Smallgree's musings

I have been asked if I have a basic recipe that serves as a guide. This was my response:

You are correct. When I was on TCK, I was hurt when members there rejected testing My KFC mixes, and instead tested 99X. I was informed that 99X was closer to the original KFC recipe than KFC was. Then they proceeded to attempt to duplicate 99X. I did a lot "thinkin'" about that one and set out on my own. I took a long look at Ceylon cinnamon and fought a long battle of wits with Ellsworth on several sites. Because of vanilla, I was invited to join BruceB's forum, and I did. I am still there, although it has grown quiet. I began to approach this search as a mathematical problem. When I grew up in our bakery, I watched my family make pastries and such, from the measurements in a little notebook. This is how consistency is maintained. KFC had to do the same thing. As the product spread globally, that consistency suffered. That is why I'm all about process and procedure. I believe this is more important than exotic spices and herbs, and laugh at the idea that some exotic swamp grass could overcome the use of Soybean oil, which has a nasty aftertaste and does not allow for proper browning. Anyway back to your question.

One of the mistakes many make is confusing the 70s KFC ingredient listing, with the contents of the 11 Vials. That 70s bag has the basic formula, as the chicken produced was still quite good at that time. This is my base formula. In order of weight: MSG - White pepper - Black pepper - Herbs and spices - Garlic. Garlic is the kicker, and was placed separate, and outside the Hs&Ss for a reason. Most look at the vials and claim this is in and that is out, but none of these claims fit the basic formula. The herbs and spices are the 11 vials, and thus the 11 flavoring ingredients. Some say "onion and celery or whatever, are not in the vials, which is saying they are not in the 11 Hs&Ss. But, on that 70s bag, onion and celery are not listed, so if they are present, they must be in the herbs and spice, or the 11 vials. There it is. Throw your arguments. No exceptions. Thus, to get everything in, there had to be mixes. Take one out and show it separate, and the confusion is created. Takes a devious mind to make that conjecture, and I plead guilty.

I have taken all of the stories, the 1970s bag ingredient list, 11 Vials, Ledington, the KFC books, Winston Shelton, 99X, Pete Harman, Dave Thomas, Rex's Boneless Fried Chicken, the KFC schtick about 6 herbs and 5 spices, independent sources, and my KFC stuff, and have created a crossword puzzle in my mind. I try every ingredient suggested, but all of these pieces must fit together. I have gotten most of them together, and last night I sat up in bed, and I believe, finally put the pieces together. I could be wrong about this ingredient, or that one, but that is minor in the whole scheme of things. But I have scars from the Ellsworth battles, from a man who would belittle and take you down to prevent you from finding the recipe before he could. I'm cautious and paranoid, because the ass lingers out there somewhere. He can't have a near completed product to complete and claim ownership of. I must complete it myself first.

There are just a few things I need to know, and a few things I need to test. I have some replacement ingredients here that got me close to the OR, and made some damn good chicken, but I want the whole picture. I still don't have a pressure fryer, which if used, makes the brining of chicken, to get tenderness, moot.

I have a chart made up that, after thinking about it a bit, I might post just to watch the responses. Of course, since I use a cast iron Dutch oven, I'm not sure our different procedures will be compatible. Those gizzards I cooked yesterday were better that the gizzards I've eaten from KFC in recent years, although It took rocket science to get the tenderness.

Hint: 57% msg/salt, 20% herbs, 13% mix, with some herbs and some spices, 10% spices. fine salt, fine flour, tallow or hydrogenated pork lard, milk and egg wash, pestle and mortar. Yes, Winston Shelton was given the recipe in multiples. He was so honored, he dangled a carrot because CHS wanted him too.

I will carry on. If you want to follow, then follow. If not, then carry tissues with you. LOL

Thus to you this forum is merely a game for your amusement and enjoyment, and you are here merely as a game player.  I thought you serious, and I offered to help, but now I know better.  Thank you!

I'm as serious as a heart attack. I've got to get to a store and get the last ingredients I need to test. It is true that without my memory I'd be lost. I haven't gotten much response to my requests, so I'll have to take the long road.