The Basics

With the house returning to pediatric ward status (and Mama insisting the growing aches and congestion in her own body can NOT be sickness because there's just no time for such things), last night's dinner was a return to the basics, which for me means minimal effort, minimal dishes, etc. We had the perfect roasted chicken (thanks to Ina) that found its way to perfection by resting on a pile of carrots, fennel (coooooo-op), and onions. (** I must add here that I know many people who upon reading the word "fennel" started to feel a gag coming on. I'm not a huge fan of it raw myself, but you're missing out on something fabulous if you don't try it roasted. The roasting process tones down the licorice flavor significantly and yields a surprisingly sweet end product. Try it. You'll like it. Unless you're weird . . .). I served the chicken and veg with Mac-n-Cheese (a request by Mr. Sicky), and some green beans with bacon and red bell pepper. As usual, I didn't remember to take photos until AFTER I'd sat down at the table, but the chicken was something to behold - perfect color, perfect crispness on the skin, and perfect pan juices for dipping the pieces in, even though the chicken didn't need it. All in all, yummies for tummies all around. And now, I'm off to overdose on Vitamin C with a coffee chaser, praying I can just get through the next 8 hours until bed time. Sigh . . .