Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching as I see people in grocery stores heaving big turkeys into their carts.
For some families a turkey may be too big or to time consuming, especially if you have a busy weekend planned.
Roasted chicken is a quicker alternative to a full size turkey as it cooks quicker and there are less leftovers.
This is a recipe for a honey roasted version made with buckwheat honey. This honey has a very distinct flavor that is great in cooking. You can use plain honey if that is all you have on hand. You can grill this chicken on the barbecue or roast it in the oven.

The second recipe is for a pilaf that features garlic scapes. I discovered these at the farmers market this summer. They look like long curled green onions and  have a very strong garlic flavor. Again if you can't find them just use garlic cloves instead.

  I would just like to thank my readers for supporting my blog and thank the websites that seek my blog out and feature me on their website. It really means a lot to me!
Hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Honey Roasted Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Pilaf

• 1 roasting chicken
• 1/2 cup of buckwheat honey
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
• 1 tbs dried thyme leaves or 4 tbs fresh

Preheat oven or grill to 375F

Rinse and pat dry chicken. Place in roasting pan and place in oven or on grill(on opposite side burner is lit).

Meanwhile combine the rest of ingredients in a bowl.

When the chicken starts to brown begin brushing on the glaze every 20 minutes or so until chicken is golden and internal temperature reaches 180 F

Let stand for 10 minutes.

Garlic Mushroom Pilaf

•  ~olive oil
• 2 garlic scapes or cloves of garlic sliced
• 2 sun dried tomatoes chopped
• 4 large cremini mushrooms chopped
• 1 tbs thyme
• 1 cup of brown rice
• 3 cups of vegetable or chicken broth

In a pot  heat the oil and saute the garlic, thyme, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Add the rice and toss to coat well.

Pour in the broth stir to mix.

Bring to a boil reduce heat and cover.

Simmer for 45 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.

Fluff with a fork and serve.

Wine Suggestion: Riesling

Cheers!

Transition

 I think the summer went by really fast, seems like yesterday we were making summer plans and now tomorrow the kids head back to school.

So it begins...the transition from lazy summer days doing nothing to crazy hectic schedules, homework and lunch making. 

The weather today certainly feels like fall, cool and cloudy.

Makes me crave classic comfort foods like meat loaf.

This is a classic dish that can be assembled quickly and put in the oven while you catch up on other things. The leftovers make a great lunch the next day tucked into a bun or reheated.

You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. I prefer using oatmeal as a binder rather than breadcrumbs as it seems to hold together better and adds moisture if using lean meat.

Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Classic Meat Loaf

• 1 egg
• 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbs minced garlic
• 3/4 cup of oatmeal (or bread crumbs)
• 1/2 cup of ketchup , hot salsa or hot chili sauce
•  1/4 cup of fresh sage
• 1/2 diced onion
• 1 tbs dried leaf thyme
• salt and pepper
• 2 pounds of ground beef

Preheat oven to 400F

In a large bowl combine all ingredients except meat and mix well.

Add meat and combine to mix together.

Pat into a greased loaf pan.

Top with ketchup or hot sauce of choice and parsley.

Bake in the oven until the meat thermometer reads it is cooked in the center, about one hour.

Remove and let rest for 10 minutes. 

Slice and serve

Wine Suggestion: Malbec

Cheers!