Recipes

Rachel Johnson, Contributor

If you prefer family time over kitchen time, make this comforting, time-saving meal instead of your usual holiday spread.

TOTAL TIME: 2 Hours

MAKES: 3-4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 (4-pound) whole chicken

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 teaspoons garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

2 heads of garlic

3 fresh rosemary sprigs

Gravy and cranberry sauce, for serving

PREPARATION AND COOKING:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Pat chicken dry; transfer chicken, breast-side up, to a large baking dish.

3. Brush with melted butter; generously season with garlic powder, salt and pepper.

4. Trim stems of whole garlic heads; clean up the root. Stuff garlic and rosemary sprigs into cavity of the chicken.

5. Roast chicken in the oven for 90 minutes or until the interior of the thigh registers 165°F. For best flavor, turn the pan halfway through cooking, and use any pan drippings to baste the chicken.

6. Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with pan juices, gravy and cranberry sauce, if desired.

And, for a perfect side dish ...

GARLICKY MASHED POTATOES

Nothing says "holidays" like creamy mashed potatoes.

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 15 minutes

MAKES: 3-4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 head garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered

5 tablespoons salted butter, cut into slices

3/4 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper, to taste

PREPARATION AND COOKING:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Slice off top stem of garlic, leaving bulb intact. Drizzle with olive oil; wrap in foil. Transfer to a baking sheet; bake until soft and fragrant (about 40 minutes). Allow to cool; squeeze out tender cloves, and mash into a paste with a fork.

3. Fill a large stockpot with cold, salted water. Add potatoes; bring to a boil, cooking until potatoes are fork tender (about 30 minutes). Drain cooking water; add potatoes back to pot.

4. Add butter, cream and roasted garlic paste. Mash potatoes into cream, being careful not to overmix.

5. Taste; season with salt and pepper before serving.

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-- Follow Rachel on Instagram @racheltherecipe

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