April snow is the best kind. It’s light, it’s unmarred and doesn’t usually stay around that long.
Last night as I was getting ready for bed and shutting the blinds, I noticed the snow outside. It had already covered the grass and the tops of buildings and was sticking to the trees and power lines. It was coming down as if someone was sifting powdered sugar over the whole earth. I must have watched it for at least 10 minutes, the silence broken only by the sound of cars driving by and the wet snow from the road was shushed to the side.
This kind of weather is perfect for a winter/spring meal combination. One of my favorites is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken in Milk. I discovered this recipe last year and it has quickly become staple for two reasons.
First – it is easy. Beyond browning the chicken whole (which you need to make sure you have plenty of strong utensils and possibly a friend near by), there is minimal prep. Second – it is delicious. It results in a tender, falling off the bone meat with a delicious sauce.
Pre roasting.
I’ve seen this recipe on a few websites and recommend the following substitutes/suggestions. Please – use butter. Use all the butter. And – here’s a big one – do NOT toss it out. Keep it in the pan. I promise, it will be amazing.
Nearly gone!
Even though this recipe says to keep the top off the entire time – I stumbled on this blog from the Kitchn and did the same thing as she suggests. Cook with the top on for the first hour and then take it off for the last 30 minutes.
Serve with a light green salad – spring greens and snap peas and a hearty loaf of crusty bread. Maybe a red wine, too. Delicious, easy, and seems a little fancy – so do not hesitate to serve to your guests. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself standing over the pan after everyone else is gone or in bed, sopping up the juice with a piece of bread.
And then the next morning, you wake up and the house still smells like lovely roasted chicken and a hint of cinnamon, but the snow is nearly gone. Evidence sticks to the grass, but the birds are chirping and it is still spring.
“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want—oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ― Mark Twain
Julia Jenson 