Last Updated on July 4, 2024 by Lisa Keys
A flavorful chicken mole
Open your mind to the notion that you will experience joy again. Start with small bits of joy. Smile. Notice how it feels? It's okay. Take more. Those bits of joy are piecing your heart back together. Then, when you least expect it, on what you believe is your very worst day, your heart begins to beat again.
Recently, my grief took a positive turn—a significant leap forward, I'd say. Something in my brain seemed to go "PING" upon hearing the news of two of William's very best friends getting engaged. "Mrs. Keys, you are the 3rd person we called with the news"... My heart fills up as I listen to all the details of the proposal..."and we can thank William for bringing us together"... PING!
Writing this blog has taught me one thing: my son will never be forgotten because of the incredible relationships he built. Whether in prep school, the military, or right in his own backyard, William, undoubtedly, made people feel like they mattered. Giving his undivided attention to both you and me has made all the difference.
I am ever grateful to each and every friend who has invited me into their intimate relationship with my son. You have memorialized him with donations to charities and scholarships. You have named your newborn babies after him, and you have even honored him with pretty cool tattoos.
Thank you for toasting him and thinking about him when you are at a crossroads. "What would Will do?" Every story is a gem and a bit of joy.
A flavorful chicken mole is coming right up. This dish is built on a variety of easy to find pantry staples.
Shredded Chicken Mole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce seeded
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- ¼ cup water
- 1 14.5 oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced dried plums aka prunes
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 5 pounds chicken thighs skin removed
- 1 onion sliced ½-inch thick
- 1 red bell pepper seeded, diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat 1-tablespoon oil in pressure cooker pot over medium heat. Add both chili powders, cocoa powder, garlic, chipotle, cinnamon and cloves; cook, stirring for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add broth, water, tomatoes, prunes and peanut butter, stirring well and scraping up bottom of the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes. Puree in a blender.
- Add remaining oil to the pot. Add onions and half the peppers; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir sauce back into pot. Season chicken with kosher salt and ground black pepper; add to pot.
- Lock pressure cooker lid into place following your manufacturer instructions.
- Bring to HIGH pressure, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 25 minutes. Quick release pressure and remove lid directing the steam away from you. Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Remove the meat and discard the bones. Add remaining red peppers to the pot; simmer for 10 minutes or until tender. Add chicken and cilantro. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Louis
Very nice blog entry. Wonderful news about Whit. Peanut butter in mole sauce...who knew?
Lisa
yes, mole is filled with all kinds of unusual ingredients like dried fruit, nuts, seeds and chocolate
Amanda
Your recipe for mole just made the little New Mexican girl in my squeal in delight!
Just a little note that I found your blog a few weeks ago when I lost my mother in-law suddenly. She too had lost a child 17 years ago. Thank you for such a sweet blog!
Lisa
Hi Amanda. I am sorry to hear about your sudden loss. I think the unexpected death of a loved one is the hardest kind of grief. I hope you find some comfort here and that you enjoy my version of mole.
Tracy
Love, love, love this blog. Especially love the picture of William giving you a smooch.
Lisa
yes-a real happy crossroads for me...and hope for anyone else going through a similar loss--it some how does get better
Krista
When you first posted this, I felt like I couldn't comment because I couldn't think of anything happy to contribute. Ironically, on Friday night, my newly 18 year old son came home with a tattoo tribute to his little brother. A year ago this would have resulted in an hysterical me ranting and raving about bad choices, but his utter joy and pride was so heartfelt that I couldn't help but enjoy the moment with him. Turns out there are a few Aidan tribute tattoos out there. I was completely moved to learn that people are willing to memorialize him so permanently. Who knew a tattoo could bring me a little bit of joy?
... And I am so making that chicken mole on Tuesday!
Lisa
I recall, many years ago, having a rant with my daughter about tattoos...I may have even threatened not to pay her college tuition if she were to get one....fast forward to today I think they can be a most wonderful expression of love and appreciation....William and Aidan will never be forgotten and that is a most joyous thought
Wendy L.
I always enjoy reading your blog Lisa, sometimes cry, other times laugh and always amazed at the beautiful way you articulate your feelings.
This blog is special to me because you are feeling that you are healing.
And, I may even be able to handle this recipe!
Lisa
Yes, Wendy-I feel like I have turned a huge corner. Hard to imagine, but life does go on. Thanks for being here with me.
Tag Sale Tastes
i am watching the rerun of your Chopped episode right now, and it is even more fun this time knowing the outcome. You little badass!
Lisa
thanks for watching
Tag Sale Tastes
I'm watching the rerun of your Chopped episode right now, and it is even more fun this time knowing the outcome. You little badass!
Lisa
Thanks for cheering me on again and again