Dad's Chicken Cacciatore(2)

　　As the sun lost its intensity, the sea grew calm and emerald -- the dinner hour arrived. What I remember most was the appetite we brought to the table, the rich simmered symphony of the Cacciatore, the profusion of talk, the plenty-for-all, sweet chaos of the feast around the kitchen table -- the wine and wafer of food prepared with wild love.

　　Chicken Cacciatore

　　Makes 10 to 12 servings

　　2(3-1/2-pound) chickens

　　Olive oil, as needed

　　4 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped along with their juices

　　3 ounces tomato paste

　　6 carrots

　　1 pound mushrooms

　　3 medium red onions

　　4 stalks celery

　　1 green bell pepper

　　1 orange bell pepper

　　4 cloves (or more, to taste) garlic minced

　　Salt and pepper to taste Chicken broth, as needed

　　1/2 cup minced fresh basil

　　Warm homemade corn bread,for serving