Corn Casserole

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought I'd share my favorite side dish.  Now this isn't one I remember from my childhood, but it is one I have learned to savor in my young adult years.  Both my mom and my grandma from my dad's side have made it, but I'm not sure who started the tradition.  Anyway, it really doesn't matter since we all love it.  A quick Google search will find you many variations, but this is my favorite.

Corn Casserole

1 onion, diced (sweet yellow is my favorite)
1 green pepper, diced
1 stick of butter
1 can whole corn, drained
1 can creamed corn
2 beaten eggs
1 box corn muffin mix (we always use Jiffy)
1 bar of cream cheese, softened, cubed
1 c of sour cream
2c of shredded cheese (cheddar, colby, pepper jack, or any combo is good)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Saute onion, green pepper and butter in skillet over medium heat.  In large bowl, fold together beaten eggs and corn.  Add in muffin mix.  Add in onion and pepper mix, slowly.  Stir in cream cheese cubes and 1 c of shredded cheese.  Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan.  Spoon sour cream over mixture (you can swirl it in).  Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese over the top.  Bake in oven for 40 minutes.

This is sooo yummy.  I made it the first week in November (or was is the end of October?) because I was craving it.  It's a fantastic side dish to many main meals, although it does speak of turkey, gravy, and cranberry to me.  Do you have a favorite dish you look forward to with holidays?  I'd love to hear about it.

Crockpot Meatballs

Remember my Mission?  Well, here is what I came up with dinner for the first night.

I two packages of meatballs, including an open package from Ikea, in my freezer.  This was my starting point.  So I rummaged around in my fridge looking for something to make sauce with.  I have heard of people making meatballs with grape jelly and chili sauce, but I didn't have any chili sauce.  But I did have three open bottles of bbq sauce.  I also had an open jar of lingonberry preserves.  Yes, I did it.

I dumped the frozen meatballs in my crockpot.  In went the bbq sauce, lingonberry preserves, plus a healthy dash of hot sauce and minced onion.  I left it on low for a few hours and served them with cheesy mashed potatoes and leftover corn casserole.

Now it wasn't a gourmet meal, but it wasn't horrible either. The meatballs were a bit on the greasy side, but that wasn't a fault of the the recipe.  I didn't tell my hubby what the ingredients were (he usually is really picky about what I make) and he didn't complain at all.  My favorite meatball recipe is this one, unfortunately what I threw together doesn't even come close.  Nevertheless, it was inexpensive, took little effort, and helped me along on my mission of cleaning out the freezer!

Taco Soup

We finally have had some cooler weather, and by cool, I mean it might be 45 overnight and 65 during the day.  I'm all for boots, long sleeves, and scarves!  I also took the dropping temperatures as a sign to bring out the crock pot and make soup.  My grandma has a great taco soup recipe that I was dying to make.  Of course, I had to alter it, I can't leave any recipe alone.  My excuse is usually that I don't have all the ingredients and I don't want to make a trip to the store.  So here is my version of Taco Soup.

• 1 can of chicken broth
• 1 can of corn
• 1 can of diced tomatoes with chiles
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small can of green chiles
• 1 pkt of taco seasoning
• 1 pkt of ranch dressing mix
• 1 can of water
• a few frozen chicken breasts

Everything went in the crockpot on low for several hours.  Maybe 6 hours.  I took out the chicken, diced it, and dumped it back in.  I switched the pot to warm until we were ready to eat.  I served with sour cream, cheese, and tortilla chips.  It made TONS.  I probably have enough for a week.

Perfect fall food.  It warm, slightly spicy, filling, easy to make, and is enough for several meals.  Thanks Grandma!

