An Ode to My Roaster

We had some friends of the family give us an electric roaster for our wedding (however many years ago that was). I only dig it out a few times a year (Thanksgiving....maybe that's it) But I need to use it more often, because IT. IS. AWESOME.

I just roasted a chicken in like 45 minutes, maybe. If you need something last minute and impressive, this is the way to go! (Make sure you check the cavity first. Little bits of liver and innards in there. Yuck!) First, we got a whole chicken ON SALE for $1-something a pound (yay) and then I rubbed it with butter, salt, pepper, and sage. Just look at it:

I mean, it's practically effortless (well, I burned three fingers because I grabbed the thermometer probe. That was dumb). Now someone just needs to whip up some quick sides, and we'll have dinner when I get out of the gym! 

Think of all the possibilities. I could make MORE CHICKENS! Or a pot roast (except Steve wouldn't eat it). The turkey for Thanksgiving was great. I need to read the recipe book that came with this thing! 

Someone dropped a bag of apples this morning and turned some of them to mush, so I had to make applesauce - five BIG apples only made two cups! I might be making some pear sauce soon, too. BUT, since I now have apple sauce, I can use it for those cookie recipes I mentioned yesterday! Also, the floor got cleaned (and it needed it) because it was sticky with apple juice. So sort of a lose-win-win.

Finally, I was watching Home and Family on Hallmark and they had a pumpkin chili recipe. It's pretty similar to ours, so I think I can adapt it! Check it out on their page.