I’ve Got Friends in Creative Places

This post is going to be short, and more savory than sweet. Two things:

1. What’s for dinner (your #justgivemetherecipejanice recipe for this Hump day)
2. Omg LOGO

First, recipe. Crockpot Balsamic and Rosemary Chicken. Can you say YUM? It took me 15 minutes to prep. And I learned how to de-giblet a chicken.

That’s right. I can add that skill to my resume. And for the amount of dry-heaving I did while performing this task, I think I will add it. This whole chicken recipe can be adapted for chicken breasts, thighs, or whatever cluck cluck meat you’ve got in your freezer.

What You Need:
For Chicken:

1 (4-lb) whole chicken (giblets removed)

1lb baby potatoes, sliced into halves (I used the colorful variety from Wegmans)

1lb carrots (who the hell weighs carrots? This = 7 full-size carrots)

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt

For Balsamic Sauce:

2 medium garlic gloves (or 1 tsp pre-minced garlic)

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt.
2. In a separate medium bowl, wish together minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chopped rosemary. Pour in olive oil and whisk until well incorporated.
3. Add potatoes and carrots to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add half the spice mixture (approx. 1 ½ tsp) and 1 tbsp balsamic sauce, tossing to coat.
4. Sprinkle the rest of the spice mixture on the chicken, rubbing to cover the bird.
5. Place the whole chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour 1 tbsp balsamic sauce over the chicken, and save the rest of the balsamic sauce for serving.
6. Cover and cook 3-4 hours on high, or 5-6 hours on low (until chicken reaches 165 degrees in breast, 175 degrees in thighs internal temperature).
7. If you want the chicken to have crispy skin, take it out (I used two spatulas) and place on baking sheet, and broil on high 3-4 minutes.
8. Serve with potatoes and carrots, sprinkled with rosemary and extra balsamic drizzled over top.
9. Enjoy!

And now…drumroll please….folks, we’ve got a LOGO!

It’s no secret that, despite being labeled as “crafty” and having a love of writing, I do not find myself to be particularly artsy. Despite having worked on Creative teams for much of my professional life, I do not have an affinity for design.

That’s why I am so, SO beyond grateful that my friend and co-worker, Stephen Richards, created this logo for me. It perfectly captures the beautiful, hot mess that is my life (and also, my love for all things turquoise). Thank you, Stephen!

Short post today. Coming Friday: my first Unapologetic Review!