To all of my fellow Americans, Happy Independence Day!
We are taking a break from the Q&As (you can see the last one in the pre-recorded series next week) for an easy slow cooker recipe that your family will love: roast chicken with vegetables.
The chicken comes out tasting like a rotisserie chicken, succulent and juicy with a crispy outer edge (thanks to my special trick!). I love using the crockpot because it just takes a little preparation in the morning and voil�, you have a home-cooked meal waiting for you in the evening. This recipe uses a homemade rub for the chicken, but you can use any rub you like. Lemon pepper would also be nice, as would plain salt and pepper.
Slow Cooker Roast Chicken with Vegetables
1 whole cut up chicken (with skin)
3 to 4 cups of chopped vegetables (I use carrot, celery, potato, onion and garlic)
Rub (or use whatever rub you like)
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp thyme
salt and pepper
Directions: Chop vegetables and place them in the slow cooker. Take the cut up chicken and rub generously with the rub. (Make sure the rub is fully mixed together before placing on the chicken.) Place chicken on top of the vegetables. Cover. Cook on low 8 hours or high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
When you are ready to eat, take the chicken out and place under a broiler, checking every two minutes (6 minutes worked for me). This will make the skin crispy.
Serve with vegetables and jus from the crockpot. Sprinkle with pepper and garnish with parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Check out today's video to see the recipe being made. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur
News
A Return to Simplicity shares how the ten-item wardrobe has changed her life.
Comments of the Week
Lillian writes:
Hi Jennifer! I think having a running list on the back of my mind of specific things I've been looking for has been most helpful. This spring for instance, I realized I was going to need a new swimsuit for the summer season. Instead of going to the store and buying the first thing that fit, I looked around and I did some research about which brands would be the highest quality I could budget for. I saved some money and in the meantime I put up with wearing the old suit. Then the brand I was most interested in had a sale. I was able to order a beautiful swimsuit in exactly the color I wanted for just under the price I had budgeted for. I'm really happy with it, and even more so because I had put the thought and planning into the purchase. Nothing is more rewarding than planning, budgeting and then shopping for an item. For one, it protects you from the "buyer's remorse" associated with impulse buys. In addition, purchasing things one at a time can make those purchases even more special and pleasurable than getting lots of new things all at once. When you plan, you avoid the potential for associating the things you own with negative emotions like guilt or financial stress.
Dear Lillian, you present a wonderful example of the correct way to shop for the ten-item wardrobe. In your case, with the swimsuit, you are talking about shopping for the "extras". After adopting this more mindful way of shopping, you will do this with everything you buy. No more impulse purchases! No more being swayed by marketing and sales! It truly is wonderful.
Sue writes:
Jennifer, I met you through my library audio book app.
The 10 item wardrobe concept is a God-send to me. I'm nearing 60 years old and am petite. Finding clothes is difficult when you're a 00P or 0P. Initially I felt great relief that I didn't have to find a closet-full of clothes--only a few items.
I've been amazed at the combinations I have. It's stretched me to look harder for the possibilities in front of me and I'm pleased.
Thank you!
Dear Sue, I'm so happy to hear that the ten-item wardrobe has been beneficial for you. Thank you for sharing your testimony!
Margery writes:
Here's something that helps me look and feel chic most days even if I'm just staying home with my kids. I put my hair in an easy and elegant updo (It's soooo hot in Atlanta now!), polish my toenails, and put on earrings and a necklace. I might only be wearing shorts and a plain t-shirt, but the little extras make you look and feel more polished. I do the simple makeup routine daily with makeup from Target. You don't have to spend huge amounts of $$$$ to be chic.
Dear Margery, It truly is the little details sometimes that bring us the most pleasure. I'm sure your family notice the effort you put into presenting yourself everyday. Thank you for sharing your tips!
This week, I would love to know what quick and easy crowd-pleasers you like to cook for your family. Do you have any recipe requests you'd like to see from me? Let me know in the comment section. See you all next week for the last installment of the Q&As.
See you on Thursday with a special message for my Polish readers for the publication of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic!
The music in this week's video is: String Quartet No. 8 in F Major K 168 Allegro from Epidemic Sound
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