Effortless Roasted Chicken & Yukon Gold Potatoes: A Recipe, Sweet Treats, and Personal Reflections

Sometimes, life throws you a curveball – or in my case, a decadent ice cream social that leaves you utterly blissed out and completely unmotivated to cook a complex dinner. So, what’s a food blogger to do when the fridge is full, but inspiration is not? The answer, as I discovered, lies in the elegant simplicity of Rosemary Roasted Chicken Breasts with Yukon Gold Potatoes. While it might sound like something from a fancy menu, this dish is the epitome of effortless cooking, proving that the most satisfying meals often require the least fuss. It’s the kind of meal that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it a perfect weeknight solution when you’re craving comfort food without the culinary gymnastics.

Before diving into that simple supper, however, I must recount the delightful prelude to my evening: an unexpected and utterly delightful dessert first experience. Fresh off a fantastic barbecue extravaganza on Sunday, my week continued its sweet streak with an exclusive invitation to an ice cream social at the renowned Bernard Callebaut Chocolaterie. The occasion? To celebrate the exciting launch of their new chocolate and white chocolate soft serve, alongside exquisite hazelnut and white chocolate ice cream bars. Imagine the sheer joy of combining two of my absolute favorite worlds: the rich, authentic chocolate of Bernard Callebaut and the nostalgic creaminess of soft-serve ice cream. It was a match made in dessert heaven, and one I savored with every spoonful.

We were encouraged to “doll up” our soft ice cream, an invitation I enthusiastically embraced. The toppings bar was a dream, featuring bowls of an intensely flavorful hazelnut sauce – a masterpiece crafted from equal amounts of caramelized sugar and ground toasted hazelnuts, with absolutely no other additives. Its pure, nutty sweetness was utterly captivating. Then there was the dark, lusciously thick karamel sauce, richer than molasses, with a depth of flavor so profound that I’m convinced each indulgent mouthful single-handedly justifies an hour on an elliptical trainer. (Both these magnificent sauces, by the way, are now available at any Bernard Callebaut location, a fact worth noting for future cravings!) As if that weren’t enough, we also sampled their limited-edition Summer Fruit Creams: delicate chocolate cups filled with vibrant, fresh fruit purees (I delighted in mango, passionfruit, and apple-raspberry) blended harmoniously with crème fraîche. Each unique flavor – mango, banana, Saskatoon Berry, lemon, Marionberry, and passion fruit – is produced for only two weeks this summer, making these seasonal delights truly exclusive and highly sought-after. It was a truly luxurious experience that left me feeling wonderfully pampered and utterly replete.

While on the topic of this illustrious chocolatier, I feel compelled to clarify a common misconception, if I haven’t done so previously. It’s important to understand that Callebaut chocolate and Bernard Callebaut chocolate are emphatically not the same thing. If you ever come across large chunks of “Callebaut” chocolate in the bulk section of your grocery store at an unbelievably low price, it’s highly probable it’s Barry Callebaut, not Bernard Callebaut. There’s a long and nuanced history behind this, but suffice it to say, if the packaging doesn’t explicitly state “BC” (Bernard Callebaut), it simply isn’t the artisanal, high-quality product you’re seeking. The distinction in quality and flavor is significant, and I assure you, Bernard Callebaut’s creations are truly exceptional and well worth the effort to seek out for a superior chocolate experience.

Effortless Rosemary Roasted Chicken and Yukon Gold Potatoes

Given the late afternoon indulgence, by the time I arrived home and contemplated the perennial dinner dilemma, my stomach was too full for hunger, and my mind too satisfied for creativity. This led to what initially felt like the ultimate cop-out but turned out to be an incredibly satisfying and remarkably simple meal. It’s a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and minimal fuss.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 pieces of chicken (bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks work best for flavor and moisture)
• 2-3 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or canola oil)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (about 1 tablespoon of stripped leaves)
• Optional: 1-2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Ingredients: Place the chicken pieces in a large baking dish or on a sheet pan. Scatter the diced Yukon Gold potatoes around the chicken. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for roasting as their waxy texture holds up well, and they develop a lovely creamy interior and crispy exterior.
3. Season: Drizzle the entire contents of the baking dish generously with olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, add minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Add Rosemary: Strip the fresh rosemary leaves from their stems and scatter them evenly over the chicken and potatoes. The aromatic oils of fresh rosemary infuse beautifully into the dish as it roasts.
5. Toss and Arrange: Gently toss everything together in the baking dish to ensure the chicken and potatoes are evenly coated with oil and seasonings. Arrange the chicken skin-side up and ensure the potatoes are spread in a single layer for even cooking and browning.
6. Roast: Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden brown, with crispy edges. If the chicken browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
7. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This simple yet incredibly flavorful meal is perfect on its own or with a light green salad.

This “ultimate cop-out” was a resounding success, proving that simplicity often yields the most satisfying results. Though, admittedly, I still wasn’t terribly hungry after my sugary exploits!

Beyond the Plate: A Little Game of Tag and Personal Insights

In other news, amidst all the culinary adventures and quiet dinners, I’ve been tagged by Shawna of Daily Deliciousness to share 5 things about myself. Who am I to turn down a friendly game of tag? It’s a wonderful way to connect and share a bit more of the person behind the recipes.

