no. 138: Calabrian chile-honey butter roast chicken & cabbage
Plus, MY NEW JEWELS!
I celebrated my birthday last weekend, and it was my ideal day in LA to ring in 31. I started the day with an iced vanilla latte from Camel along with some pastries from All Time, then afterwards, I treated myself to a massage.
Later that evening, I had some wings and beers from Ye Rustic Inn (my favorite) and a festive lil’ punch bowl + popcorn moment at Real Charmer.
As a birthday treat for myself, I did a small jewelry refresh. My wonderful yet joy-sucking team of doctors tried to rob me of my small, diamond delights by making me remove all of my jewelry for surgery, but the joke’s on them because I put it all back on, and now I have EVEN MORE PIECES. Here’s everything I’m loving.
Studs
I have never been to Studs before, and honestly, I don’t know what took me so long. The team at Studs very graciously offered me some complimentary piercings, and as a certified Ear Piercing Addict, this was an offer I simply could not refuse.
I didn’t know exactly which piercings I wanted to get, but I settled on a fourth lobe piercing (I told you, I already have a lot) on my left ear, and a '“conch” placement on my right ear. The store had SO MANY cute earrings to choose from—I got a purple flat back stud because it’s aquarius season, and this 14k dangle flat back stud.
I would highly, highly recommend this if you’re wanting a fun new piercing or maybe just looking for an exciting friend date. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes (and the only reason it took that long is because I couldn’t decide between all the jewelry options), and the woman who pierced my ears was super kind and knowledgable. I’ll probably go back soon for some more because I legitimately have a problem.
Use code “TSR20” for 20% off (valid until 3/31 11:59pm, applicable to Studs.com only).
Catbird Opal & Pearl Shower Earring
I can’t discuss a jewelry reset without my beloved Catbird. Most of my everyday earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets are, you guessed it, from Catbird. I had a gift card to use, and while I was in this earring reset headspace, I couldn’t resist this tiny drop earring. It is so simple and dainty, and I love it so much. I have it next to my Studs dangle earring (above), and I must say that they look quite nice together.
Ana Luisa Oren Triple
The jewelry gods must have heard my prayers this week because Ana Luisa also gifted me with this ring and these Harley Pave earrings. I was not familiar with this brand before they reached out, but the items are affordable, plus they look and feel super high quality.
I haven’t taken off these pieces since they arrived, and they bring me a little glimmer of joy each time that I notice them.
Calabrian Chile-Honey Butter Roast Chicken and Cabbage
Serves: 6-8
Active time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
I recently placed an Instacart order where I requested ONE whole chicken, and when the delivery arrived, I realized that the shopper bought me TWO. I was immediately overwhelmed with frustration and disgust for this person who is spending MY money that I did not ask for them to spend. And on top of that, now I am BURDENED with an extra whole chicken for no reason.
After I cooled off, I reviewed the receipt and realized that the store was running a buy one get one free special. It was truly shocking how my feelings of hostility towards this shopper completely evaporated, and I found myself overcome with gratitude and compassion for this considerate person who very skillfully gifted me with a FREE BIRD. And now I have the great pleasure of cooking this chicken in whatever inspired way that I so choose. A perspective shift for the books.
I think the best way to prepare a whole chicken is by spatchcocking it because it cooks quicker, it’s easier to carve (IMO), and it cooks more evenly. If you’re going to roast a chicken, you might as well put some sort of vegetable under it to soak up all the schmaltzy gold.
This Calabrian chile-honey butter is GOOD. It would also be really delicious on some salmon, on a warm piece of sourdough, or mixed into a bowl of grains.
For the butter:
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1-2 tablespoons chopped Calabrian chiles (depending on preferred spiciness)
2 tablespoons honey
1 lemon, zested and juiced, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For the chicken:
1 (4-5) pound whole chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium head green cabbage, cut into 1-inch wedges
Freshly grated Parm, for serving
Preheat oven to 450F and place a rack in the middle of the oven.
Make the butter. In a small bowl, mix butter, Calabrian chiles, honey, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
Arrange cabbage wedges on sheet pan and gently brush the tops of each wedge with half of the butter mixture. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until lightly softened, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, spatchcock the chicken. Place the chicken on a clean work surface, breast side down. Using kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it. Flip the chicken and press down firmly and swiftly on the breast until it flattens (you’ll hear a pop). Tuck the wings behind the top of the breasts. Pat dry with paper towels.
Use your fingers to get underneath the skin of the breasts and thighs, gently pulling the skin away from the meat. Spread the remaining half of butter around the breasts and thighs (the butter can go both under and over the skin). Sprinkle the chicken all over with salt and pepper, then place on top of par-cooked cabbage wedges. Return sheet pan to oven and cook until cabbages is deeply golden brown and chicken thighs register 165F, another 45-55 minutes, depending on the size of your bird.
Let chicken rest for 10 minutes, then carve chicken, juice lemon over chicken and cabbage, and serve with grated Parm.
This is my DREAM chicken!