Sunday, April 26, 2015

What's for dinner mom?!?






What’s for dinner mom? You can imagine that with growing teenagers I get asked this often. Whenever I can, as busy as I am, I really like for my family to have a home cooked meal. While I like to support my neighborhood spots, I know that a homemade meal it is tastier and healthier than ordering in. Plus if there are any leftovers they are great for the next nite’s meal! 
While there are at least 1000 ways to cook chicken, I prefer the simplicity of this roast chicken. High in protein and low if fat, this is a great anytime meal. And easy to prepare! I like to always include a healthy carb (potato (white or sweet), quinoa, faro, brown  rice, or squash) and a vegetable (steamed or sautee spinach, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, beans or artichoke) and always a simple mixed salad along with it (my parents use to tell me that a salad swept away everything I ate to make room for dessert!). Lucky for me I do not have picky eaters but regardless I am always conscious of having something on the plate for everyone to enjoy! 
I hope you enjoy this as much as we do!

Simple Roast Chicken:

ingredients
       6 tablespoons olive oil

       3 tablespoons lemon juice

       1 large shallot

       2 cloves garlic

       1/4 cup parsley leaves

       2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves

       3/4 teaspoon salt

       1/2 teaspoon black pepper

       1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)

       2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, cut into thin wedges

directions:
1. Heat oven to 425 degrees .
2. Add olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, parsley, oregano, 1/2 tsp of the salt and 1/4 tsp of the black pepper to blender; blend until combined. Liberally season chicken with half the mixture and place on a rack in a large roasting pan. Season with 1/8 tsp each of the salt and pepper. Roast at 425 degrees for 60 to 70 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees .
3. Meanwhile, toss potatoes with remaining olive oil and lemon mixture. Place on a baking sheet and roast with chicken for 40 to 45 minutes, until browned and forktender. Season with remaining 1/8 tsp each salt and pepper.
4. Slice chicken and serve with potatoes.