Roasted Chicken on a Bed of Roots Vegetables

A larger chicken can be used. Just adjust the cooking time. Also, various other root vegetables would be perfect. More delicate vegetables can be added later in the cooking time as well. In addition, I would suggest cutting the oil and butter down if you prefer less oily vegetables. Enjoy!

Roasted Chicken on a Bed of Roots Vegetables

5 stars

Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients

• 1 4 to 4.5 lb whole chicken
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 6 thyme sprigs
• 2 large leeks
• 3 tennis-ball-sized rutabagas
• 2 tennis-ball-sized turnips
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut in half
• 1 small onion, cut into quarters
• 8 golf-ball-sized red potatoes
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp

Cooking Directions

1. Let chicken stand at room temperature for 1.5-2 hours.
2. Remove innards. Generously season cavity with salt and pepper, add 3 cloves of garlic and 5 sprigs of thyme and massage the inside. Truss the chicken.
3. Cut off the dark green leaves from the top of the leeks. Trim off and discard any darkened outer layers. Cut the leeks and rinse well.
4. Cut off both ends of the rutabagas, then cut off the skin. Cut into 3/4 inch wedges. Repeat with the turnips.
5. Combine all the vegetables and remaining garlic and thyme in a large bowl. Toss with 1/4 cup canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables in a large cast iron or roasting pan.
6. Preheat oven to 475 degrees.
7. Rub the remaining oil all over the chicken. Season generously with salt and pepper.
8. Make a nest in the center of the vegetables and rest the chicken in it.
9. Cut the butter into 4 or 5 pieces and place over the chicken breast.
10. Put the pan into the oven and roast for 25 minutes. Reduce the heat to 400 and roast for another 45 minutes or until the thighs and under the breast are 160 degrees and the juice runs clear. Add 5 more minutes if needed.
11. Transfer the chicken to a carving board and let rest for 20 minutes.
12. Just before serving, reheat the vegetables over medium heat on the stove, turning an glazing them in the juices.
13. Cut the chicken into serving pieces, arrange over the vegetables, and serve.

Slow Cooker Apple Spice Cake

Another easy cake to make that requires absolutely no nasty frosting, icing, or the like. Just like the Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake, it's easy. It might come out a little denser and more like a bread pudding consistency. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Apple Spice Cake

Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons canola oil

Cooking Directions

1. Spray crock of a 2 quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a small bowl, combine the applesauce, oil, and egg. Beat until smooth.
4. Add the applesauce mixture to the dry ingredients and beat until smooth and fluffy.
5. Pour the cake batter into the prepared slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on HIGH until puffed and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 2 1/2 hours.
7. Turn the cooker off and let it stand with the lid on for 30 minutes to cool.
8. To remove the cake, run a rubber spatula around the edge and lift it out.