How To Make a Body Scrub from Your Kitchen

I am such a girly girl.  I love feeling beautiful and experimenting with my "look".  I adore make-up, fragrances, and playing with my hair.  Unfortunately, these things add up in terms of money, storage space, and time.  I have gone through many phases where I purge all or most of my products to reduce inventory down to my absolute favorites.  However, in no time, my tastes change and I am in want of a new product.  I really try to buy quality products over quantity, one reason why I love my Birchbox subscription.  I love trying new things without regretting a full-size purchase.  When I'm having a bad day or need some alone time, I enjoy locking myself in the bathroom and spending hours re-styling my hair, trying out new eyeshadow, or giving myself a manicure.
Recently, I have also found a new love in creating things, such as artwork for the walls or painting furniture.  I decided to try my hand at spa products, specifically, scrubs.  It seems the easiest to start with, and I wanted to see if I could things I have on hand, that way in case I failed I wouldn't have wasted too much money.  I started by doing a Google search, then altered to recipes to what I had in my kitchen.

Face Scrub
Brown sugar
olive oil
honey
Honestly, I didn't measure anything.  I used a spoonful or two of sugar and added in a bit of honey, then the oil.  More oil then honey.  I mixed it in a small gladware container to take with me to the shower.



I chose sugar over salt because its supposed to be gentler on the skin.  I slathered it on my face while I was in the shower.  I scrubbed a bit, then let it sit while I did a different scrub on my body.  After a few minutes, I rinsed it off.  My skin was super soft and smooth.  I don't think its something I should do everyday, but maybe once or twice a week.  I might try it with a different oil, maybe coconut, almond or grapeseed.  I could even add essential oil if I feel fancy and want fragrance.  I'm certain I will try this again.

Body Scrub
coffee grounds
white sugar
dash of cinnamon
splash of vanilla
olive oil
Again, I didn't really measure this out.  Have you figured out I don't have the patience for precision?  I suppose because my job requires it I throw it out the window at home.  Anyway, I used about half as much sugar as I did coffee grounds.  Just a bit of cinnamon and vanilla for scent, and enough oil to coat it all.  My mixture was not soupy by any means, just clumpy.  Both the sugar and coffee grounds act as an exfoliater, but the caffeine in the coffee is a vasoconstrictor and cellulite re-distributor.  It helps diminish the appearance of varicose veins  I'm not sure how much of this is true, but it definitely softens this skin and smells awesome in the shower, as long as you like coffee, I suppose.
However, I will warn you, this made a mess in my shower.  There are coffee grounds EVERYWHERE.  While sugar and salt will dissolve in water and be flushed away, the coffee grounds will not.  Plus, the dark color against my white shower make the evidence all the more obvious.  Point being, don't plan on keeping this a secret from your hubby unless you also block time to clean the shower afterwards.  But that erases all relaxing/spa-like quality time you just had.  Just sayin.
Overall, I really liked the outcome of both treatments and have made a second batch of almond oil and brown sugar. Let me know if you try these or come up with a better recipe. I'd love to hear your beauty secrets.

Favorite Pot Roast

I love pot roast. I mean, I really love it.  For me, its the definition of comfort food.  And I love it so much, I thought I would share my recipe.  It has taken me a while to tweak it.  I had to learn which cut of meat works best, and how to season it.  Plus, what to serve with it.  So here is my secret.  Or maybe its not a secret and you already know this.  Which if that's the case, why haven't you shared?

• The Meat Hubby says a chuck roast is the best.  My stomach agrees.
• Method  Crock pot.  Because I am lazy and love to do stuff other than standing in the kitchen.
• Seasoning  McCormick Pot Roast Seasoning Packet.  Seriously, its the best.  I like to mix it with a can of beef broth instead of water.  I've tried other seasonings, beef stew, onion soup etc, but this one is the best.  I promise.
• Add ins  Baby Carrots, potatoes, celery, onion optional
• Serve with Kings Hawaiian Rolls.  Seriously, they are uh-mazing.

I add all the ingredients (except rolls) in the crock pot and cook on low for about 8 hours.  My house smells delicious and I thank myself for planning ahead. End of story.

Do you have a comfort food?  What's your go-to easy meal?

