Lemon Chicken Drumsticks with Fennel Slaw and Roasted Lemon Potatoes

Lemon  is definitely the theme of the meal this time. Unlike my other posted roasted chicken recipe however, this is a tad less "hit you over the head" lemony. It has lemon juice and zest, but that's it - no lemon slices in the oven.  The chicken part of the meal was adapted from a recipe calling it "Mediterranean Chicken", but I think that is not right at all (just because it has oregano and garlic?). Sheesh.

The Fennel Slaw is an idea from Chef Michael Smith. Wasn't the family's fav in the end, but I liked it. Any excuse to get the mandolin out.  But not just that, it is so fresh tasting and fennel isn't your everyday veg. As for the potatoes, well we roast potatoes probably once a week - but in different styles. Instead of the usual "throw on some kind of spice mix", we tossed the potato wedges in the remains of a bottle of Farm Boy lemon-garlic salad dressing. These dressings are pretty awesome. Checking the label, there is no added sugar or weird preservatives - just lemon, garlic, oil, salt & pepper.

Lemon Chicken Drumsticks with Fennel Slaw and Roasted Lemon Potatoes.
I almost forgot to take a photo before I ate it all, hence the tiny amount of everything on the plate.

This turned out to be perfect for a Sunday family meal. Was really super easy, very little muss and fuss.  Preparing the slaw ahead of time is actually better, the flavours marinate better. And plus, the chicken and potatoes can go in the oven at the same time at the same temp.

Next Time: would maybe try a bit longer at a bit lower temp

Me: 8/10
SO: 7/10
SSO: 4/10

Avocado, Cilantro, and Feta Dip

I love dip.  So easy to throw together, and a good way to blend flavours. The heat can be easily turned up or down to your taste. You can also focus on one or two interesting ingredients. What's not to like? Well, they can kind of taste similar if you're not careful and they all look like a pile of mush. Mounding it up in a decorative bowl helps, and garnishes like parsley, olive oil, and those ubiquitous rustic triangle crisps can distract your attention.

Avocado, cilantro, and feta dip. I forgot to take a picture, so
I borrowed this one - it turned out pretty much the same.

In this case, avocado is the star ingredient. It has a healthy and tasty reputation, and is kind of fun to prepare. Who doesn't like thumping a knife into the pit to remove it?  Lately cilantro leaves have enjoyed immense popularity in our house - so fresh tasting, almost delicate. As far as I'm concerned, you can't go terribly wrong with feta in almost any application either. This dip also has some diced hot peppers, although just enough to knock on the door to let you know they're there.

Next Time: may try something other than cilantro, or turn it into a fiery avocado dip

Me: 8/10
SO: 9/10
SSO: n/a

Scalloped Potatoes

I don't usually make good scalloped potatoes. There, I said it. But it's true - usually over/under cooked, curdled sauce (as SO reminded me), or just plain boring. Well this was none of those things, an actually very tasty. Cheesy, but not too much, cooked just enough, and flavour to boot. This was actually a sit-down Sunday dinner type thing, one of our stand-bys - a ham from the butcher, some form of potatoes, and peas. Is cheap to make, and there's always lots of leftovers for lunches. And to think I didn't even use cream this time - didn't really need it. No really!

Scalloped Potatoes

I have to say the key was both bacon and the cheese combo. The bacon - although somewhat redundant because of the ham - replaces the usual butter and gives lots of yummy flavour. The cheese combo was good quality old cheddar and Parmesan.  The cheddar gave it a bit of ooey gooey, and the Parmesan browned a bit and gave even more flavour. I'm going to make it like this from now on.

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Peas

Next time: wouldn't change much I don't think

Me: 10/10
SO: 9/10
SSO: 1/10