Roasting Chicken

I want to know how people roast chicken without smoking up the place? Seriously. I need this answered.

I once tried to roast a whole chicken in my apartment and it was complete insanity. I had the oven on super hot — maybe 425 or 450. It was what the recipe recommended. The chicken spit grease all over my oven and burnt and smoke started pouring into my kitchen. I had the dinky exhaust fan on high but that doesn't help much. I'm pretty sure it was just pushing the smoke around the room.

Then, my ear-splitting smoke detector went off. I'm pretty sure my entire apartment complex heard it. Nothing was actually burning on the chicken.. it was pretty much just the grease I think. Then, I have to clean my oven the following day or else it smokes up anytime I put my oven up to 400 degrees.

I was convinced it was my el cheapo apartment oven and bad exhaust that was the culprit, so I tried roasting these chicken thighs in my mom's oven. Same smoke problem, only this time, the smoke detector didn't go off because there's plenty of space between the oven, plus a window to help vent the smoke.

I know people roast chickens all the time.. so there has to be some trick to it. I can't believe people put up with the smoke, the lingering smell and the dirty, greasy oven afterward. So what's the deal?

My soup obsession

I am slightly obsessed with this soup. I've made it here and here and I made it again last night.

It's really nothing fancy, but this tortellini soup is one I keep going back to. My version has hot Italian turkey sausage and chicken broth. It can also be a vegetarian soup by leaving out the sausage and using vegetable broth. It's versatile like that.

What's your soup obsession?

Turkey White Bean Chili

It feels like a heat wave — compared to Chicago at least. It's in the teens here, but compared to 3 degrees, it's almost tropical. What a difference 10 degrees or so makes.

I get cold easily, so it's the perfect time to be eating warm, comforting favorite like chili.

If you've been reading this blog a while, you may know I struggle with finding the PERFECT chili recipe. I like this one because it's closer to the style of chili my mom makes. But the Turkey White Bean Chili I made yesterday may be a close second if not dethrone my previous top choice altogether.

It has tons of chili powder, but isn't too spicy. In fact, it's just spicy enough that it has heat without being uncomfortable. I still might add some red pepper for more kick or even a jalapeno, especially if I'm planning to top it with cheese and sour cream. I like my food spicy.

The turkey doesn't taste like turkey here. In fact, you probably would think it was beef. The white beans are a new twist I actually liked. Kidney beans aren't my absolute favorite anyhow.

If you make the recipe as written, which I did, you get tons of chili. Perfect for chili dogs later in the week. I am ridiculously excited I am for that. I haven't had a hotdog in AGES.

Penne with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

I apologize for the long absence. I received some potentially awful news at work last week, and it has taken me a week to process it and regroup.

I've also struggled with what to say about it, if anything at all. Obviously, this is mostly a food blog, but obviously — stress and emotions in general — can make a direct impact on the food choices I make in a day. So in my mind, it's completely relevant.

I'm not much of an emotional eater, truthfully, and I'd like to think I can *mostly* handle bad news with poise. All things considered, I handled the breakup of my 3-year relationship last year well. Externally, at least. I took a day to cry it out, and then it was business as usual. Eating-wise, when under that much emotional stress I completely lose my appetite. So there wasn't any gallons of ice cream consumed or anything like that.

This time it's a bit different. Unlike a breakup, which is final, things are a bit in limbo at the moment. In a month's time things can go really, really well, but things could also end up in the toilet. While I'm fairly sure things will be fine in the end, there's no certainty and that's the bit that's driving me nuts.

My stress levels are much better this week, but last week was all kinds of a mess. I abandoned my usual healthy routine. I did make it to the gym over the weekend and yesterday, but a wrench was thrown into my plans for today and I'm traveling for work the rest of the week.

My schedule for the next few weeks, actually, is just as crazy. That's why I'm thankful for meals like this Penne with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage. It's practically a 15-minute meal. You can't beat that with a stick.

I wasn't in love with the broccoli rabe, but I don't think that's the fault of the recipe. I remember liking it in this dish, but for some reason, I found it to be way too bitter this time. Does anyone know how to cut back on the bitterness? Other than that it was pretty tasty, but I don't think you can really go wrong with turkey sausage, garlic and pasta.

