When I think of Christmas meals, my mind immediately goes to the ones of my childhood. Growing up, until I was about 12, we never stayed in Indiana for the holidays. As soon as Christmas Break started (and in those days, it was over 2 weeks long) we would hit the road for Pennsylvania. All of our family was there, so there was no question about where we would spend the holidays. Some of my greatest childhood memories are from those Christmases spent in the snowy hills of Pennsylvania. And the food. Oh, the food. Both of my grandmas would put out enough food to feed an army, and I'm pretty sure by the time we returned home after two weeks, we had all gained at least 10 pounds. But that was part of the tradition. Huge meals with all the trimmings were what we looked forward to every year.
And I think when most of us think about family holidays those big meals are what come to mind. But today I'm going to try to remember those who don't have a lot of people to cook for. Maybe it's just you and your spouse. Or maybe not all of the kids can make it home this year, so it's only going to be four or six around your table. Maybe you simply come from a small family, and even when everyone is gathered, it's a smaller group. As life gets busier and busier, sometimes it's hard for everyone to make it to the celebration, but for those that do, you still want something special and new.
This would be a great recipe to make for a smaller holiday meal. Rather it be on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's or even just a simple dinner party with friends. Actually, it's easy enough, it would simply make a great weeknight supper too. Not to mention, it's absolutely economical! Sometimes turkey and ham can get pricey and if you're only serving a few people, it's not worth the hassle or leftovers. But chicken is almost always on sale at one grocery store in your area.
These are so flavorful, so juicy and the perfect protein for a holiday celebration. Serve some traditional holiday sides (they taste great with cranberry sauce) with them, and you could have a new tradition!
If your holiday meal is a little scaled back this year, that doesn't mean you can't have something special. Something festive. Something delicious. No matter how many people are gathered at your table, it's still the most wonderful time of year!
Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs
4 chicken leg quarters, trimmed and patted dry
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 TBS vegetable oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 c. chicken broth
Salt and Pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 425. Place garlic, oil, oregano and chili powder in the bottom of a mortar and pestle. Stir, crush and mix to form a paste. (You can also use a fork and smash it in a small bowl.) Place chicken legs in bottom of large roasting pan. Using your fingers, spread garlic paste evenly over chicken. Rub gently into skin. Pour chicken broth around chicken. Roast, uncovered, for 50-60 minutes until juices run clear.
Shared on The Country Cook Dec. 6, 2013
Chicken at Very Good Recipes
mmm . . . I bet this is fabulous!
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