Um, there is no sun in Nashville today. For real. I thought about taking a “rain check” on this one, but that would be too ironic. So, I give you this.
Resist the urge to try and hire me for my artistic design skills.
Xoxo,
Jenn
Category Archives: February 2012 Photo a Day Challenge
February Photo a Day Challenge — Day 7, Button
Today’s topic was strange — button. But then on my usual Lightning 100 that I listen to at work came Widespread Panic. And I hit the mute “button.” Ugh. There’s nothing worse than WSP.
XOXO,
Jenn
Buttermilk Roasted Chicken and Photo a Day Challenge — Day 6, Dinner
I’m combining two things into this post – a new recipe and the next installment of February’s Photo a Day Challenge, because I like to multi-task like that.
Today’s topic was “Dinner.” Convenient, since I made a new recipe last night and wanted to share with you.
I give you Buttermilk Roasted Chicken from the Smitten Kitchen. I saw this recipe on one of my favorite daily reads, Running Off the Reeses.
Not gonna lie – this recipe was delish. But I kind of excepted it to absolutely knock me off my chair, the way people were talking about it. It was good, don’t get me wrong, but it wouldn’t be my last meal in prison. (The yard stick by which we should measure all meals, really).
But, try it – anything soaked in buttermilk for 24 hours cannot be bad. You may love it. And I’ll definitely give it another shot, too. I think next time I’ll grill them – although that buttermilk will be a hot mess on the grill and I’ll probably burn the deck right off the back of the house. Whatev.
So, from Smitten Kitchen, but with my photos. Hers are much prettier – so scoot on over to her blog if you really want to be inspired to make this dish.
Buttermilk Roast Chicken
This recipe was inspired by Nigella Lawson’s version. I fiddled a lot, changing the spices and sweetener, though my biggest changes were to increase the salt, garlic and marinating time. If you wish to use Kosher salt instead of table salt use 2 tablespoons if using Diamond kosher salt and 1 1/4 tablespoons if using Morton kosher. (Here’s why). I imagine that going forward I’ll be using this technque as a springboard for a lot of different recipes and spice combinations. However, even when using the simplest recipe below, the chicken was unbelievably tender and flavorful.
2 cups buttermilk
5 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
1 tablespoon table salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, plus extra for sprinkling (I used Hungarian, a smoked one would also be delicious)
Lots of freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken parts (we used all legs)
Drizzle of olive oil
Flaked or coarse sea salt, to finish
Whisk buttermilk with garlic, table salt, sugar, paprika and lots of freshly ground black pepper in a bowl.
Place chicken parts in a gallon-sized freezer bag (or lidded container) and pour buttermilk brine over them, then swish it around so that all parts are covered. Refrigerate for at least 2 but preferably 24 and up to 48 hours.
(The Kindle Fire – the modern day cookbook).
When ready to roast, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking dish with foil (not absolutely necessary, but Nigella suggested it and I never minded having dish that cleaned up easily). Remove chicken from buttermilk brine and arrange in dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with additional paprika and sea salt to taste. Roast for 30 minutes (for legs; approximately 35 to 40 for breasts), until brown and a bit scorched in spots. Serve immediately.
XOXO,
Jenn
Photo a Day Challenge — Day 5, 10 a.m.
Continuing the Photo a Day Challenge —
…today’s topic is 10 a.m.
Sunday mornings are the best. Only second to some Saturday mornings. Callie loves having both her Mommy and Daddy home. Here’s proof.
We were just talking and having our morning conversation, per usual, this morning — and she leaned over and started licking me with her sandpaper tongue, right on my forehead. Love that kitty.
XOXO,
Jenn
Photo a Day Challenge — Day 4, a Stranger
Continuing the February Photo a Day Challenge, today’s topic is “a stranger.”
Today as I was getting ready for my first BarreAmped class (more on that later), I was sipping my coffee and being grateful that I am not training for the Country Music Half Marathon this year. I sort of miss it whenever I see the dozens of people, if not hundreds, running around downtown every Saturday for their training, but this morning – I did not envy them. It was POURING.
So for today’s photo topic, check out these poor “strangers.” And if you runners in these photos happen to stumble across the blog, or if you were just out running in the rain this morning, props to you – because it looked miserable, and you are a rockstar for braving it.
You guys rock, and make Nashville proud! Every time I see groups of people running I think of my poor little brother (who lives in Knoxville) and how he is always amazed when he visits at how many people are running around Nashville. He gets hazed, yelled at and even has pennies flipped at him from moving vehicles when he runs outdoors in Knoxville.
They probably think he just committed some kind of crime. Why else would someone just be running down the street?
XOXO,
Jenn
Photo a Day Challenge — Day 3, Hands
Continuing the February challenge, Day 3 is “hands.”
Convenient, since last night I hunted down OPI’s Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees. I love this color, but this is the last OPI I’ll buy. Do they put water in this stuff? It’s so thin. And terrible. This is not a salon, so I’ll take my nail polish without water, thanks. Plus, it costs a small fortune. Essie kicks OPI in the ass. (Nobody paid me to say that – it’s free).
Also, I have a problem. Is there a support group for “shades of gray” nail polish lovers?
XOXO,
Jenn
Photo a Day Challenge — Day 2, Words
Day 2 of the February Photo a Day Challenge. Today’s topic is “words.” This is my chalkboard in my office/cube. A good quote for a PR gal who is cranking out drafts today.
Photo a Day Challenge — Day 1, Your View
I saw this fun February photo challenge over at my friend Natasha’s blog today – and I want to play! Created by fat mum slim (who I’m definitely going to have to start following!) – visit her blog to see how you can play along and hurry – day one is almost over!
Here’s my view for February 1. A rainy view of rush hour traffic on West End Ave. – Nashville, Tenn.
XOXO,
Jenn
