Crispy "Fried" Chicken

Howdy, ya'll-
Back from Texas! I loved spending time with my friend from college, Scarlett, and we enjoyed visiting my cousin Jeremy and his wife, Becky, who live in Corpus Christi. However, they were so awesome and drove us all over Texas- we flew into San Antonio but drove straight to Austin, where we had hotel reservations waiting for us. Becky is awesome with coupons and discounts and even though we spent three nights in hotels in different cities, it was very affordable for all of us.
The first night we were running on 3 hours of sleep, but we went out to explore the city of Austin and the night life. However, I ended up back at the hotel "early" because I was just exhausted.
The next day we drove to the suburbs and stopped in Spicewood at a gorgeous vineyard- Stone House. It was my first time at a vineyard and we sampled some lovely wines. I should have bought a bottle and taken it back to PA but I was worried about transport.
We headed to San Antonio, where we stayed our second night in Texas in the gorgeous Emily Morgan hotel, which literally is overlooking/on top of The Alamo. I LOVED San Antonio. The Riverwalk is so pretty and would be a great spot to go on a romantic date! :)
We tried several new local favorites as far as restaurants go- and ate very well!
The next day we hung around SA for awhile before going to stay at my cousin's house. They live in Corpus and just bought a big house a few weeks ago so it was still in the decorating/unpacking process. I wish I could have stayed and helped! They were so gracious and Jeremy and Becky cooked some yummy meals for us.
Our last full day, Becky drove us to North Padre Island Beach (like 15 min from their house)- it looked like Ocean City NJ minus the money to park and the crowds. You literally drove up onto the beach and parked for free. The water was soooo warm! I did get sunburn mostly because my body hates me. :(

We realized our flight was for a dumb 6:45 AM and the airport was 2.5 HOURS away, so we had to leave for San Antonio the night before and stay in another hotel. But, we enjoyed a girls night with Becky (since Jeremy had to work) and had a nice little road trip.
I enjoyed my summer vacation but wish I could have seen an armadillo.

Since it is already the last day of July, here is a good summer dish to make and take on your August picnics. I served it with some corn muffins and green peas, but you can pack it up with potato salad and take it to a park.


Ingredients-

• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley or 4 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up and skin removed
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

How-To:

• In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first nine ingredients. Place the buttermilk in a shallow bowl. Dip chicken in buttermilk, then add to bag, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat.
• Place in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes; drizzle with butter. Bake 30-40 minutes longer or until juices run clear.