We decided after enjoying several wineries and dining spots that it would be nice to dine alfresco at our home away from home for dinner. The home that we are staying in for the month of October is gorgeous and has everything you could ever need. We stopped at World Market to get some small votive candles and holders to add to the ambiance. I think these made the table look so inviting and provided great lighting! I wish we had a World Market close to home, as they have such a great selection of decorator items and imported foods and goods.
The flowers on the table were skillfully arranged by Jan (the other half of J&J mentioned in previous posts) and she helped in creating this perfect setting – thanks J! Of course, there was wine flowing while enjoying an aperitif and a cheese platter prior to dinner.
The outdoor area is BEYOND and dining alfresco has become one of our favorite things while here. There are several outdoor living rooms and a large Tuscan style table with a view of the garden that is perfect for our special dinners.
We invited some friends over and decided to incorporate a Tuscan themed meal plan. So, we decided on Tuscan Grilled Rosemary and Lemon Chicken, Creamy Cannellini Beans with Grilled Asparagus and a green salad.
Tuscan Grilled Rosemary Chicken
- October 23, 2018
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Ingredients
- 1 (3 1/2 - 4 1/2 pound) whole chicken, flattened (remove back bone to flatten)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 teaspoons grated lemon zest and juice from two lemons (keep halved lemons to grill later)
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons chopped, fresh rosemary (add additional sprigs to marinade)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Step 1
- Remove backbone from chicken to allow to lay flat on the grill
- Step 2
- Sprinkle chicken all over with salt
- Step 3
- Combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic and rosemary to a ceramic dish (or you can use a large ziplock bag)
- Step 4
- Place flattened chicken in dish and turn to cover with marinade
- Step 5
- Cover dish with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for 3-4 hours or overnight
- Step 6
- Turn the chicken periodically to ensure even coating of marinade
- Step 7
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees
- Step 8
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade for grilling process)
- Step 9
- Place flattened chicken on a pan with a rack in the oven and cook for 30 minutes
- Step 10
- Remove chicken from oven and preheat grill
- Step 11
- Place chicken skin side up and grill for 15 minutes and add halved lemons to grill (brush chicken with reserved marinade)
- Step 12
- Flip chicken over and grill another 10-15 minutes until juices run clear
- Step 13
- I use a foil-wrapped brick to keep the chicken flat on the grill or you can use a heavy pan
- Step 14
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into serving pieces
Creamy Tuscan Beans And Rosemary
- October 23, 2018
- 4-6
- 30 min
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup chopped carrot
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 - 3 cups, good quality, drained cannellini beans
- 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- Juice of one lemon (I like a lot of lemon)
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup of chicken broth (or you can use water)
- 2 - 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- Step 1
- Add olive oil to pan and heat to medium
- Step 2
- Add chopped onion, carrot and celery and saute until softened
- Step 3
- Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant (do not burn)
- Step 4
- Add drained cannellini beans, lemon zest and lemon juice, cook for a few minutes
- Step 5
- Add chicken broth or water
- Step 6
- Cover pan and cook for about 30 minutes until the beans are creamy and most of the liquid is absorbed
- Step 7
- Just before serving add the parmesan cheese and garnish with sprigs of rosemary
My name is Kim and my passion is surrounding myself, family, and friends in a life of luxury. Each week, I’ll share with you new tips and recipes to create a luxurious life .