✨Sunday Savorings: Enchanting Discoveries & Culinary Delights✨
A community is born, A delectable roast chicken recipe, A beautiful book of desserts, a new Radicchio & a room scent to rejuvenate and relax you!
Dear Friends!
As another week unfolds, we find ourselves gathering once again to savor the highlights of the past seven days. I’ve been cooking and crafting, and of course autumn brings out the bookworm in me. So, I hope that you’ll get nestled with a steaming cup of tea or a comforting mug of coffee, find your coziest spot, and let's embark on this delightful journey together.
What's Filling My Heart with Joy this Week: Heartwarming Responses to My Recent Article
This week has truly been a heartwarming experience as I've been flooded with an abundance of beautiful comments and messages in response to my latest article, ✨ Revealing the Enchanted Soul of a Witch/Wytch: A Healer, Gardener, and Weaver of Beauty, Love and Magic ✨ Exploring such a complex and profound subject can be quite an adventure, but the incredible support and engagement from all of you have been truly uplifting. Many wonderful women have expressed their eagerness to delve deeper into this captivating topic, and even my dear mother-in-law shared her newfound awareness of her own neglected Wytch soul. In the spirit of fostering deeper connections, I've decided to continue our exploration through intimate conversations and rituals, exclusively available to our cherished subscribers. If you haven't had the chance to read the article yet, you can find it here: Revealing the Enchanted Soul of a Witch/Wytch
I wholeheartedly invite you to join us on this enchanting journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It will be wonderful to share this experience with you.
What's Simmering in My Kitchen: Roasted Marsala Chicken with Hearty Vegetables
🍗🥕🍠 Roasted Marsala Chicken with Hearty Vegetables 🍠🥕🍗
This week, my kitchen has been alive with the delightful aroma of comfort food as I've prepared a magnificent dish: Roasted Marsala Chicken with Hearty Vegetables. The combination of rich marsala wine, fragrant black garlic, and a medley of herbs and spices is nothing short of divine. Paired with tender potatoes, carrots, and onions, and elevated by the unique flavors of lovage and curry powder, it's a hearty meal that warms not only the body but also the soul. It was just my daughter in law, grandson and myself, so we sat on the porch, listened to the lovely night sounds, and feasted away. Whatever you do? Don’t skip the gravy…the tarragon dijon mustard really takes it up a bit….
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4-5 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves black garlic, minced
- 1 cup marsala wine
- 2 cups bone broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon dried lovage (or celery leaves)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the Chicken:
- Give your chicken a thorough rinse inside and out, then gently pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, black garlic, curry powder, lovage, salt, and pepper, ensuring that the seasonings coat every inch of the bird. For added flavor, stuff the chicken's cavity with a small apple and onion.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a spacious roasting pan, arrange the quartered potatoes, carrot chunks, and sliced onion.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the vegetables and generously season them with salt and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
4. Place the Chicken Atop the Vegetables:
- Carefully position your seasoned chicken atop the bed of delectable vegetables in the roasting pan. Pour in the bone broth and marsala wine for that extra burst of flavor.
5. Roast the Chicken:
- Now, slide the pan into your preheated oven and allow it to roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, with an additional 15 minutes. For example, if your chicken weighs 4.5 pounds, it should spend about 1 hour and 45 minutes in the oven. Be sure to check that the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
6. Baste and Add Marsala:
- During the final 30 minutes of roasting, pamper your chicken by basting it with those irresistible pan juices every 10 minutes.
7. Rest and Savor:
- Once your chicken reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for approximately 10-15 minutes before you begin carving.
- Present this splendid roasted chicken and its accompanying vegetables on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs.
8. Savory Gravy:
- If you're a fan of gravy (and in our house, it's a must), strain the pan juices into a saucepan, bring them to a gentle simmer, and whisk in 2 tablespoons of tarragon Dijon mustard for a luscious finishing touch.
Now, settle in, relax, and relish in the delightful flavors of this roasted chicken, enveloped in its savory marsala sauce, surrounded by tender vegetables. Enhance your dining experience by setting the table with cherished heirlooms—a beloved grandmother's platter, long tucked away, delicate linen napkins, and exquisite plates. Gather your loved ones for a cozy meal that celebrates the richness of flavors and the warmth of togetherness. Don't forget to pair it with a simple side salad, a glass of your favorite wine, and a fresh baguette to savor every last drop of those delectable juices.
What's Captivating Me: Sweet Paris: Seasonal Recipes from an American Baker in Paris by Frank Adrian Barron
In 2018, my wanderlust led me to the enchanting streets of Paris, where I had the privilege of exploring the city's captivating charm and indulging in its world-renowned patisseries. From the delicate Madeleines to the irresistible macarons, the heavenly éclairs to the iconic Paris-Brest, each sweet creation was a buttery masterpiece. While I may have gained a few pounds during that trip, can you truly blame me? Besides, walking is the primary mode of transportation in Paris so that’s probably what kept the scales from tipping too badly!
Recently, I discovered a delightful book that instantly tugged at my heartstrings and took me straight back to Montmartre: Sweet Paris: Seasonal Recipes from an American Baker in Paris by Frank Adrian Barron. The word "seasonal" in the title caught my attention, and soon after, images of Pavlovas and Bûche de Noël were dancing in my mind. Let me tell you, this book is nothing short of pure magic.
