Valentine’s Day is here and if there is one thing that’s certain besides the overabundance of cheesy cards, teddy bears and candy, it is that restaurant reservations will be in high demand. Whether you are spending the evening with a significant other, a good friend or even good book, cooking in the familiarity of your own home provides an intimacy and comfort that a crowded restaurant full of awkward couples just cannot provide. This dinner is simple to make and will wow your guest and even yourself. You can also expect leftovers, which is never a bad thing, and maybe even some extra loving that night. If so, remember to thank me.

Feta Stuffed Roasted Chicken with Drunken Mushrooms

It is best to start the mushrooms about an hour before the chicken

Drunken Mushrooms

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 tbs butter
  • 1 tbs garlic
  • 8 ounces white mushrooms, washed and sliced
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 chicken bullion cube

Directions

In a large pan, heat butter over medium heat until butter is melted

Add in all remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until all the liquid has been absorbed, about two hours

Feta Stuffed Roasted Chicken

Ingredients:

  • Whole chicken, cleaned and patted dry
  • 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • 1 tbs Oregano
  • Sea Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbs Parsley
  • 1/2 cup of lemon juice

Directions:

Mix olive oil, lemon juice and all seasoning in a bowl

Pour evenly over chicken, using extra seasoning directly on the chicken to your liking.  Let marinate for up to one hour

Loosen skin of chicken at joints and on the meaty breast side from the neckbone down and slide pieces of feta under the skin

Heat the oven to 425°F and arrange a rack in the middle.

Roast the chicken in the oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue roasting until the juices run clear, about 50 minutes to an hour. 

Let cool for 15 minutes before cutting.

Transfer to large platter and pour drunken mushrooms on top

Honey Glazed Carrots

  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 1/2 tbs. of honey
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp of lemon juice
  • ½ tsp parsley

Directions

Steam carrots until tender

Cook remaining ingredients in pan, stirring constantly

Add carrots to mixture and stir until glazed

Transfer to platter and top with parsley

Three Spiced Garlic Potatoes

  • 1 pound of Red or Yukon potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbs of olive oil
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Parsley
  • 1 tsp Garlic Power
  • 1 tsp Sea salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 425

Coat potatoes with olive oil in a bowl

Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over potatoes

Spread potatoes in baking pan and bake 30-35 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown