My wonderful grandmother lived with my family for many years while I was a young girl. It was my Nana, in fact, who introduced me to cooking and imparted to me a love for food. She was a wonderful cook and teacher. For Mother's day, I could think of nothing better than to prepare one of the many dishes she invented and shared with me. I knew that doing that would provide her -- and the rest of my family -- with great joy, as she truly is one of the best cooks I know.

Nana's Beer Chicken Garlic Rice Lima Bean Salad Orange Pineapple Custard

Nana's Beer Chicken
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken thighs, skin removed
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 5 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 can beer (see note)
• salt/pepper to taste
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• pinch of thyme
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 large green pepper, sliced
• 1 large red pepper, sliced

In a casserole, heat oil and saute onions until transparent. Add chicken and saute until it is light brown on both sides. Add tomatoes, ketchup, carrots and beer. Season with dashes of salt and pepper and cook covered for 45 minutes. Remove the lid and add mushrooms, thyme and cornstarch. Stir and cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Add peppers and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Serve on a decorative platter.
Note: This dish may be served to children and all those who don't drink, since the cooking process removes the alcohol.