1/4 c. vegetable oil
2 sm. (2 1/2 to 3 lb.) fryers, cut up
3 to 4 c. fresh corn, scraped
2 tbsp. heavy cream
3 c. onion, chopped
2 to 3 green bell peppers, chopped
2 lg. tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. dried basil
1 tbsp. fresh parsley, finely minced
3 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
2 to 3 tbsp. milk, if necessary

"Maquechoux" is a Cajun word meaning a smothered dish with fresh corn. This hearty chicken stew is prepared with fresh corn and fresh ripe tomatoes. When you strip the kernels off the cob, save the cob liquid and squeeze as much of it as you can out of the cobs. When fresh corn is not in season, substitute canned or frozen corn and add about 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream in place of the corn cob liquid. Serve chicken Maquechoux in wide bowls with pieces of chicken, kernels of corn, and plenty of liquid from the pot in each. Provide soup spoons, the liquid is delicious and shouldn't be wasted. When using canned or frozen corn use 14 to 16 ounces.

In a heavy 8 to 10 quart pot or kettle heat the oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken parts in hot oil, turning frequently with tongs to brown evenly. Reduce the heat to low once the chicken begins to brown (about 15 to 20 minutes), then lower heat still further and add the corn, corn liquid, and cream. Mix thoroughly. Add the onion, green pepper, tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper and cook over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, or until chicken is very tender, stirring frequently. If the mixture seems to becoming too dry, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk toward the end of the cooking period. Serve hot in bowls.

SUGGESTIONS: If like chicken parts are used the times could be different, as the breast and other boneless parts will cook faster than those with bone. White meat tends to cook faster than dark. To add more color use colored bell peppers other than green. The red and orange ones add a nice touch (Personally I use all three colored peppers plus a little celery.) I generally used canned tomatoes as the store I use normally does not have RIPE enough ones to suit me for this.