Planked Chicken

Planked chicken is a classic and visually impressive dish that combines the succulence of roasted chicken with an artful presentation. What sets this dish apart is its unique cooking method – the chicken is baked on a wooden plank, usually cedar, which imparts a smoky flavor to the meat. The dish is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, often adorned with decorative mashed potatoes and mushrooms.

The concept of planking food, especially meats and fish, has a long history that can be traced back to Indigenous North American cooking techniques. Indigenous peoples used wooden planks, often cedar, to cook food over an open flame, infusing it with the smoky essence of the wood.

The idea of planking migrated to European culinary traditions, where it was adapted and refined. By the late 19th century and early 20th century, planked dishes had become quite popular in American cuisine, especially for serving at elaborate dinners and banquets. Planked seafood, such as salmon and trout, was particularly favored.

Planked chicken emerged as a variation of this cooking method. It allowed chefs to showcase their culinary skills by presenting a beautifully arranged chicken on a wooden plank, often adorned with decorative mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and other garnishes. The visual appeal of planked chicken made it a centerpiece for special occasions and gatherings.

While the popularity of planked dishes has waned over the years, they continue to be a nostalgic and visually striking way to serve classic recipes like roast chicken.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup Crisco (vegetable shortening)
• 1 teaspoon minced onion
• 1/4 tablespoon minced red pepper
• 1/4 tablespoon minced green pepper
• 1/4 tablespoon minced parsley
• 1/2 clove minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 young chicken (split as for broiling)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups hot mashed potatoes
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
• 8 large mushroom caps

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Flavored Crisco:
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/4 cup of Crisco, minced onion, minced red pepper, minced green pepper, minced parsley, minced garlic, and lemon juice. This mixture will be used to flavor the chicken and as a base for the decorative mashed potatoes.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Split the young chicken as if you were preparing it for broiling.
   • Place the chicken in a baking pan and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
   • Dot the chicken with Crisco for added flavor.
   • Bake the chicken in a quick oven until it is nearly done. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, but it should be close to being fully cooked.
3. Prepare the Plank:
   • Crisco plank: While the chicken is baking, prepare a wooden plank by coating it with Crisco to prevent sticking.
4. Prepare the Mashed Potato Border:
   • To the hot mashed potatoes, add seasoning and the beaten yolks of 3 eggs.
   • Transfer this mashed potato mixture to a pastry tube.
5. Decorate the Plank:
   • Pipe the mashed potatoes onto the Criscoed plank to create a decorative border. Get creative with shapes like rosettes and pyramids.
6. Brush with Egg:
   • Brush the decorative border with a beaten egg that has been slightly diluted with water. This will give it a beautiful golden finish when baked.
7. Assemble and Finish Cooking:
   • Once the chicken is nearly done, remove it from the oven.
   • Spread the prepared flavored Crisco over the chicken.
   • Peel and sauté the 8 large mushroom caps and place them on the chicken.
8. Final Bake:
   • Place the plank with the assembled chicken, potatoes, and mushrooms in a very hot oven.
   • Bake until the potatoes are browned, and the chicken is fully cooked. This should take a relatively short time since the chicken was nearly done before assembling.
9. Serve Hot:
   • Serve the planked chicken on the wooden plank at once, ensuring a visually stunning presentation.

Planked chicken is a delightful dish that not only pleases the palate but also offers a captivating display of culinary craftsmanship. Enjoy!