Sunday, March 10, 2013

Carmela Soprano's Baked Chicken with Potatoes, Lemon and Oregano


Today Daylight Savings Time begins for Canadians, except if you live in Saskatchewan.
As I mentioned a little while ago, Saskatchewan doesn't get as much notice as other Canadian provinces.
Which is a shame, because it has a lot of history and a certain quirky charm.


Growing up, Sunday always was a day for friends and family to gather.
So, Sunday is a perfect time to go to Carmela's chapter Feeding my Family in Artie's The Sopranos Family Cookbook.
Sometimes Carmela's recipes are pretty basic.
Maybe this recipe is an old favourite from her folks' off the boat days.
Or something Livia actually made and Tony regarded as an old favourite.


The chicken bakes while you get to visit with your company.
If you've invited a few heavy eaters, prepare some more potatoes.
Place them in a single layer in another pan and toss with oil.
Bake a squash or two and you've included a nice orange vegetable in the menu.

Just be sure to remind your company if Daylight Savings Time is kicking in or out.
Trust me.


                        Baked Chicken with Potatoes, Lemon and Oregano

Serves 4

Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon and set aside.
Slice another lemon and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 450º

In a large baking pan place in a single layer
1 chicken, quartered (or 3 1/2 pounds parts)
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges

Sprinkle with
the lemon juice
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Turn the pieces to coat evenly with the oil.
Turn the chicken skin-side up.
Add the lemon slices.
Bake for 45 minutes.
Baste with the pan juices.
Bake, basting occasionally, for 30 minutes longer.
The chicken should be browned and the potatoes tender.

Transfer the chicken, potatoes and lemon slices to a serving platter.
Skim the fat from the pan.
Pour the juices over the chicken.
Serve hot.


Would I make Baked Chicken with Potatoes, Lemon and Oregano again?
Sure.  The lemon chicken is also good cold.
If there is any leftover.
Which there might be if someone forgot Daylight Savings Time was kicking in or out.


One recipe down.  Thirty-five more to go.

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