What was I doing ten years ago?
1998 was a pivotal year for me. I had just closed the doors of my beloved low-fat bakery, One Smart Cookie. It was a challenging yet rewarding venture, teaching me so much about entrepreneurship and my passion for food. Post-bakery, I was diligently trying to convince Subway to sell my cookies in their stores. I remember the playful absurdity of my phone etiquette back then; whenever someone from Subway would call, I’d answer, “One Smart Cookie!” And when they’d inevitably ask for me, I’d maintain the charade, saying, “Please hold, I’ll see if she’s in her office.” It was also around that time, amidst the business negotiations and new directions, that I had a significant epiphany: if the incredibly successful Best of Bridge and Looneyspoons girls could self-publish a cookbook and truly make a go of it, then perhaps I, with my own unique culinary voice and experiences, could too. That thought sparked a whole new journey.

What are five (non-work) things on my to-do list for today?
1. Go to the gym (spinning class) – Does it truly count if it was on my meticulously planned to-do list but, alas, didn’t actually get done? The intention was certainly there! The battle between ambition and execution continues.
2. Attend an ice cream social at Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut – I feel far too guilty to label free, delicious ice cream as “work-related,” even though, technically, I suppose it was part of a press event. Regardless, this item was most definitely checked off my list. In spades, one might say!
3. Buy and send cards to two cherished friends who have recently experienced the profound loss of family members and friends. It’s a small gesture, but a heartfelt one, to let them know they’re in my thoughts.
4. Plan presentation for Diabetes Expo – While I am a volunteer presenter, and thus it falls outside my paid work, the preparation and dedication required certainly make it feel like “work.” I’m passionate about sharing knowledge to help others, so it’s a labor of love.
5. Put up more posters and send out press releases for Ramsay Rocks – If you find yourself in Calgary on June 22nd, please do come to the party in the park behind Ramsay school! It’s a fantastic community event, and getting the word out is crucial for its success.

Five snacks I enjoy:
1. Bernard Callebaut soft ice cream or a white chocolate ice cream bar generously coated in thick dark chocolate. It’s the ultimate indulgence, a perfect blend of creamy texture and intense chocolate flavor that elevates a simple snack into a luxurious treat.
2. Granola with yogurt and berries. This is my go-to healthy, refreshing, and satisfying option, packed with nutrients and natural sweetness.
3. Toasted whole wheat bagel with peanut butter (just half!). A classic comfort food that hits the spot for a quick energy boost, providing a delightful combination of carbs and protein.
4. Riceworks Sweet Chili brown rice chips. I love the unique crunch and the intriguing balance of sweet and spicy flavors – they’re dangerously addictive!
5. John Cusack. Because sometimes, the best snack is a dose of charming wit and a good movie. He’s certainly a delightful treat for the eyes and mind!

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Get my teeth fixed. This might make me sound like a prime candidate for a reality TV show like Extreme Makeover, but it’s mostly just a collection of cavities and residual damage, including broken molars, from a rather shoddy job by a dentist we had as kids who did more work than he needed to. My conservative estimate is about $10,000 to rectify, and since I work out of my spare room, I sadly don’t have dental insurance. Why didn’t I marry a dentist? Perhaps I could have an affair with one to get a discount?
2. Build some much-needed new buildings, acquire essential vehicles, and sponsor comprehensive schooling for the families involved with Ubuntu in Rwanda. The work they do is profoundly impactful, and I’d want to empower their mission with significant resources.
3. Launch several new companies with the explicit and sole purpose that all the money they generate would support various charities close to my heart. This would be a sustainable model for philanthropy, ensuring ongoing support for critical causes.
4. Make absolutely certain that none of my family and friends would ever need to worry about bills again. Providing financial security and peace of mind for those I love would be an immense joy and priority.
5. Buy a car (or two) that isn’t a trusty but rather mundane red Honda Accord. Perhaps something a bit more exhilarating or stylish. And definitely a top-of-the-line Mac computer, because productivity can be beautiful. And, of course, John Cusack. I could finally be his Sugar Momma, ensuring his cinematic legacy continues for decades! It’s of course a given that I’d also embark on some epic, extensive travelling (what the hell, I’m a billionaire after all!), exploring every corner of the globe from exotic beaches to bustling metropolises, truly living out every adventure on my bucket list.

Places I’ve lived:
1. Calgary – My home base for many cherished years.
2. Vancouver – A beautiful city by the sea, full of vibrant experiences.
3. Toronto (but only until grade 2) – My earliest memories are tied to this bustling metropolis.

Jobs I’ve had:
1. Mascot – Yes, really! I embodied Howdy (one of the mascots for the 1988 Winter Olympics), the ATP Elephant, and even the Alpha Milk Bear. It was an interesting, often amusing, experience to bring these characters to life.
2. Cashier at Mmmmmmmarvellous Mmmmmmuffins – The summer I was 15, I boldly lied and claimed I was 16 to get this job, a youthful act of ambition for my first real paycheck!
3. Photographer for the Bargain Finder – Capturing images and finding hidden gems, a fun way to hone my creative eye.
4. Nanny – Caring for little ones, a role that taught me patience and responsibility.
5. Owned a low-fat cookie bakery (One Smart Cookie) – A passionate entrepreneurial journey that shaped much of my future in the food world.

Tag, you’re it!
Now it’s time to pass the torch. I’m tagging these wonderful bloggers to share their own five fascinating insights:

• 1. M at Tartelette
• 2. Dana at Dana McCauley’s Blog
• 3. Meena at Hooked: on Heat
• 4. Ellie at Kitchen Wench
• 5. Jen at fresh cracked pepper

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my world, from simple kitchen solutions to sweet indulgences and a dash of personal history. Happy cooking and happy reading!