Homemade Laundry Soap

So I realize this post is proof of how un-original I am.  I admit, I am a bit slow when it comes to trends; actually, resistant might be a better word.  Changing my habits simply because everyone else has tried it doesn't sit so well with me.  Perhaps, its because I'd rather watch others fail with the new stuff before I try my hand at it.  Anyway, point being that I've seen, read, and heard of many others making their own laundry soap concoction, so I figured its safe enough for me.

For starters, I started dropping hints to my hubby.  If there is one person that makes me seem like a risk-taker, its him.  In his mind, only green/crunchy/poor/mentally unbalanced, or a combination of the above would even want to attempt to make laundry soap.  I casually mentioned the idea for about a week.  I mentioned things like cheap ingredients and 5 minute prep time and low cost per load, and avoided saying i read on a blog and pinterest.  Finally, I decided it was pre-conditioned enough that I could just buy the stuff and make it.  He had enough warning.

I will add that I first saw the idea on Pinterest.  I never pinned it.  Then, I heard a co-worker rave about how she loves her homemade laundry detergent.  Shortly after, a friend of mine blogged about it.  And tweeted it.  I did a Google search, and a Pinterest search.  The concept became less weird for me.  You know what settled it?  I discovered I could pick my own bar of soap, which meant I could pick my own scent.  That's what nailed the lid in the coffin.  I'm serious, fragrance is that important to me.

I used the recipe from my friend Rachael.  I made a special trip to Walmart to pick up the ingredients.  I normally avoid Walmart like the plague, but I didn't have much of a choice since Target didn't carry the Washing Soda.  Once I got home, it took me 5 minutes to make.  Literally.

• 1 cup of Borax (3-4 dollars)
• 1 cup of Washing Soda (3-4 dollars)
• 1 cup of OxyClean (6 to 8 dollars)
• 1 bar of soap, grated (1 dollar, and yes, I used my cheese grater)

Mix ingredients and place in container.  Make the container cute, because you can.  I tied pink string on mine.  I also tied pink string on the tablespoon I placed inside for measuring.  I like pink.  In case you are wondering, I used oatmeal and almond scented soap.  I am addicted to almond and amaretto at the moment.  Oh, and this makes about 45 loads if you use a tablespoon per load.  I, errr I mean, my hubby, does a lot of kiddo laundry (which equals small loads) so we only use 1/2 tablespoon for those.

Thus far, I have very little complaints.  We do have a top-loading HE washer, but the soap is low sudsing and we haven't had an issue.

Anyway, this concludes my story of how I joined the cool kids and made my own laundry detergent.  Anyone else out there on the cool side of the laundry club?  Or are you of the school of thought only crazy people grate soap with a cheese grater?  Tell me about it.

Cake Pop How-To

As you may remember from Princess' birthday party, I made cake pops.  Here is how I did it.  Of course, I  started by google-ing for recipes and how-to's and adapted what I think would work for me.

To make cake pops, start with a cake.  I am lazy and made a box cake.  If you are baking whiz, you should make one from scratch, just don't gloat about it.

I made it the night before and let it cool.  The next day, I crumbled it up.  I utilized a few different methods, scraping with a fork, using my fingers, etc.  I found that rubbing cake chunks against themselves worked the best.  The goal is to have small crumbs, no large chunks.

Then, add in the frosting.  Again, I am game for the easiest route, so I chose pre-made frosting.  I used half the can, then added a bit more.  The mixture should be moist, but not too sticky.

Next, roll the cake in balls and place on baking sheets lined with wax paper.  Once this process is complete, place in the refrigerator for a few hours or the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes.  The cake should be firm enough to dip.

I chose to dip the pops in candy melts.  I wanted pink and purple pops for my Princess and the candies are easy to melt in the microwave.  And I think we've established I'm all for easy.  I did find the melted mixture was bit thick, so I had to thin it out with some vegetable oil.

I forgot to take pictures of the next part.  You'll have to use your imagination.

