“Have a look at these beautiful apples! Try an apple! Why don't you have an apple?”, prodded my ever persistent Dad. Since my parents moved to Orange NSW, my Dad has raved about the fruit here. Actually, he has raved about fruit my whole life. He is like an Australian version of Kramer from Seinfeld when it comes to his love of good fruit, he has even been known to return fruit if it wasn't up to par. Here is an example of what I am talking about, you only have to watch up to 0.35 to get the idea.
I must admit, they did look great. I tried a Jonagold. I had never heard of a Jonagold before and was eager to see what other varieties Orange had to offer.
The apples grow along the side of extinct volcano, Mt Canobolas, which has rich basalt soil, along with the cool climate and frequent rainfall makes for ideal apple growing conditions.
How is it, that at the ripe old age of 31 and a self confessed foodie that I haven’t roasted a whole chicken?
Cooking chicken has consisted of stir frying some breast tenders or poaching breast in stock. I have roasted drumsticks, but the idea of roasting a whole, entire chicken has always frightened me. I mean, it’s a whole chicken! So many things could go wrong.
I decided the other day that it is high time that I just did it. Roast the bird and be done with it. This blog is as much about celebrating great ingredients and recipes as conquering my culinary fears, and as this blog progresses, you will find I have many to conquer.
It was also a great excuse to get to know my local butcher and hopefully pick up some tips from him. You see, I have recently moved to a new area and there is a fantastic butcher, deli, fish monger and grocers within walking distance from my home and I am looking forward to getting to know them.
