Spatchcock - BBQ chicken

I know, spatchcock? Right. What the hell? 

Weird name, great technique.

So basically what you want to do is take a chicken, grab a pair of tough, sharp kitchen sheers and not be afraid. You are now going to cut the bird open. Yes. That's right. Cut straight down the bird's backbone. No fear. 

Once you've done that, flip the bird over and press down on the breastbone until you hear a slight crack. 

There. 

Done. 

As for actually eating the chicken, I did an amazing dry rub on the BBQ. Amazing in both taste and simplicity. 

4 Tablespoons kosher salt

3 Tablespoons brown sugar 

2 Tablesppons Paprika 

1 Tablespoons Cayenne 

Easy peasy. 

Generously coat and BBQ your chicken until internal temperature of 165. 

Try this, It's massively successful. 

Cheers. 

Leftover Love - Warm Beet Salad with Chicken and Goat Cheese

What to do with leftover roast chicken? Why! Make a kick-ass salad!

I have become completely addicted to roasted beets. Plus, they are in season most of the time, they keep well, their easy to prepare, healthy and cheap. Perfecto!

This salad is really very simple. Roast the beets for about 20 minutes - depending on the size.

I added mixed greens, spinach, sliced roasted chicken breast, goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, sliced almonds and fresh ground pepper.

Easy and awesome.

D-Lightful Dinner - Roasted Chicken

Dinner last night = resounding success!
I have decided that this year that I am going to cook a turkey.
So, in the effort to become more "poultry proficient", I will be roasting my fair share of birds over the next few months. 
In any case, this little guy turned out perfect.

Sandwich God - Warm Apple & Fig Sandwich with Grilled Chicken

Okay.
So I did something awesome today.
I made (wait for it) the best sandwich ever.
That's right. I did it. 
I created Godliness on plate.
Try it, you owe it to yourself.

Something Un-Ocassional - Chicken Cordon Bleu

Personally, I love meals I can make ahead and stick in the oven as soon as I get home. I'm at my most creative and energetic at night, so it suits me perfectly. I also love dishes that make me look amazing. This is no exception. Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those 'fancy' dishes that is usually brought out at special occasions, or even just saved for restaurants. I'm really sure why. I try to incorporate it into our normal meal rotation (although, I will admit my definition of 'normal' is very different from most... rosemary-mint lamb chops or beer-battered cod anyone?).

Now, to be fair, I am making this today in belated celebration of my mom's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!) so this does fall under the special occasion category, all I mean is, it's too good not to make on a more regular basis. And, it's make-ahead friendly and totally easy. 

Can I Get an OPA!? - Chicken Souvlaki

This is srsly so easy I can't believe I've never made it before. Everything but the chicken and warming the pitas can be done ahead of time and kept in the fridge. Super easy, super awesome, super messy! Have fun!

Kidneys vs Feathers - Rosemary Lemon Roast Chicken

I will not be bested by a bird. Especially a dead bird wrapped in cellophane.

In my continued search to try new things, I have decided that instead of simply going to Safeway and buying a pre-roasted ready to eat rather greasy chicken, I would attempt my own (again). This though came to me in bed the other night. Do you ever do that? Lay in bed thinking of food? I do. It’s easier on the waistline and you can let your mind wander. I digress. Yesterday, I happily picked up the cutest 2lb chicken at Safeway along with a couple lemons (grab fresh rosemary too, I grow it at home, but grocery stores will carry containers of it in the fresh isle.)

I should to point out, I’m less concerned with never having actually successfully cooking a bird before then I am about the sticker on the package which in bold capitals warning me there may be the birds kidneys left inside. Gross. Although as Brittany pointed out, kidneys are better than feathers. Agreed.

Photo Post - Casual Monte Cristo

Slow & Comfy - Double Noodle Chicken Soup

Got a hour or two? Or perhaps just need something lazy to do on Sunday? Try this, I promise, you will love it.

When the world turns ugly, it's comforting to know that you can always turn to certain food to pick up your spirits; fresh-from -the-oven chocolate chip cookies, warm strawberry/rhubarb crisp, banana bread with melted butter, and my mom's wonderful chicken noodle soup.

How to Appear Domestically Talented - Tandoori Chicken

I love dinner recipes that sound, smell and taste like I've slaved away all night in the kitchen, when really, I've thrown it together in seconds, tossed it in the oven and watched reruns of Sex and the City while painting my nails instead. Seriously, nothing makes me feel more domestically talented.

Which is likely why I'm so obsessed with making Tandoori Chicken.

This meal couldn't be any easier or better. And it's all thanks to Silk Road Spice Company. A Calgary, AB based business dedicated to supplying fresh and fabulous spices and spice blends (they ship too!!). I pulled this off their website, I make at least twice a month!

It's all in the sauce - Honey Mustard Chicken

The marinade for this drives me crazy - it smells SO good.
It's great for company, and it tastes like you slaved for hours.