The Secret Life of Chicken Nuggets!

Gail, many long years ago

When I was a little girl my parents used to sing a song about a horse.
The old gray mare ain't what she used to be, 
ain't what she used to be, 
ain't what she used to be. . . 
many long years ago.

What has this to do with Chicken Nuggets or even            chicken you ask?

Unfortunately, I'm about to tell you.

Back then, chickens were simply chickens, from start to finish.

But Not Now!

"According to McDonald's, their chicken nuggets are "made with white meat, wrapped up in a crisp tempura batter." But as the article...shows, these chicken nuggets are a far cry from what you might expect, based on that description.

"Do you put dimethylpolysiloxane, an anti-foaming agent made of silicone, in your chicken dishes? . . . a type of silicone with anti-foaming properties used in cosmetics and a variety of other goods like Silly Putty

"How about tertiary butylhydroquinone(TBHQ), a chemical preservative so deadly that just five grams can kill you? 

• a petroleum-based product with antioxidant properties

TBHQ, is typically listed as an "antioxidant," but it's important to realize it is a SYNTHETIC chemical with antioxidant properties – NOT a natural antioxidant.

"The chemical prevents oxidation of fats and oils, thereby extending shelf life of processed foods. It's a commonly used ingredient in processed foods of all kinds, but you can also find it in varnishes, lacquers, pesticide products, as well as cosmetics and perfumes to reduce the evaporation rate and improve stability.

These are just two of the ingredients in a McDonald's Chicken McNugget. Only 50 percent of a McNugget is actually chicken. "

For the rest of the story PLEASE go to 

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/11/08/do-you-have-any-idea-of-the-chemicals-used-in-fast-food-chicken.aspx

and read at least as far as REAL Food "Lives" and "Dies" Dr. Mercola "commented on the curious ability of McDonald's food to remain impervious to degradation. It's as if the food has been embalmed to stay "fresh" forever! After sitting on a shelf for 14 years, the hamburger bun has yet to develop a single trace of mold. It's barely even begun to shrivel... "Folks, these buns bear absolutely no resemblance to real bread, and when you read the list of ingredients, this mysterious mummification feature becomes less of a mystery. "Here are just a few of the ingredients in a McDonald's hamburger bun: calcium sulfate (aka Plaster of Paris) calcium carbonate (Antacid medication[ which, cutting-to-the-chase is chalk]) ammonium sulfate (According to MSDS,“harmful if swallowed”) ammonium chloride (Causes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) calcium propionate (Preservative) sodium propionate (Mold inhibitor) "Always remember that wholesome, health-promoting food is "live" food, and the hallmark of live food is the fact that it will decompose. The fact that these burgers, buns, and fries do not decompose, even after a decade or two, is a clear sign that it's just not real food, and should not be part of your diet."

Unfortunately, McDonald's is not the only deceiver . . . and the deception is growing and growing.

The Good News is

YOU CAN  MAKE THEM YOURSELF....Simply and Quickly!

There are many recipes on the internet.  I like the site http://allrecipes.com/  I chose one from there to share with you. And am listing four reviewers' comments first.   

• This was a quick easy and tasty meal. I like the idea of making my own nuggets, that way I know what I'm getting :) I followed the recipe to a T. These had real good flavor and were moist and tender. Thanks for a good basic easy recipe.

• These are easy, delicious, and a hit with my picky kids! We used melted "Smart Balance" instead of butter, but other than that we changed nothing! This recipe is my four year olds' favorite meal!

• Thank you for this wonderful yet simple recipe. A healthier alternative to KFC/McDonald's nuggets which my son is overly fond of.

• The best baked chicken nuggets i have had in a while. I marinated them in buttermilk for a few hours first and then followed the recipe exactly. I made these as an appetizer for my daughters 4th birthday party and the adults and kids loved them!! Thanks-you for the recipe.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-nuggets-2/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=chicken%20nuggets&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page

By: Cathryn White 

"'With a crisp golden coating, these moist and tender bite-size pieces of chicken are greeted with enthusiasm whenever I serve them as a hearty snack or party appetizer,' says Cathryn White of Newark, Delaware."                                   

Chicken Nuggets

Rated:	Prep Time: 15 Minutes	Ready In: 30 Minutes
Submitted By: Cathryn White	Cook Time: 15 Minutes	Servings: 8

"'With a crisp golden coating, these moist and tender bite-size pieces of chicken are greeted with enthusiasm whenever I serve them as a hearty snack or party appetizer,' says Cathryn White of Newark, Delaware."

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup dry bread crumbs 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons dried basil 2 teaspoons dried thyme 2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 3/4 cup butter, melted 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

DIRECTIONS:

1.	In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and seasonings. Place butter in another shallow bowl. Dip chicken in butter, then roll in bread crumb mixture.
2.	Place in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until juices run clear.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2012 Allrecipes.com

Printed from Allrecipes.com 5/29/2012

Note: If you serve chicken nuggets often, and want to make the process even quicker, you can assemble individual packets of the dry ingredients to have at the ready!

'til we eat again,
      Simply, Gail