On the side was a frozen vegetable medley from Aldi's. Trader Joe's actually used to carry it, and probably still does. I can't remember what the blend I bought is called, but it was always called the Brittany Blend at TJ's. It's yellow and green beans with baby carrots - two of my favorite veggies!

Gnocchi with Sausage, Chard and Sundried Tomatoes

There was a run on butternut squash, apparently. I didn't pick up at Meijer because Aldi had it the past few weeks. Why pay more if you don't have to? Well, Aldi didn't have any. Even Kroger was COMPLETELY out. I even asked them to check the back.

So, my plan to make a braised chicken dish was foiled. I ended up pulling together a dish with sweet italian turkey sausage and chard/spinach combo and sundried tomatoes. I used this dish as inspiration, changing it slightly.

Not bad! I liked the chard better than the spinach, but overall, a pretty tasty meal. Not bad for a dinner on the fly.

In other news, I FINALLY ordered a digital SLR. I have wanted this camera for approximately two years but could never justify the cost. My point and shoot is at least 5 years old and is on its last legs and I have been tossing around the idea of replacing it. I broke down and ordered the DSLR because my sister's wedding is this coming weekend and she's not having an actual photographer. I'm in the wedding party so I can't be taking tons of photos, but I figured she'd like a few quality images to print. Plus, well, I really wanted that camera. Should be here by Wednesday, but I'm secretly hoping it will be early.

Anyhow.. off to enjoy the beautiful Indian summer weather. Hoping it's this nice on Friday for my little sis's wedding! That would be fantastic.

Gnocchi with Sausage, Chard and Sundried Tomatoes
Serves 2

1 link Italian turkey sausage, casing removed
Swiss chard, tough stems removed, leaves roughly chopped (I used about 3/4 a bunch)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup or so sundried tomatoes (plump dried ones in water or use jarred)
1/2 package dried gnocchi
Parmesan cheese for topping

Heat a medium skillet coated in cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add turkey sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add gnocchi, cooking according to package directions. Drain, reserving a 1/2 cup or so of the cooking water.

When the sausage is done, remove from the pan and set aside. Add a bit of oil if necessary before adding the chard and minced garlic. Cook until garlic is soft and chard is wilted.

Add the turkey sausage back to the pan with the sundried tomatoes and the gnocchi. Add a little of the reserved cooking liquid as necessary to pull together the sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Top with parmesan, if desired.

Adobo-Glazed Mini Meat Loaves

Today was a challenging day. From 2 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. when I finally left everything that could probably go wrong did. And when I left there were still people working on things.

Then I came home to find my cat left me a few upchucked surprises. Awesome.

Luckily, my dinner was pretty much made for me. Just assemble, heat and eat.

This week I tried Self's Cook Once Eat All Week feature. I started off the week with these Adobo-Glazed Mini Meat Loaves, turned them into the Sweet Potato Shepard's Pie last night and finished up the "building blocks" with the Cheesy Shrimp Enchilada Bake tonight.

It was definitely nice to mostly assemble and throw the casserole in the oven. I try to reuse ingredients through the week so everything gets used up, but these recipes took that a step further.

First, the good about these recipes:

• The adobo glaze - REALLY delicious and unique.. an improvement from the usual ketchup-based glaze.
• The enchilada bake - by far the best recipe of the three. You can't go wrong with cheese!

Now for the bad. The meat loaves were just a bit weird. I couldn't get behind the peas. As far as meat loaf goes I prefer a lean beef to a lean turkey. I used all lean (93/7) turkey rather than a fattier/super lean mix. I have a favorite meat loaf muffin recipe that I think I'll stick with. You could definitely use some southwestern seasoning in the meat mix and use the adobo glaze. That might be a better alternative in my opinion.

I think because I didn't really care much for the meat loaf, the shepard's pie was also not my favorite. It was also super ugly. Gross, actually. I decided to spare you. You'll just have to trust me.

Lastly, one change I'd make with enchilada bake: cooked chicken instead of shrimp. The shrimp got super dried out and tough in a 400-degree oven, but cooked rotiserrie chicken would probably work out much better. You can still toss it with lime juice and cilantro. I also made one change to boost flavor. Instead of regular diced tomatoes try fire roasted. It added a little extra oomph. You know?

So overall, repurposed leftovers for much of the week has been fun and maybe I'll something I'll look to do more of. Unfortunately, the recipes fell a little short and needed a little tinkering to make them better.

Are you someone who cooks once and eats all week? What do you make?