Are you up for a challenge…a tasty challenge! I know many of us have been cooking at home more often than normal and you may be running out of ideas. One thing about traveling is that you have the opportunity to taste a variety of flavors and foods from countries all over the world. And cruise ships are also in that same boat! They offer a wide variety of eateries from diners to specialty restaurants and many of the menus are quite tasty. With the various choices, it’s possible to not have the same foods more than once.
I thought it would be a great idea to share this fun, new challenge so you can cook along with me at home and try your hand at some favorite Cruise Line recipes, since we can’t actually cruise right now. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me in a Cooking Challenge. So, strap on an apron, turn on some music and let’s head to the kitchen…. kids included! And best of all – let’s relieve some stress by having fun in the kitchen.
This delicious recipe is complements of Oceania Cruises (known for their amazing cuisine) – and was created by the famous chef Jacques Pépin. It’s his scrumptious Roasted Chicken. Talk about comfort food! This recipe is also versatile because you can pair it with any starch or vegetable that you have on hand. So, pour yourself a glass of wine and let’s get cooking – I can’t wait to see all of your results!
If you do join in the fun, I would love to see your masterpieces so please post your results on my Facebook https://www.facebook.com/XOOMTOURS/ or Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/xoomtours/ and I will do the same.
JACQUES PÉPIN’S ROASTED CHICKEN RECIPE
(SERVES 6)
SEASONING BLEND
- 2 bay leaves, minced
- 2 tablespoons each dried rosemary, thyme, sage and sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ teaspoon ground mace
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
CHICKEN
Substitute ingredients as needed.
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 (4- to 6-pound) chicken or bone-in chicken pieces
- Fleur de sel or Maldon flaky salt, for finishing
MAKE THE SEASONING BLEND
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Store unused seasoning blend in a sealed sterilized jar for up to 3 months.
ROAST THE CHICKEN
Preheat the oven to 400°F/204°C. In a small bowl, combine the butter and 2 heaping tablespoons of the seasoning blend and brush the spiced butter generously over the chicken. Place the chicken on a roasting rack, breast side up. Roast the chicken, brushing every 15 minutes with spiced butter, until the meatiest part reaches an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C, about 15 minutes per pound. Remove from the oven and let rest (covered) 15 minutes. Carve the chicken and finish the pieces with the salt.
I look forward to seeing your delicious Roasted Chicken dinners.
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Enjoy!!
Lisa
