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A MONTANA DINNER PARTY.................



"Delight in the little things."
Rudyard Kipling


 We will soon be leaving our wonderful spot in Montana.  Every year it is hard to say good-by to the friends we have made and to this beautiful state.

We usually try to have a small dinner party before we leave to catch up with everyone and their lives.

This year was no exception.


It is really a simple affair....with a mish mosh 
of dishes....since I don't have a complete set of anything here. LOL LOL


It is always an interesting group of people....all ages....and all beliefs.

This years menu was a simple one:
Roast Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Big garden salad
Bread pudding for desert

I'm not much of a recipe kind of gal as I pretty much shoot from the hip with my cooking.....but I did want to share this easy chicken dish with all of you.  It always gets raves when I serve it....and it has become an old standby.

One whole chicken....roaster or fryer
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Bottle of Newman's Own Light Balsamic Dressing

Clean chicken......salt and pepper to taste
Insert rosemary in cavity
Pour 1/2 to 3/4 of dressing over bird

Roast at 425 degrees for about half an hour or until bird begins to brown.

Turn oven down to 375 degrees and cook till done...usually one hour or a little more for a modest size bird.

Serve and eat.....this is one of the best chicken recipes I have ever made...I use it often ....... and the left-overs are to die for!!

The greek philosopher Cicero said "If you have a garden and a library ~~ you have everything you need."......to which I would add.....Good food and nice friends.

Have a beautiful day,

Jo
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Comments

  1. Jim and SandieSeptember 12, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    The chicken sounds wonderful. I love rosemary on chicken. When you head south, do you go directly to AZ or do you wander down there?

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  2. Carole ReidSeptember 12, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    ...to that I would add paint, brush, and a canvas! Sad to say good bye to friends but think of all the memories you made during you stay. xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. DianeSeptember 12, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    The table looks wonderful and I am sure the food was excellent. Keep well Diane

    ReplyDelete
  4. ChristelSeptember 12, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    The table did in fact look perfect! I would prefer this to a matchy setting anyway! I think it gives it much more character for things to flow, but not match! The chiken is so good isn't it? I make this same recipie once a month or so! I cook fresh asparagus, parsley and buttered little red potatoes with it. mmm sounds good for tonight!be well have a safe trip. xoxxo Christel

    ReplyDelete
  5. My Grama's SoulSeptember 12, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    Hi Christel....I love it that you have and use this same recipe.

    xo

    Jo

    ReplyDelete
  6. GwendolynKaySeptember 12, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    How nice of you to have a dinner for your friends before you head south. I think your mismatched plates make for a lovely table. I know Martha (Stewart) would approve.: )
    Your chicken sounds delish! I am going to copy it down and try it soon.
    Blessings and hugs~

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousSeptember 12, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    Sounds great ! !
    Have a Wonderful Week!!
    Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  8. the wild magnoliaSeptember 12, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Well I'll be preparing this roast chicken for Sunday dinner.

    "Partings are such sweet sorrow....", I think it wonderful you have the change of scenery. Always you gather new friends and experiences and share with us.

    I'm wish I could take painting lessons from you.

    Wishing you happy and safe journey. ❤

    ReplyDelete
  9. KimmieSeptember 12, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Beautiful post!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Old Time CindySeptember 12, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    Oh, I like the mix of dishes you have for your table setting!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Blondie's JournalSeptember 12, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    I think your table is very pretty, Jo, and the menu yummy. I love that dressing...I'm definitely trying your version of it on chicken!!

    XO,
    Jane

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  12. webbSeptember 12, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Three of my favorite ingredients - why did I never think of this? Definitely on a menu soon. thanks.

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  13. VictoriaSeptember 12, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Gorgeous post Jo!! So beautiful and inspiring!
    HUgs
    Wishing you a happy day!
    Kiki

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's Just DottieSeptember 12, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    Thank you for the chicken recipe.
    Smiles,Dottie

    ReplyDelete
  15. marilynSeptember 12, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Okay, so I've pretty much given up cooking but the chicken sounds too good. And I love the lemon ware.

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  16. Debra She Who SeeksSeptember 12, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    Sounds like a charming dinner party!

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  17. Sue G.September 12, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Jo, it's food done simply that always is a crowd pleaser. And that sounds delish! I will certainly make that this fall.

    Your blog always makes me smile.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Pat MacKenzieSeptember 12, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    The chcken recipe sounds delicious. I'll try it this week.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Vicki/JakeSeptember 13, 2011 at 6:45 AM

    YUMMM! Guess I better have a little dinner party too...and use your chicken:) Sorry you have to leave there. I hear from another blogger that Phoenix had it's 7th huge dust storm.....so take care and don't be in a hurry to get back. Let me know if you'll be anywhere close on your way home...xox

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousSeptember 13, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    Your such a sweet soul, I just love the way you write.
    I'll try your chicken recipe and see if I can convince my son to eat chicken, he finds mine too dry. :) I should get myself a timer...
    Have a wonderful week,
    Hugs Rosemary...xx

    ReplyDelete

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