Now that the USA World Cup soccer game is over (we won for those of you who didn't watch)....I can finally start my day. And by start my day, I mean post something on this silly blog.
So my parents came into town this weekend and we, of course, had to cook a special feast for Father's Day. We chose a tomato and mozzarella salad, chicken, twice baked potatoes, and asparagus! Whew!
Some of you have heard the story about how I tried to cook a whole chicken. It was comical to say the least. I tried this rub I found in one of my favorite cookbooks, I followed directions, I failed. Miserably.
So this weekend was round 2: Abby vs. the chicken. Well, it was more like Abby watching my dad vs. the chicken. But it was a huge success and delicious! And embarrassingly easy.
Cheesy factor (1 no cheese, 10 all cheese): 0 BOOOOO
Dummy factor (1 easiest, 10 hardest) : HA! considering I failed my first time, I say 7
Time factor (1 shortest, 10 longest): 7
Whole Chicken
5 lb whole young chicken (plenty for 4 people)
seasoning of choice (I used jerk)
olive oil
can of beer
Preheat oven to 350 deg. Rub chicken with olive oil and seasoning, including under the skin. Place on top of cup of beer (make sure cup is oven proof), place into baking dish or casserole dish. Make a little tin foil plug for the neck so the steam doesn't come out. Bake chicken for about 1.5 hours (skin should be golden brown and skin should have a crisp).
I got this ceramic contraption as a shower gift from my aunt that is an all in one deal (the dish and cup are connected). It was super moist and amazing. Even for dummies. Someone told me you could do this on the grill too, and just flat out put the chicken on the can of beer itself and put on grill. But I am not that talented. Yet, anyway.
Cheesy factor (1 no cheese, 10 all cheese): 0 BOOOOO
Dummy factor (1 easiest, 10 hardest) : 1
Time factor (1 shortest, 10 longest): 1
Broiled Asparagus
Asparagus
Olive Oil
Salt/Pepper
Take one piece of asparagus, and snap. Where the asparagus breaks, cut all other to match. Spread out asparagus on a sheet of tin foil, drizzle with olive oil, and season (heavily) with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Place under broiler for 10 minutes, tossing after 5 minutes.
This is so so so easy. And so so so yummy. Especially if you over season and over oil, like I do!
Cheesy factor (1 no cheese, 10 all cheese): 5
Dummy factor (1 easiest, 10 hardest) : 4
Time factor (1 shortest, 10 longest): 7
Twice Baked Potatoes
2 large russet potatoes
Sour Cream
Parmesan Cheese
Milk (small amount)
Garlic Salt
Bake potatoes in oven until cooked (about 1-1.5 hours at 350 deg, depending on size). Allow to cool slightly, then cut in half. Spoon out the inside of the potato into a bowl, saving the skins. Smash the potato up with sour cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese until consistency is soft (like mashed potatoes). Season with garlic salt. Spoon mixture back into the skins, top off with a little more cheese, and place on baking sheet back into over for about 15 minutes (or until tops have a little brown to them).
You can vary the flavors with cheddar cheese, scallions, bacon, whatever. It's all delicious. Because it has cheese.
