Inspired

So, lately I've been reading Julie and Julia by Julie Powell. It's a decent enough book, I must say that I am glad I saw the movie BEFORE reading the book this time. Usually I do it the other way around and usually I am then disappointed by the movie. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie though, and I think it was because I had NOT read the book yet. There are some major differences between the Julie Powell in the movie and the Julie Powell in her book. Neither are bad, I'm just glad I wasn't sitting in the theatre saying "She is NOT like that in real life!" because it was the first movie Kevin and I had been to together since probably May and I just wanted to enjoy it, which I did!

However, that's not what this post is all about...it's about how I have been inspired by the book. This normal, almost thirty secretary decides on a whim to start cooking every single recipe from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Wow. As she discusses boiling a live lobster and making mayonaisse from scratch, I couldn't help but think about how I had never even roasted a chicken. It seemed like such a scary thing, but yesterday, on a whim, I decided to tackle it.

I went to Save On, bought the pack of two chickens for $20, some lemons, and made my way home. I had instructions-via text message-from a friend, and I was ready to go. I washed the bird out, dried it, cut up lemons and stuck them inside, along with some onions, rubbed it down with butter and salt and threw it in the roasting pan. I put in just enough water to keep it moist and a few hours later after some cooking and basting and cooking and basting-and a little bit of nerves that it would be all dried out since my hubby came home a wee bit late-it was one the table, ready to be eaten.

I had also whipped up another dish from scratch on the side. Creamy Mushroom and Thyme Orzo. MMMmmmmMM! It was a simple dish of mushrooms, garlic, green onions, milk, flour, orzo pasta and parmesan and it was amazing!

The chicken passed the test! It was juicy and delicious! I used the leftovers-bones and all-to make chicken stock, which I'm going to use tonight for home made chicken noodle soup! YUMM!

I think I might be getting the hang of this cooking thing. I feel so domesticated. I didn't realize it could be that easy. This year I am actually going to cook a real turkey for my American Thanksgiving feast...wish me luck!