The story of Sweet Paris unfolds in 2012 when Frank Adrian Barron made the bold move to Paris, a city that swiftly captured his heart. Hailing from California, he embarked on a culinary journey that beautifully blended his Southern California upbringing with the rich traditions of French patisseries. Word of Frank's delectable creations quickly spread, turning cozy cake gatherings with friends into a thriving business. Soon, local cafes were graced with his irresistible treats.
What makes Frank's creations truly exceptional is his masterful fusion of French desserts with American ingredients, along with his knack for infusing American classics with a touch of French finesse. His talents didn't go unnoticed, as he earned features in renowned publications like Time Out Paris, Bake from Scratch, and Fou de Pâtisserie. His Instagram feed, @cakeboyparis, is a visual feast that will undoubtedly brighten your day.
In the pages of Sweet Paris, Frank graciously invites readers into his world—a place where the elegance of French style effortlessly harmonizes with the art of American baking. Drawing inspiration from cherished French traditions like l'heure du goûter, reminiscent of British teatime, and autour de la table, the concept of gathering around a table with dear friends and delectable food, this book is a heartfelt homage to the enchanting universe of desserts and life in the City of Light. Oh, and did I mention the sublime Bûche de Noël recipe? Trust me; it's an experience you won't want to miss.
What's Taking Root in My Garden: Rosa del Veneto Radicchio
During last year's Christmas celebration in New York, I had the privilege of indulging in a most memorable meal that my daughter in laws sister prepared for me. The star of the show? The most exquisite radicchio I'd ever laid eyes on. Its radiant shades of pink adorned my plate, a sight so captivating that it almost felt sacrilegious to eat. Inspired by this vibrant memory, I embarked on a quest to find the seeds and plant them in my very own garden.
Rosa del Veneto radicchio is a relatively recent addition to the radicchio family, and there isn't another salad green that boasts the same breathtaking spectrum of colors. From delicate salmon hues to vibrant pinks, these varieties are simply enchanting. What's more, they're exceptionally cold-hardy and tend to develop their exquisite hues rather late, usually peaking from late November through February. It might surprise you that they often maintain a lively appearance well into November during most years. Given their stunning colors, it would be an absolute shame to relegate them to the pot. Instead, they are often delicately torn apart, served whole, or finely shredded for use in raw salads. The leaves offer a delightful touch of bitterness that adds character to any dish.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I eagerly anticipate the emergence of these beautiful plants in my garden. There's something undeniably magical about harvesting vegetables as the weather turns cooler—a reminder of our ability to provide for ourselves and our loved ones. Rest assured, I'll be documenting the journey from tender shoots to delectable bites, and I can't wait to share it with you.
What's Perfuming the Air : My Spiced Jasmine Dream Diffusion Blend
With the arrival of autumn, my senses naturally gravitate towards comforting scents—the sweet, sticky aroma of cinnamon buns and the soothing fragrance of chai tea. To set the mood, I've crafted a sublime essential oil blend perfect for those tranquil moments. It's so enchanting that during a recent Aromatherapy talk I gave, one of the participants asked if I was baking somewhere in the library. Now, that's a testament to its allure.
Spiced Jasmine Dream Diffusion Blend
Ingredients:
- 3 drops of Cinnamon essential oil
- 4 drops of Jasmine essential oil
- 4 drops of Sweet Orange essential oil
- 2 drops of Cardamom essential oil
- 2 drops of Vanilla essential oil
To embark on this aromatic journey, you'll need your trusty essential oil diffuser, cleaned and ready for action. Here's how to create this delightful blend:
1. Cinnamon: Begin with 3 drops of Cinnamon essential oil. It introduces a warm, spicy note to the blend, laying the foundation for a cozy atmosphere.
2. Jasmine: Add 4 drops of Jasmine essential oil, bringing a sweet and exotic aroma that adds a touch of floral elegance, creating a beautifully balanced aromatic profile.
3. Sweet Orange: Incorporate 4 drops of Sweet Orange essential oil, infusing a bright and uplifting citrus scent that adds a refreshing element to the blend.
4. Cardamom: Include 2 drops of Cardamom essential oil, contributing a rich, earthy undertone with a hint of spice. This enhances the complexity of the aroma.
5. Vanilla: Finish by adding 2 drops of Vanilla essential oil, which offers a sweet and creamy note that rounds out the blend, providing a comforting base.
With all the essential oils in place, it's time to let your diffuser work its magic. Simply follow your diffuser's instructions for operation, which typically involves adding the required amount of water, turning it on, and then enjoying the enchanting aroma that fills your space.
This Spiced Jasmine Dream Diffusion Blend combines the warmth of cinnamon, the exotic allure of jasmine, the zesty freshness of sweet orange, the spiciness of cardamom, and the sweet comfort of vanilla. It's perfect for creating a cozy and inviting ambiance in your home, promoting relaxation, and indulging your senses in a harmonious symphony of scents. Take a moment to embrace the soothing and dreamy atmosphere that this diffusion blend creates.
And that brings us to the end of this week's edition of "Sunday Savorings." I hope you've enjoyed this enchanting journey through a world brimming with earthy magic, where the very essence of nature and the bloom of life intertwine. As we part ways for now, remember to keep your senses open to the magic that surrounds us every day, and to the whispers of the forest and the secrets of the meadows. Until next time, stay immersed in the embrace of Mother Earth, and may your week ahead be filled with starry-eyed discoveries and moments of pure, blossoming wonder! 🌿🌼🌟🌬✨