Easy Roasted Chicken

Written for the River Current Publication

My friend Jack...so proud of his chickens.

I learned a new word recently and to be honest, I’m surprised I have never heard this word before.  Orthorexia.  Orthorexia describes someone who obsesses and fixates upon eating healthy, pure food.  Now this may surprise you…but I am not that person. 

My goal is to be informed.  Never to be pushy or preachy or judging of others….when it comes to food anyway…lol.  I love hanging out with what I call, like-minded people.  People who think like me and respect learning about health and nutrition.  It is often when I am with these sort of folks, that on occasion I find myself feeling embarrassed as they chastise a waiter because the restaurant is not serving organic butter or because they don’t know where the foods they are serving have come from…or most importantly, if they are not organic.

I was at a party once when a young (orthorexic) lady literally ran out of the room when a beautiful cake was brought to the table in celebration of a birthday.  She was horrified to even be in the same room.  I on the other hand, anxiously awaited my serving and joined in the joyous celebration amongst friends and family.

I have this theory; we must learn to live in this big world that surrounds us.  And if that means having an occasional ‘treat’ that isn’t typical of our preferred food preferences…that’s ok.  I am sometimes surprised when I am in a store or restaurant and people will make an effort to apologize to me, for what they are purchasing or eating.  And even more uncomfortable, sometimes I feel they are watching with great interest to see what I am eating.  Eek!  I guess if we have to apologize, then perhaps we shouldn’t be eating it in the first place?  A friend of mine calls it a ‘once in a while treat’.  And I am 100% ok with that.   I have said it many times; all things in moderation folks.

Be informed.  Make wise choices whenever possible.  And for those moments when a friend offers you a piece of cake, say “Heck yea…I would love to share a piece of cake with you.  Where’s the ice cream?”

This recipe is for Barb.  When I was leaving work tonight, she asked me for some healthy recipe ideas.  She shared how hard it was for her to cook healthy, because she lives alone.  She is wanting to clean up her diet and already has some great ideas as to where she will start.   

I suggested she try roasting a chicken for dinner and then enjoy it sliced on a salad or in a wrap the next day for lunch or dinner.  We discussed cooking larger portions so she could cook once; eat twice.  I’m a big fan of making a pot of soup on the weekend and packing it in my lunch during the week.  With fall right around the corner, soup recipes will soon be on the way!

Not exactly a roasted chicken pic; but it is a roasted chicken...
and he looks so fine, doesn't he?

Easy Roast Chicken
1 whole chicken (3 to 4 lbs.)
Sea salt
1 lemon, quartered
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh sage
2 small onions or leeks; sliced
½ bag baby carrots
1 cup dry white wine (If preferred, substitute chicken broth)
1 cup filtered water
1 Tbsp. butter
Freshly ground black pepper

To prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Wash the chicken and pat dry with a paper towel.  Sprinkle the inside with salt, then add half of the lemon wedges and herbs.

3. Place the chicken in the middle of a roasting pan and arrange the onions and carrots around the chicken, along with the remaining lemon wedges.

4. Add the wine (or broth) and water. 

5. Rub the butter over the chicken.  Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.  Cover the pan and bake for 1 ½ hours.

6. Uncover the chicken, baste the chicken and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes or until internal temperature is 165 - 170 degrees.