one pan wonder chicken with chorizo&potatoes, green beans with almonds, classic chocolate cake
Serve for a weekend lunch or casual dinner, the chicken only requires a single pan and it is prepared and ready-without a fuss- in two hours.
The green beans with the crunch of slivered almonds works well as a side dish but broccoli or a bright, crunchy green salad is also a nice addition.
And ending the meal with a chocolate cake- how can you go wrong? Find that you do not enjoy baking? Buy a store bought cake or mix up some brownies with ice cream.
one pan chicken with chorizo and potatoes
Anything I am able to put in the oven for a few hours and have a delicious meal without fuss is a winner. This recipe in one of my favorites for a winter weekend lunch with friends or a weekday dinner. The special part of the recipe is once you get comfortable with it, you…
green beans… in a variety of ways
Green beans are my go-to vegetable – easy to cook, work with a large variety of main courses, most people enjoy them – and you can add lots of different ingredients for more interesting flavors, textures and color. I prefer the thinner green beans, often called haricot vert. This is a basic recipe to start…
The perfect, classic chocolate layer cake
To end a meal with any type of chocolate creation – whether a cake, a mousse or some other treat – is heavenly. This chocolate cake recipe is just right – not too rich, sweet or dense. Given I am not a big fan of over sweet and abundant frosting, my cakes tend to be…
Timing
The day before
Write down your menu, make list of what you need to prepare, and when you will prepare it, think about what time you will serve at the table. Get organized (in your head) with any serving plates or things you need for serving
Make chocolate cake and assemble- cover and refrigerate until 1 hour before serving
Clean fruit for your dessert garnish
Two hours before
Prepare the chicken and put in oven
Set table- remember napkins, salt and pepper
Organize serving bowl for vegetables
Put water in a pitcher with lemon or cucumber and refrigerate
Take out dessert plates and spoons
One hour before
Cook green beans and drain. Set aside ingredients or any topping until ready to serve the dish.
Put on music, open wine, set out glasses for drinks before lunch or dinner, and any nibbles/appetizers
15 minutes before guests at table
Finish the green beans and turn off heat until right about to serve. You can also place them in the oven on a warm setting 170F (65C).
Light candles (if dinner) and put out water
Tips&Thoughts
I began making this dish for weekend lunches in England. I often double the recipe when serving a crowd- roasting two to three pans. Most people each chicken which makes it a dish that pleases both adults and children alike.
