About a year or so ago, I had some leftover chicken which I didn't know what to do with. Looking for inspiration, I browsed through some of our cookbooks. (I feel I must point out that whilst I like cookbooks, I don't tend to use them much, as like my mother - who is a great cook - I am not one for recipes (or measuring) and prefer to cook using my own instincts and the way things feel and taste, as a guide. I might look at a recipe once, then substitute, or make up my own version.) We have a reasonable number of cookbooks though, because I like buying them and having them and like looking at the pictures, and bless him, Mr S isn't as confident or inventive as me and likes to follow recipes.
Anyway, I leafed though a cookbook my father had actually given to us a few years previous. At the time I had thought it was a bit of a dodgy cookbook, but it seemed worth a look. I stumbled upon a turkey and mushroom pie recipe which looked promising. I can't remember now whether I had intended to make a pie or whether this recipe put the idea in my head, but a pie it was! I have made (and eaten) many pies before - meat pies, with leftover mince, potato pies and many variations of my "surprise pie", which basically consists of whatever is leftover with some pastry on top. This time I wanted a really nice, chunky chicken pie, with that gooey white, creamy sauce.
I should also point out that I don't like turkey or mushrooms, but that didn't deter me! I had the basic ingredients on hand - butter, flour, cream and stock - and then I substituted the chicken, added some bacon instead of mushroom and it was fantastic! I now make it semi-regularly, especially when I have leftover chicken, and it is a nice, comforting meal which we both enjoy.
I made it again recently and was so taken with how it looked when it came out of the oven, that I decided to take a photo (see above). I had forgotten about it until I looked through the photos on my camera earlier today. It made me hungry, but also for some inexplicable reason, I started thinking of how life can be like a pie, and hence, the theme of this blog..
So how is life like a chicken pie? Sometimes it burns. Which really sucks. Sometimes there isn't enough - or God forbid - any, bacon. Or enough of what you really like. (Don't you hate going without? I do.) Sometimes in an act of selflessness, you add mushrooms (Mr S loves them) and you end up picking mushrooms out before every bite. Sometimes it turns out a bit gooey. Or too claggy. Basically not how you expected.
And sometimes, despite faithfully following the recipe and using all the right ingredients, it doesn't work out at all. These are the times when you need to follow my example, and make do with what you have. Sometimes you need to look beyond what's there and use your imagination. I could have just seen turkey and mushroom, and gone "YUCK!"
The pie looks good - I might have to request a chicken, bacon and mushroom pie for my next visit!
Posted by: greenolive | July 09, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Maybe! I rarely make it intentionally though, it is usually only an option when there is leftover chicken. I will try to make sure there is some! Maybe on the 26th?
Posted by: Aunty Shabby | July 09, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I just made this tonight and it was delicious! Thanks for this recipe. You can't beat how easy it is, plus it tastes great. Thanks again!
Posted by: Acai Optimum Side Effects | March 31, 2010 at 10:47 PM