Good advice
My mum tells me that Delia Smith recommends roasting a chicken if you feel in need of some tlc, and I think it’s pretty good advice. There’s something so solid, so comforting, so deliciously satisfying about roasting a chicken, and it makes the place smell amazing! Tell me you know what I’m talking about? Anyone?
I roasted a chicken last week, when I’d just come back to my flat after a week of being looked after at my parents’. It felt so nice to be back here, I think that’s when I realised that this place really feels like home. It’s different, it’s lonely sometimes, and scary, and I’ve only got myself to blame when the dishes aren’t done and there are dirty socks on the floor, but this wee garden flat full of owls and bunting and photographs is all mine, it’s just mine, and I love it. Even more so now I’ve roasted a chicken in it; that really makes it a home.
All this talk of chickens, and I haven’t even mentioned the recipe I’m going to share (cos who needs a recipe to roast a chicken? Just oil it, stick a lemon inside, throw it in the oven for an hour or two and don’t forget to baste). What I actually intended to write about was the delicious roasted cauliflower you can see at the front of that there photo. Infinitely better than the flabby whiteness of boiled cauliflower, and almost effortless, this is definitely going to become a regular feature of my solo cooking.
Roasted cauliflower (from Gwyneth Paltrow’s cookbook)
1. Cut 1 head of cauliflower into small florets. Put in a baking dish large enough to hold it all in one layer and toss with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Roast at 230 c/gas mark 8 for 35 minutes until the cauliflower is caramelized all over. Stir or shake it up every so often.
That’s really it! Told you it was easy, and it really is incredibly delicious. Next time you’re putting a chicken in the oven, throw in a dish of cauliflower as well. You won’t regret it!
I was just thinking how nommy the cauliflower looked! I love a roast chicken – I especially love going to pick at it later on when it’s cooled a little. I know what you mean about the smell too – it’s like a big hug
xxx
I totally know what you mean! I love roast chicken – my fave time to do it is Sunday evening, when I’m doing laundry and packing my bag for the work week ahead – there is, as you say, something so comforting about it. Lovely!
This looks delicious, and you’re so right, a roast chicken in the oven smells amazing.
I have got to get my hands on the gwyneth Paltrow cookbook!!
I just discovered roasted cauliflower last year and couldn’t believe how yummy it was!
mmmmmmm, that looks delicious! We’re big fans of roast chicken too, but the cauliflower is a revelation – Is it really as simple as that? Definitely going to try this out : )
Roast chicken is delicious, but cupcakes always lift my spirits
Mmmmmm, roast chicken & cauliflower. This sounds wonderful. Roast chicken for one is also nice because you can just pick at it and eat it all week! Or make chicken salad. I love it.