The Dinner Behind the Apple Cake

What, you thought we just had apple cake for dinner? Come on now! 

Friday night dinners were designed for big meals and we did not disappoint. 

Honestly I wasn't feeling very creative for this dinner, but I think I pulled out a good meal.

The starters were prepared by my aunt and cousin: 

Hummus with Olive Oil & Pine Nuts

Bruschetta, for this they toasted up some bread and I just chopped up some tomatos and tossed them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil

They also made pita chips, and I'm going to be blunt here: they were just way better than the bag kind. Keep that in mind my friends. We just tossed them in the oven at 350 with a drizzle of oil until they got crispy. easy peasy.

For dinner I made roasted chicken with herbs and a tomato sauce of sorts. I snagged this recipe from when I was working at the Italian restaurant at school. I used to have to make this for banquets and quickly realized how handy this dish is for large groups.

I used bone-in chicken breasts, legs, and thighs. Sometimes when I talk about chicken parts I feel like I'm discussing a strip tease.

Anyway...

All you have to do is coat the chicken in some olive oil, season it generously with salt & pepper, and rub the chopped herbs on it (sage, rosemary, and thyme)

Then it goes in a 450 oven until the skin is golden & crispy. Lower the oven to 350 and just keep an eye on it. The breasts cook faster than the dark meat. Don't leave it in too long. Chicken is best when it is not the texture of rubber, just a thought.

Roasted parsnips & carrots on the side (drizzle of olive oil, s&p 450 oven until done)

Israeli Cous Cous too!

For this I just simmered some Israeli Cous Cous, added sauteed leeks, roasted mushrooms ( I chopped them up before I tossed them in), a little extra virgin olive oil & this amazing herb mix my Aunt had from Israel.

The spice mix was bright green dried parsley and pistachios with some other deliciousness thrown in. It was awesome with all the other flavors in the dish.

Salad was mixed greens, pears, dried cranberries & candied nuts. 

Oh yes, and a nice glass of white wine for me while we cooked!