When you find a good recipe you keep it forever.

Jeanne Lopilato of Bethel Park sent Kitchen Mailbox the following letter: "When my mother told me that she has given up all of her other chicken recipes but the recipe for Chicken Delicious, I decided that I should share this dish, which really lives up to its name.

"I have served Chicken Delicious many times, and given the recipe to countless people, and all say that it is the best chicken they have ever eaten. One friend told me that she thought it sounded strange, but she made it, and her family mopped it up. I hope your readers will love it as much as my family and friends."

This recipe will stay in our files until it yellows with age -- it is that good.

Robin Richards, Washington, Pa.: "I recently had the most fabulous mac and cheese at Six Penn Kitchen, Downtown. Is there any chance of getting that wonderful recipe or something similar?"

PG TESTED

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled or unpeeled and quartered
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 11/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 chicken, cut up (about 3 pounds)
• 1 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage, sliced
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Mix seasonings together. Put potatoes into a casserole or roasting pan and sprinkle with half of the seasonings. Place chicken, then sausage, over potatoes. Pour the oil over the mixture and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning.

Cover and bake for one hour.

Uncover and reduce heat to 375, and bake 30 minutes longer or until chicken and potatoes are well browned.

Note: Over the years Mrs. Lopilato made a few changes to the recipe. She added carrots, at the suggestion of a co-worker, and it was a great idea. And she tosses the potatoes and carrots with a little of the oil before sprinkling with the seasoning. Finally she lifts the skin of the chicken and rubs some of the seasoning directly on the meat.