First, I recommend dipping the stick in the melted mess before placing in the ball.  It will help keep the pop on the stick once upright.  Then, immerse the cake pop in the candy melt.  I used two spoons to help make sure it was covered completely.  Let the excess drip off, then place upright until set.  I used a floral foam block.

You're bound to have a few that don't work.  One's that fall off or split.  That's your treat.

I chose to display them in a floral foam orb on a cake stand.  It doesn't look that pretty, but it works.

And of course I pretended to be fancy and drizzled the tops with alternating colors of candy melt.  I should note that my hubby chose to dip some in melted chocolate, but they weren't done at press time.  He simply melted chocolate chips and some vegetable oil.  They were yummy, but lacked the crunch of the candy coating.

Overall, it was a lot of work for a small treat.  However, my daughter loved them and I enjoyed making something special for her birthday.  Have you ever made cake pops or something similar?  I'd love to hear the details.

Champagne Tastes

I adore champagne.  However, I am the only one in my house who feels this way.  My dear hubby doesn't like the taste.  As a result, I don't treat myself very often.  I mean, it has to be a special occasion for me to drink a whole bottle myself.  And that's quite a bit for a girl who can't even drink a whole can of Coke.  I have discovered one bottle has enough bubbles to last two days.  Especially if you stick a spoon in the top (handle side down, of course).

My favorite is spumante.  What can I say?  I'm a sweet girl.  Recently, I had the idea of sprucing it up.  While browsing the grocery store for desserts one evening, I discovered Raspberry Sorbet by Haagen-Dazs.  It didn't take long for me to think about combining raspberry sorbet and champagne.  Its an sort of "adult float", if you will.

Both are quite lovely on their own, but together its an extra special treat.  Plus, it creates a pretty pink color.  Delicious and beautiful, what else can you ask for in a drink?  I think it would make a festive holiday drink; perfect for New Year's or Valentine's day.  Of course, it would be best served in a champagne flute, maybe with a fresh raspberry garnish.

What do you think?  Do you have a special holiday drink?  Or perhaps a favorite nightcap?  I'd love to hear about it.

Salted Caramel Cupcakes

You've probably heard about the Salted Caramel craze.  I first heard of it last year when Starbucks featured a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate.  Then, this year they had a Salted Caramel Mocha.  I adored it.  There is something wonderful about the sweet saltiness.  While reading this blog, I discovered a recipe for Salted Caramel Cupcakes.  They looked divine.  Plus, I had a birthday celebration to plan and they seemed like the perfect dessert.  I gave it a go, and here is how it turned out.

Salted Caramel Cupcakes

• one box of chocolate cake mix.  bake according to package directions to produce 24 cupcakes.
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 t sea salt
• frosting
• crushed heath bar candy (optional)  (I used mini chocolate chips)

While the cupcakes are baking, warm the caramel sauce.  Stir in 1/2 t of sea salt.  Pour into squeeze-able condiment bottle.  Once the cupcakes come out, squirt the caramel into the hot cupcakes.  Cool as normal.  Frost with icing, top with candy and caramel drizzle.

I had high hopes for these cupcakes.  I envisioned perfect little cakes, one with a candle for my baby's second birthday.  However, my daughter had other plans.

I made the cupcakes on Friday.  Saturday morning, I awoke to "cupcakes!" uttered in a delightful child's voice.  It woke me up out of a dead sleep.  I rushed in to the kitchen to discover my daughter on the counter.  She had opened up the cupcake container and dumped the top layer over onto the bottom.  She was licking the frosting off the stops.  Frosting and caramel are everywhere.  She turns to look at me and says" delicious, Mommy!"  I grab her off and run to the bathroom to wash her hands.  I cry for my husband to come help me clean up and salvage what we can.  Princess had a time-out until I could stop shaking.

This is actually a cleaned-up version.

And these are the "display" cupcakes for the party.  They were yummy and went fast.  The moral of the story is don't expect picture perfect endings, but enjoy the weaving of the tale.  Life is too short to wait 24 hours for salted caramel cupcakes.

