DESERT ISLAND ROAST CHICKEN
+ chicken fat potatoes, mayonnaise and a green salad
It’s rare that I get the dream day off, but last week, I got just that. It was the Sunday after returning from America and doing back to back supper clubs, and a day of rest could not have been more needed. Now, when I say The Dream Day Off, that will mean something different for everyone, let me break down my version for you.
I woke up naturally, no alarm, after an eleven hour uninterrupted sleep. Yes, eleven hours. I would have kept sleeping if it weren’t for my boyfriend (the hot chef) gently rousing me with a cup of coffee and letting me know it was in fact midday. Not wanting to ruin my sleep for the coming evening, I accepted it was time to get up. I then learned that, while I was sleeping, THC had been to the butcher and the greengrocer and picked up all the ingredients for my favourite meal, roast chicken. We’d realised a few days prior that we had never roasted a chicken together before - a big shock to everyone involved, and I guess he realised it was better we rectified that sooner rather than later. So for the following few hours, I read the paper and drank coffee while he effortlessly pulled together my desert island meal, step by step, all cooked to perfection. The bird had been salted a few hours prior, coming up to room temperature while I slept, he roasted it to perfection and in the meantime whipped up some homemade mayonnaise and rosemary, garlic and butter potatoes.
We ate the whole feast sitting on the floor, with our hands, like animals, whilst watching The Rehearsal (if you don’t know, get to know). I honestly cannot describe a more perfect day off for me and whilst it is the dream to have this meal cooked for you, it’s also a very pleasing one to make slowly, on a Sunday while you read and relax in the background. It’s a very low fuss meal, with a few keys tricks to make it so, and for me, this is my go to way to cook a chicken if I decide I want one on the day that I would like to eat it. THC had also purchased a bag of chicken bones from the butcher, so he could make stock, the professional kitchen behaviour running deep in his bones. So I have included instructions on how to make a very good chicken broth here too, as this is a vital skill for any home cook imo, and who (among the meat eaters) doesn’t love having a good chicken stock on hand? No one I’ve met.
Below you will find my go to roast chicken recipe and method, some excellent chicken fat potatoes, a simple (but essential) green salad and a homemade mayonnaise recipe. These dishes are essential for the repertoire and to have in your back pocket when the inevitable cosy autumnal Sunday at home rolls around.
Last thing to say from me before we get stuck into the chicken is that I am going off on holiday today (at last!) which means there won’t be an email from me next week, it’s time for your girl to have a rest. I’ll be coming home rejuvenated, full of new ideas and ready to launch into the Autumn with you. I’m eternally grateful for your support and for every single one of you who subscribe to this newsletter, so thank you in advance for bearing with me while I recharge, I can’t wait to get back and share all my discoveries with you from Puglia.
Sending love, Rosie x
