Springtime Sunday and Butterfly exhibit

Sunday: Rosemary Citrus Chicken on the Rotisserie

1-2 whole chickens
1 cup softened butter
1T chopped fresh rosemary, ¼ t dried


2 sprigs fresh rosemary
½ t dried oregano
2 cloves minced garlic
3T fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 lemons
2 oranges


Clean one to two chickens, rinse in cold water and and dry well with paper towels. Loosen skin above breast meat and insert herbed butter between the skin and the meat. This is easiest on the breasts but can be accomplished over the thigh meat with perserverance. Stuff cavity of chicken with lemon wedges, orange wedges and fresh rosemary. Skewer chicken on rotisserie and secure with spit forks. Use kitchen twine to tie the chicken wings together at the first joint from the tip around the back of the chicken. Loop a piece of twine around the tail and spit and tie tightly around the crossed legs. Cook over coals until done. The only way to be sure the chicken is cooked through is to use a thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thigh, taking care not to touch the bone. Chicken should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remember that the meat will continue to cook once it's removed from the heat source, so you may pull it out of the oven or off the grill a few degrees below the target temperature--just keep the thermometer in place and check to be sure the temperature climbs to a safe heat.

This chicken is also delicious baked into a 350 degree oven until done.

Twice baked potatoes
6 large russet potatoes
1 cup butter
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
Olive oil
Salt, Pepper Lowry’s salt

Wash and dry potatoes
Coat with olive oil and sprinkle with salt
Bake at 350 degrees until done

Allow potatoes to slightly cool, Cut in half and scoop out flesh into bowl. Mash potatoes and mix sour cream, butter, ½ of cheese and milk. Whip until smooth. Can use wisk or hand held mixer. Stuff potatoes with filling and top with remainder of cheese. Bake until heated through at 350 degrees and until cheese melts.

Steamed broccoli

Reflections from the Backcounter

Every spring, the butterflies come to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. http://www.dbg.org/index.php/plan/calendar/eventdisplay?evt=event1a The Butterfly pavilion contains hundereds of different breeds of butterflies exhibited in a beautiful environment of lush plants, flowers and water features. This is a fabulous way to spend time with your family and the butterflies inspire a sense of wonderment in all ages. Toddlers and grandparents alike are fascinated and delighted by the delicate intricacy of the butterflies and the opportunity to be so close to them. If you can't make it to the Desert Botanical Garden or a butterfly exhibit near you, click on the following link to see a slide show of the butterflies in the Marshall pavilion exhibit in Phoenix. I am inspired to see the hope and promise of the future when I reflect on the beauty and fragility of the butterfly.

http://phoenixnewtimes.com/slideshow/index.php?gallery=42959&type=1&current=5&play=y

Enjoy the day and the Chicken. It is a delicious end to a restful day

Peace,

Julia