Anyone else wake-up with cupcakes on the brain?  Or maybe you have a wonderful story of your three year old climbing on the counter (with a chair, mind you)?  Please tell me I'm not the only mother out-witted by her children.

Pumpkin Bread Craze

Ok, so I admit I'm not the first one with this idea.  I have read about it on Pinterest and this blog.  But it sounds so good and easy I had to try it.  I am ALL for three ingredient recipes.  Plus, with Handsome's birthday party coming up, I had an excuse to make it.

Pumpkin Bread

• one box spice cake mix
• one can pumpkin
• few shakes of pumpkin pie spice

Mix ingredients in a bowl.  It will be really thick and hard to stir.  This is the one time I wish I used a mixer instead of a wooden spoon.  Pour into pan and bake according to package directions.


Variation of Pumpkin Bread/Cake

• one box of yellow cake mix
• one can of pumpkin
• few shakes of pumpkin pie spice
• mini chocolate chips

Mix first three ingredients in bowl.  Once combined, fold in chocolate chips.  Pour into pan and bake according to package directions.  (I used a fluted pan and drizzled cream cheese frosting over the top)

Pumpkin bread pictured on plate.  Chocolate chip pumpkin cake pictured on stand.  Cupcake recipe to come.  They don't involve pumpkin.  Both pumpkin treats turned out VERY moist.  I might have been able to bake them a bit longer, however, they were not under done.  I definitely will try these again!

Anyone else have a fabulous three ingredient recipe?  What about a "go to" recipe when you throw a party?  Please share!

Chocolate Cheesecake Cookies

I've been jonesing to make cookies for a while.  Chocolate chip cookies to be exact, because to me, there is no other cookie.  My work schedule has been in the way, and when I'm off, I'm too tired, or something else seems more pressing.  Well, I had a day off and decided I'm sending Hubby to the grocery store.  I set the kids at the table with crayons and paper and made these scrumptious treats.  I found the recipe via Pinterest (of course).  Here is the link to the blog its first found on.

I don't really take pictures while I'm baking, so I will summarize.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

• 2 c flour
• 1/2 t salt
• 1/2 t baking powder
• 1/8 t baking soda
• 1 stick plus 2 T butter
• 1 c sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 1 t vanilla  ( I also added 1/4 t almond extract.  I like the additional flavor it adds)
• 12 oz chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F ( I think this is too hot for the cookies.  Next time I'm gonna try 350 and adjust the baking time)

Combine first four ingredients (dry) in a bowl.  Set aside.  Cream next five ingredients (wet) in another bowl.  Slowly add dry ingredients to wet.  Mix in chocolate chips.

Drop by spoonful onto baking sheet.  Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.

Ok, so most of  you know I can't leave a recipe alone.  I have to change something.  I guess that's my quirk and it usually drives my Hubby crazy.  So here is what I did differently.  I added 1/4 t of almond extract.  I LOVE the flavor it adds.  Plus, I have non-stick baking sheets.  The directions said to grease the baking sheet, so I did for the first batch.  The cookie bottoms were a little brown for my taste, so I stopped greasing the sheets.  I think that might also be a result of the temperature being a bit high.  I think next time I might try baking at 350 and adjusting the baking time.

The Verdict:

Soft, chewy cookies.  Bottoms a bit crispy.  Edges were golden brown, but tops still light colored.  Cookies did not spread out.  Love the almond taste, love the soft texture.  Not exactly like cheesecake, but still delicious.  Easy enough recipe that I will try again.  Can't wait to eat them with my coffee tomorrow morning!

Let me know if you try them, and what you think.  I'd love to hear from you!

Simmer Pot Recipes

Remember my earlier post about house perfume?  I found a few more recipes to share with you.  Although, I'm happy with just throwing a bunch of cinnamon sticks into a pot of hot water, here are a few more yummy concoctions to try.

