Recipe(tried): A Story and a Casserole... Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Good Morning,

As Mom and I zoomed along I-75 headed north towards Georgia on Sept 7th, we were carefree and without worry. She was my co-pilot, holding on to the map and pointing with her finger as to where we were and how far we were from the exit we needed to get off. We were eager to have lunch at the Whistle Stop Cafe and soon the exit, Juliette Road, loomed up ahead. As we drove the 10 miles east towards it, we were passing tranquil patches of jewel green land, dotted here and there with a house or two. It is a two-lane road and it dipped up and down as we drove. Kudzo was all over trees giving them assorted shapes with arms and legs. We were spellbound by the beauty and the peace of the land, so far away from the hustle and bustle of normal life. Suddenly, we came upon a little wooden sign planted in the ground, "Whistle Stop Cafe" --->with an arrow pointing, and we turned left. Oh, the anticipation!!

As we drove in, I was excited to see the old buildings that I had seen in the movie, but nothing compares to the feeling I got when I saw the cafe and the windows that advertised Fried Green Tomatoes! I had to stand back to drink it all in...there it was, just like in the movies. The porch had some rockers and wooden stools and the front screen door, oh my, old and green painted. I have a special affinity for old screen doors...

Once we walked in, we couldn't help but notice the worn wooden floor and all the wonderful old era decorations that give the cafe it's particular flavor. Over on the left side is an old pie safe, rich brown wood giving the hint of fruit pies safely tucked away inside, and right above that, over to the right a bit, an old wooden box and in it I could see remnants of an era gone by; old bottles of medicine, aspirin tins, and old Ivory soap boxes.

The counter is wooden and U-shaped, the booths are on the outer perimeter and were full that day. That's ok, we wanted to sit at the counter, be in the middle of things, and look around at all the wonderful things on the wall. They serve the best sweet iced tea!! It comes in a quart canning jar, the better to show off it's amber tone. There's an old-timey crank telephone in back and on one wall there's a poster from the movie and dozen of autographed pictures from the stars. Of course, we order fried green tomatoes as our appetizer from the one page menu. Let me tell you, there is nothing in this world that compares to the joy of eating fried green tomatoes and sipping cold iced tea at the Whistle Stop Cafe!!

The special that Friday was meatloaf with your pick of three veggies; the standard "meats and threes", so ubiquitious of the South! We settle on the mashed potatoes, pinto beans, and corn. It comes with a little corn muffin too. Hmmm, could that be Sipsey at the serving window....a truly delicious meal... we just want to spend the entire day there as time transports us back to the 1940's.

I did get the cookbook by Fannie Flagg across the street at the antique and gift store. The recipes are truly Southern and down-home!! I already owned the video and couldn't wait to get back home and see it again. It happens to be one of my favorite movies!!

On the way back home, we did stop again at the cafe and had lunch, this time we enjoyed Smothered Chicken and that wonderful cold ice tea again. And, ever since I have been back, I have been reading books from the library on Atlanta and it's history. Mom and I want to visit again, for Atlanta has much to offer. It is a gorgeous city, very diverse and it's people so kind and helpful.

Tonight for dinner I will be serving Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Cranberry Sauce. That casserole is one of my old favorites, it's even better the next day!

Keep Safe and Happy! Gina

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Serves 6

4-6 chicken breasts
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen broccoli spears
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 can mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. curry
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1/2 c. seasoned breadcrumbs
1 small can water chestnuts, drained and chopped

Cook broccoli according to package directions. Drain and layer on bottom of 8x12 casserole.

Cook chicken by immersing it in a saucepot of boiling water until tender. Drain and when cool enough, shred into large pieces and layer the pices over the broccoli.
Saute onion til it begins to golden, then add garlic and cook 2 more minutes. Combine soups, mayonnaise, onions and seasonings. Pour over chicken and broccoli and top with cheese. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over. Cook for 30-45 minutes til nice and bubbly and cheese has melted.