Are you spending too much time on the computer? That’s a question I’ve been asking myself a lot lately. After reading this article in The Atlantic and finding out about this new site that calculates the amount of time spent on twitter, I’ve really been pondering this matter.
I haven’t been pondering it too much though. Instead, last weekend, I took a break and left my computer off for 48 hours. Wow, I did have quite a surprise on Monday morning, (an inbox full to the brim) however it was well worth it. I felt much more engaged with my family and my surroundings by unplugging myself from the virtual world. Sometimes you just need to live a little! In the real world. Not facebook, twitter or blogs.
I know this is blogging heresy, however, I just couldn’t resist entertaining this discussion. While I love all of the communication possibilities that our computers and the internet afford and have made wonderful connections with so many readers right here, I do find myself wondering if I’m getting “addicted” to the computer at the expense of my connection to my actual surroundings and nature. I wonder how this new era of communication impacts us as individuals and the greater culture at large. And as always, I find myself looking for balance.
So, back to a topic that we can probably all agree on. Dinner! Gotta have it.
Chicken Marbella is a classic dish that some say is the finest to ever come out of The Silver Palate Cookbook. To make it a bit easier, I decided to adapt the recipe, reducing the marinating time and roasting a whole chicken instead of chicken parts.
This festive dish would be great for the Passover Seder with its complex blend of flavors. In fact, this is what I’m going to be serving to our guests. Along with Matzoh Ball Soup, of course.
Free exclusive eBook, plus recipes and health tips, delivered to your inbox.
Roasted Chicken with Olives and Prunes
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, 2-3 pounds
- 1 teaspoon celtic sea salt
- 1 cup pitted green olives
- 1 cup pitted prunes
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 clove pressed garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup agave nectar or honey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken and pat dry
- Place the chicken breast side up in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, then sprinkle with salt
- In a large bowl, combine the olives, prunes, oregano, capers, bay leaves, garlic, olive oil, agave, apple cider vinegar and water
- Spread the contents of the bowl in the dish around the chicken
- Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes
- Lower heat to 375°F and continue to roast the chicken until it is cooked through, about 40 minutes
- Remove from oven and serve
This child-friendly dish is a hit with the little ones. My children are great about gobbling up the chicken dishes I make with fruit in them.
Sassa Akervall says
Hi Elana,
I love your site and spread it among my friends constantly. So great to have all these alternatives to Paleo and even Paleo Passover!!! Love!
I do have a question: for your variation on Chicken Marbella, how many is your recipe for? We are going to be 7 for Passover, so do I need two chickens?
Thanks!
Elana says
Sassa, at my house this recipe feeds 4-6 people depending on how hungry they are and how much other food I’m serving. Happy Passover :-)
Carmen says
I mistakenly added the white wine to the chicken Marbella marinade.
Has anyone else done this? How did it come out ?
Elana says
Carmen, I haven’t tried that but I hope it turned out well :-)
sara says
We’re obsessed with this dish in our house. The combination for sweetness from the prunes and saltiness from the olives is irresistible! Plus, the chicken is always super juicy. Did I mention the recipe couldn’t be easier?
Elana says
Sara, thanks for letting me know how much you and yours are enjoying this recipe!
Linda says
As soon as I saw the description I thought “Chicken Marbella!” Can’t wait to try this when we get back from our cruise.
Elana says
Linda, thanks so much! I hope you and yours love this as much as we do :-)
Nina says
Hi Elana,
I’ve just come across this recipe and it looks great – just wondering I usually do whole chicken in a bag – have you done this with this recipe? I usually roast for at least 2 hours
Elana says
Nina, I haven’t tried that :-)
Lisa Baker says
This is on the menu at my house tonight! It looks great! :)
Elana says
Thanks Lisa!