Recipe #1
Cinnamon sticks
Apple peels
Orange rinds
Whole cloves
Recipe #2
Peel from 1 lemon
Peel from 1 orange
2 bay leaves
3 cinnamon sticks
2 Tablespoons whole cloves
Recipe #3
A few drops vanilla
Orange peels
Recipe #4
1 cup dried lavender
1 tsp anise
1 Tablespoon nutmeg
1 Tablespoon whole cloves
1 Cinnamon stick
Recipe #5
5 bay leaves
1 Tablespoon whole cloves
2 sticks cinnamon

These are all from re-nest.com, found here. Hope you enjoy!

House Perfume

I love perfume.  I love scented candles and lotion.  I adore fragrant foaming soaps.  I enjoy my house smelling of tasty food, but I dislike all the work that comes with baking and cleaning up afterwards.  Fall fragrances are especially my favorite.  Since I now live in a climate that doesn't have much of a fall season, I decided instead of mourning for my favorite time of year I am going to make my house smell like it.  

So here is my recipe for a homemade house perfume:

• Get a small saucepan and fill it 1/3 to 1/2 full of water.

• Put in a few of your favorite herbs and spices.

I used two cinnamon sticks, a few shakes of nutmeg, cloves, and a bit of vanilla.

Don't tell my hubby I used real vanilla.

• Turn the burner on low and wait for a homemade pot of simmering goodness to fill your house with a yummy fragrance. 

My house smells wonderful....just like an apple pie, but without all the work and none of the calories.
Obviously, I used straight from the bottle and didn't buy anything special.  I'm pretty lazy and its a great, cheap way to use up old spices.  The larger the pieces, the better it works.  Experimentation with different combinations can be fun.  I have used orange oil, rosemary, allspice, apple slices, and ginger, although not all together.  Citrus peels would work, too This is a great thing to start 30 minutes before a party or company.  I like to start it when I am going to be cleaning all day; it puts me in a better mood. 

Any of you tried this?  What are your favorite combinations? Anyone addicted to good smelling things?

Happy Third of July

Since I will be working late tomorrow night, I am celebrating our country's freedom tonight.  Celebrating is a rather loose term.  Really, I am vegging out in front of the computer, bummed that Pinterest's site is currently down, enjoying a mixed drink, and relishing in the fact my kiddos, hubby, and house guests are MIA.  Hubby wanted to go out for seafood tonight for an early birthday dinner.  So did everyone else in the city, plus their uncle, uncle's dog, and the hitchhiker on the side of the road.  After nearly being in a car sandwich trying to turn into a parking lot, I decided to head for home and live to see another day.  Apparently hubby and crew had better luck ( I was supposed to meet them after work)  Instead, I went to Food Lion, bought a chef salad, and made a drink of the slim pickin's I have around here.  So here is my crudely altered Third of July cocktail.

1/2 glass premixed red Sangia from a box.  Purchased from Target.
1/2 can Dr Pepper.
Don't bother mixing, just sip daintily.

It is loosely based off of a calimucho recipe I learned from a pharmacy foreign exchange student.  I don't remember his name of where he is from, but I remember this drink.  Horrible of me, I know.  Anyway, a calimucho is basically 1/2 cheap red wine, and 1/2 Coke.  Yes, it sounds gross, but trust me, it is an amazing fizzy drink.  Especially for me, a girl who loves sweet girly drinks.  Just don't drink them too fast.

How are you celebrating your holiday?

Ants on a Log

My princess has very strong opinions about her diet.  We are constantly trying to get her to eat different things, healthy things, something.  She does love peanut butter.  And raisins.  She also likes WonderPets, and they eat celery.  So, I tried the old "Ants on a Log" trick.

 Peanut butter sandwich (no jam, per the Princess) and Ants on a Log.

And this is what I get.

Eating the good bits. 

I was impressed she tried it.  Usually, she won't touch anything new.

Any tips on getting kiddos to expand their food horizons?  I admit, she is getting better.  But it has taken many dinners of forced bites.  BTW, I don't like celery either.

