Just outside my front door, last Friday.
But don't worry, the snow has all melted since then. We've been enjoying some pretty mild days, actually. Unusually mild weather we've been having this November. I'm not complaining; I'm enjoying every minute of this extended Fall.
Today, I'd like to share with you my steps for a no-fail crispy chicken! After roasting countless chickens over the years, and trying different things here and there, I've finally mastered this simple, yet delicious way to prepare a delicious, crispy chicken, everyone at the table will swoon over.
I start with a fresh 3 pound whole chicken. Remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Rinse the chicken in cold water and pat dry.
Next, quarter an onion or shallots, a couple of lemon wedges, and peel garlic cloves. I picked some rosemary from my herb garden (still thriving, even after the snow!). You can buy fresh rosemary if you don't have any in your garden. DON'T use dry, it will not produce the same, aromatic smell and taste.
Sprinkle the chicken's cavity with some course salt and fresh ground pepper. Stuff the cavity to its fullest with onion, lemon, garlic and rosemary.
Now, get out your roasting pan with floating rack. If you don't have a roasting pan with a floating rack, you should get one. Believe me, this is what keeps your chicken crispy ALL OVER. My pan is from Kitchen Aid. I bought it on sale last year at Canadian Tire. I think it was 50 percent off during the holidays. It ended up being very inexpensive, after the sale.
Next, take some room temperature butter and spread it all over your chicken, making sure to get it in all the nooks and crannies. This is going to give you the crispy skin you so desire. Sprinkle the chicken (all over) with a generous amount of course salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Insert the pan in the middle rack of your oven and allow it to roast for 2 hours. I have a convection oven, which cooks faster than a regular electric oven, so you may have to adjust the cooking time depending on your oven. Test with an oven thermometer or until juices run clear. The result will be this...
Crispy, golden, aromatic, juicy chicken!
Once you remove the roasting pan from the oven, be sure to tent the chicken with foil and allow it to set for 20 minutes. Now your chicken is ready to eat. You can remove the stuffing in the cavity before you serve it, if you desire. Roasted potatoes, rice and/or your favourite veggies are all great accompaniments.
Hmm...what else has been going on since my last post? Well, I went with a friend of mine to the annual Barrie Christmas Craft Show. As usual, it was a lot of fun looking at all the hand made, one-of-a-kind items, browsing at all the booths, and talking to some of the vendors.
I bought this rusty star garland at the show and Nuno hung it for me on my kitchen hutch. The little birdie on the bottom shelf was bought at last year's show. Aren't they cute?
Some photos of a few other things that have been cooking in my kitchen...
Roasted butternut squash, with a tiny pool of melted butter and sprinkled with brown sugar. My idea of a perfect lunch! Roast in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour until soft and mushy. Add a spoon and enjoy!
Portuguese pork and bean stew (feijoada) served with rice on the side
I made this yummy appetizer last night. These are boiled quail eggs, sliced chorizo, and black olives, stir-fried in 1 tablespoon of XV olive oil and chopped cilantro. I aquired this pretty scalloped dish on Sunday. It was a bomboniere gift at my little cousin's baptism!
And last but not least, I'd like to share with this with you:
I received this card from my friend, Sherry, in the mail yesterday. I love the little poem on the front. I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends in my life. After all, the best recipes in life are not those for food and drinks, but those for family and friends. Don't you think?
Thank you for stopping by my kitchen. I appreciate your comments. If you aren't a follower yet, I invite you to join me. I hope you enjoyed your stay. Wishing you a wonder-fall day! xo
