
   Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and brush the tops with a little extra buttermilk. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

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Serving

Serve the fried chicken hot, with the crispy home fries, a generous scoop of cinnamon applesauce, and the warm, flaky biscuits on the side.

This meal is all about that comforting, hearty country flavor. Enjoy!

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Do you plan to make this soon? Or do you have any twists you’d add to the recipe?