I've been Punched

Here is the yummy punch recipe I made for the Princess's Birthday.  I think I found it at allrecipes.com.  They have so many different ones.  My hubby requested one that doesn't have pineapple in it, and I wanted one was bright pink or red.  I'm not too picky, right?  Ok, so I couldn't find exactly the ingredients listed:

• raspberry-kiwi frozen concentrate
• raspberry creme soda
• raspberry sherbet

Here is what I used instead:

• apple-raspberry-kiwi frozen juice concentrate (1 can)
• red creme soda (2 liter) 
• raspberry sherbet (1 quart)
• frozen strawberries ( few scoops)

Place the semi-frozen juice in a large punch bowel.  Slowly pour in the creme soda.  Add scoops of sherbet and strawberries.  Enjoy!

I thought the punch was delicious.  So did my kids and in-laws.  My husband didn't drink any because he thought the strawberries looked like salsa?!? I think I'm gonna keep the recipe around for future birthdays/party occasions.  We don't drink punch very often, but I think it dresses up a party.

Have any of you found raspberry creme soda?  Or know what flavor red creme soda is?  Let me know if you try this and what substitutes you have to make, if any.

Uh-Mazing Chicken

So its not really a secret my Hubby cooks most of the meals.  At least the ones that require effort and more than 5 ingredients.  I'm not really sure how he found this recipe, but its absolutely amazing and I'm not asking questions.  We (he) have made it twice, each time wonderful.  Its as close to the big "O" you can get while eating chicken. Anyway, here is our (his) version.

Ingredients:

• 5 springs of Thyme
• 6 cloves of garlic
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• 4 Tbl unsalted butter
• canola oil
• 1 whole chicken 3.5-4 lbs
• Four carrots, peeled, sliced so they were all even lengthwise, then in half, then into 1/2″ sections(we actually used baby carrots)
• Two parsnips, peeled, sliced like the carrots
• Two leeks, washed and sliced into circles
• One rutabaga, the rind removed, cut up
• One onion, peeled, quartered at the root, and the root left attached
• Eight little red potatoes, whole ( we used fingerling potatoes once and liked them better)

(ok, so we really aren't adventurous vegetable people, we just used carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery)

Preheat oven to 475
Smash three of the garlic cloves, place them with the vegetables in a bowl.  Add 1/4 c canola oil, some thyme, and lots of salt and pepper.  Lots.
Remove the chicken from its packaging.  Hopefully, you bought one that doesn't have innerds.  If you did, remove them.  Rinse chicken in cold water and pat dry.
Smash the rest of the garlic, rub it and the thyme inside the chicken.  Rub the inside with more salt and pepper.  Trust me, it will be yummy.
Lovingly rub the outside of the chicken with canola oil, and, you guessed it, salt and pepper it, too.
Place the veggies in a large cast iron skillet.  High on the sides, shallow in the middle.  The chicken goes in the middle, surrounded by goodness.  Place the butter pats on the chicken breast.
The whole thing goes in the oven at 475 for 25 minutes.  Then, decrease the temperature to 400 for another 45 minutes.  We actually use a probe thermometer while cooking to ensure the internal temp gets to 165.
Bring the golden goodness out and tent is up with foil.  Let it rest for about 20 minutes.

Now, my hubby, being the unique creature he is, doesn't care for gravy.  How God can allow that, I'm not sure.  Under that chicken are savory juices just dying to be made into a gravy.  I'm hoping next time we make the chicken I can save those juices and work some magic.  Unfortunately, it hasn't happened yet.
Eat the chicken and veggies right away.  Don't delay.  The first time, plan on eating half a chicken.  If you are feeding more than two adults, make another bird. I actually ate all my veggies and wanted more.  Ask my mom how much of a miracle this is.  The second time, I paced myself.  We had bread with dinner and I snacked while waiting.  I had left overs for the next day.  Absolutely, Uh-mazing chicken.  Let me know how yours turns out, if you make gravy, and if you share.