I thought of the idea to start this blog this morning on my walk to the bottom of my driveway to pick up the newspaper. I was worried that I might be starting with complaints, but not today! The chicken and apples were totally delicious. Even more delicious when consumed in the same bite. This meal made me feel like a wonderful parent, feeding it to my family. My 11 year old daughter said it was up there with her favorite meals. My 8 year old son said the chicken was very good, but was unwilling to try the apples. More for me. My husband really enjoyed it as well; he's easy to please. It took me about 15 minutes to prepare, and about 55 minutes in the oven. I served it with roasted brussels sprouts and dinner rolls. The only thing I did differently is bake it in a giant cast-iron skillet. Came out perfectly. I don't take pictures of my food. I rarely take pictures of anything; my poor kids. But you know what roast chicken looks like. Here's the recipe and photo featured in the globe YUM! I highly recommend this dinner.
Roast Chicken with Apples and Rosemary
Serves 4
3T butter, room temperature
1t finely chopped rosemary
1t brown sugar
Salt & pepper, to taste
3 apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
1 whole chicken (4 pounds)
1. Set oven at 425 degrees. In a small bowl, mix together butter, rosemary, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the apples in a 9-by-13 inch baking dish, then place the chicken, breast side up, in the center. Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the breast, then rub half the butter mixture between the skin and breast. Carefully push some of the butter between the skin and meat of the legs, as well. Dot the rest of the butter over the apples, then sprinkle the chicken and apples with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the chicken for 50-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
What else looked good in the paper?
Everything else in that seasonal section looked good. Make-ahead breakfast burritos? I'll be trying those when the in-laws come a-knockin'. Lentil soup with bacon? I think it sounds delicious, but I have a feeling I'd be the only one enjoying that in my house, so probably not worth it for me to make it. Cheesecake pound cake? Oh sweet baby... that sounds incredible, but my waistline says no way to that right now. Maybe if someone wants to invite me over for a meal, I'd bring this as a thank you.
