Buttermilk Pecan Chicken

In 1970 Aunt Arletta won the National Chicken Cooking Contest sponsored at the time by 

Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.

In 1972 the National Chicken Council, then called the National Broiler Council, took over.

Above scan of  recipe card includes authentic buttermilk (and other - don't ask) spatters.

Sadly, we discovered that the contest has been suspended indefinitely due to economic downturn.

Happily, the Food Network has renewed the tradition with their $100,000 Chicken Challenge. 

Great looking recipes, but not as wonderful as Buttermilk Pecan Chicken.

We were too young to be part of the contingent that went to Washington, D.C. to cheer Aunt Arletta on, but just a few years later, we waitressed in her restaurant serving hundreds of portions of the crusty, nutty poultry to customers eager to experience a family style dinner on a working Indiana farm. 

Her prize included cash and some wonderful appliances probably in avocado green or harvest gold, but the best part was a short, squat, silver, loving cup held aloft by three little chicks wearing chef hats, just like the one pictured here on the recipe card. 

We sure hope it is being kept shiny and bright and displayed in a place of honor as it deserves to be.