Hello everyone from my kitchen to yours. My kitchen is small maybe 8ft long by 7ft wide, but do not be deterred by its coziness. I love it! because for the time being it is mine, and it is the place where i get to be creative and where I am able to learn. I hope that with this site, I can offer a few new ideas or learning tools that I come across on this cooking/baking journey.
Welcome to The Bakettes!
Today as I was searching for something to make for dinner, I came across several recipes for lemon zest and orange zest. I had no idea what it was, where to buy it or how to make it. So like any good woman of the 21st century, I sat down at my husband's computer (mine is on the fritz) and googled it ... oh how grateful I am for the masses who blog and with their blogging, answer my questions.
Here is the tutorial I found on how to get zest from a lemon or orange
So began the 'zesty'ness of my day. After all, if you learn something new, you should use it right away so it sticks in your mind. Right?? I heard that somewhere and it works for me anyway.
I used this tool to get the job done
but, really I will buy this tool next time I find it in a store.
So without further adieu, here is the dinner that I made tonight.
Lemon Chicken (my take on this wonderful recipe here)
4 chicken leg quarters (skin-on, bone-in)
3 Tbsp lemon zest
1/3 c. lemon juice
1 Tbsp minced garlic (or 2 cloves)
2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
3 Tbsp butter
(the only parts I changed included adding already minced garlic from the jar and more lemon zest than it asked for. I like the lemon flavor so next time I think I will add a little more lemon juice)
Mix the lemon zest, minced garlic, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This will be the marinade for the chicken.
Poke holes in the chicken so the marinade can sink in. Either place the chicken and marinade in a 1 gallon freezer bag or a large bowl with a lid.
Marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it is. I marinated mine for 4 hours before baking and it was delicious all the way through.
Preheat oven to 425˚F, Brush chicken with melted butter before baking, use extra lemon for garnish
Cook for 25 minutes and then pull out of oven. Brush chicken with remaining marinade and continue to bake for 30 more minutes or until skin is browned and slightly crispy.
Total bake time: 50-55 min
Serve with rice, salad or alone.
