Roasted Chicken with Grape Sauce

 If you have vowed to eat healthier in 2013 this dish is for you! It is high in protein and the only carbs are from the grapes, so it is relatively low-carb.  You can omit the grape sauce if you want very low-carb, but be sure to cook the chicken on top of the grape mixture and then discard. It is still juicy and delicious without the sauce! Pair this with a cauliflower mash (see recipe below) and some green veges and you have a deliciously satisfying, healthy meal! The flavors work so well together it feels like you are eating a gourmet meal without too much effort! and if you haven't had a roasted grape before, you are in for a real treat!

Ingredients
1 whole roaster chicken (5-6 lbs)
4 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 head of garlic
2 lbs red seedless grapes
2-4 sprigs of fresh Thyme

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place the chicken breast side down on a cutting board and remove the backbone by cutting along the backbone on each side from end to end. Get as close to the bone as you can and remove. Turn chicken over and flatten by pressing firmly on the breast.
• In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 garlic clove (minced) and salt. Loosen the skin and rub 1/2 of the olive oil mixture under the skin. Place 2-4 Thyme sprigs under the skin. Rub the other half of the olive oil mixture on the skin. (Remove the pop-up thermometer if there is one)
• Place 1lb of grapes on the bottom of a roasting pan and smash with a fork until the skin breaks. Mix in the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and the rest of the garlic (skin removed and cut in 1/2).
• Place the chicken on top of the grapes in the roasting pan with breast side up and flatten. 

• Roast in the pre-heated oven for about an hour and 15 minutes or until temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F. Cook time will vary depending on the size of your chicken.

• Place the rest of the grapes on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast in the oven with the chicken for about 30 minutes or until the skin bursts open.
• When the chicken is fully cooked, remove from the oven and let rest on a cutting board.

 

• Strain the chicken juices into a saucepan. Let sit so fat can rise to the top. Skim off fat. Discard the grapes from the roasting pan. If you have a fat skimming measuring cup (very handy) you can just pour the juices into the cup and let sit a minute and then pour out the juices. Stop pouring when you reach the fat.

fat skimming measuring cup

Add the roasted grapes into the saucepan with the chicken juice and bring to a boil. Boil for about 5 minutes. Salt to taste. You can add honey if you prefer a little sweeter sauce.

This pairs nicely with a cauliflower mash....

Garlic Cauliflower Mash (low-carb alternative to garlic mashed potatoes)

1 medium head of cauliflower

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon of freshly minced garlic (or more to taste)

1/8 teaspoon chicken base

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

butter and chopped fresh chives for garnish

Cut cauliflower into small pieces and place in boiling water for about 5-6 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Drain well (do not cool), and pat dry with paper towels. In a blender or food processor, puree the hot cauliflower with the Parmesan, garlic, chicken base, and pepper until smooth. An immersion blender works well if you have one. Garnish with chives and butter and serve hot.

Recipe inspired by: Roast Chicken with Grapes

Roasted Tomato Pizza Dip

This cheese dip is delicious! 

It is a LOT of cheese, so it couldn't be anything other than delicious! 

No, it is not good for you at all, but definitely worth indulging once a year :o)

Serve this hot out of the oven with your favorite bread or chips. We picked up some Sea Salt Pita Chips and they went great with this!

**WARNING**

If you make this for your next gathering, be prepared to break up the fights that are surely to ensue!

Ingredients
1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1.5 blocks of cream cheese, softened (12 ounces)
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces shredded Italian cheese blend
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic cloves
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
bread and crackers for dipping

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place tomatoes on a foil lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and pepper - toss to coat. Arrange in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until bursting. Let cool.
While tomatoes are roasting, mix cream cheese with mozzarella and Italian cheese blend (reserve about 1 tablespoon each of mozzarella and cheese blend for topping). Stir in parmesan, fresh herbs and garlic and mix well. Transfer to an oven safe baking dish - I used an 8" square dish.  Top with reserved cheeses and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden an bubbly. Serve hot with bread and crackers for dipping.

recipe inspired by White Pizza Dip

Lemon & Thyme Sea Salt Scrub

Sea Salt is derived from evaporated seawater and is chock full of minerals beneficial to skin.  When mixed with oil, such as olive oil or almond oil, salt can breathe new life into tired skin.

Exfoliation with a salt scrub removes dead skin cells. The longer dead skin cells stay on the surface of skin - the harder they get. This hardened layer of dead skin cells will become thicker and thicker until it is removed - this can make the skin look dry and flaky; exfoliation with a salt scrub removes this layer and uncovers the moist, shiny skin hidden underneath! Who doesn't want shiny skin?

 This invigorates the skin and helps to improve circulation as well. Improved circulation gives the skin a natural, youthful glow. Scrubbing with salt also helps to remove bacteria from the skin and unclog pores. With its antiseptic qualities, salt kills bacteria and reduces inflammation along with any itching or pain associated with bacterial-related skin diseases.

Exfoliating with a salt scrub also encourages the growth of healthy new cells which tightens the skin, giving it a firmer and younger-looking appearance. Skin regeneration also reduces skin discoloration which evens out skin tone and improves the texture too! 

You don't have to spend a ton of $$$$ on salt scrubs.  You can make your own at home for your own  use and even for gift giving! I used about 1 cup of Coarse Sea Salt, 1/2 cup of Almond Oil, 1 tablespoon of Lemon Zest, some fresh Thyme Leaves, and a few drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil