Meals with Friends

I just got back to Boulder from a fantastic trip to KC to visit two of my dearest friends:  Mike G and Liz.  And what was the best part?  The food - of course!  Here's how the meal planning went:

Leah:  "G, what protein are you going to smoke, grill, or roast this evening?"

G:  "Ohhhh, (lip smacking sounds), let's just think about this for a second." (aaand more lip smacking sounds)

Liz:  "My mouth is already watering, where is the trail mix??"

G:  "I hesitate to say this, but let me WOW you with a classic, how about roast chicken - low and slow, of course."

Leah:  "Yessss, I'll do beets!  Ohhh, and 9-grain bread...ohhh, ohhh, wait, and brussels!!"

Liz:  "When can we start drinking?"

Leah:  "Immediately."

Liz:  "When can we start zesting??"

Leah:  "Immediately."

Mike:  "Hold your horses ladies, I've got to light the coals - we need full concentration."

Leah:  "Michael, step aside, we (Liz and I) will man the kitchen, you just step outside on to the deck with your bird."

And out of that conversation, came this fabulous meal:

Roasted Chicken, a la G (guest post to follow with the recipe!!)

Arugula and Roasted Beet Salad with a Creamy Lemon Dressing

Fresh Brussel Sprout Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Parmesan

Classic Roasted Roots with Flaky Sea Salt (Parsnips, they're like candy!!)

Crusty 9 grain bread

Mike G, mission accomplished

Lauren came over to eat good food!!