Roasted Chicken with Homemade Mashed Potatoes

From time to time the women in my neighborhood are called upon to prepare a meal for a family in need. The Mom may have just had a baby or in some cases there is a serious illness. I usually choose to prepare this Roasted Chicken or my Popeye Meatloaf. This recipe is very easy to make and can be doubled, so not only am I giving a meal away, I am also preparing dinner for my family.

The mashed potato recipe below is a family favorite. I like it because I can make this side dish a day ahead of time and refrigerate. Great for those family holiday meals. Just pop in the oven prior to dinnertime and you have a delicious side dish to your favorite meal.

Roasted Chicken

1 (3 pound) whole roasting chicken, giblets removed
salt and black pepper to taste
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup butter, divided
1 stalk celery

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place chicken in a roasting pan and season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder. Place 3 tablespoons butter in the chicken cavity. Arrange dollops of the remaining butter around the chicken. Cut the celery into 3 or 4 pieces, and place in the chicken cavity.

Bake uncovered 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven or till internal temperature reads 180 degrees F. Remove from heat, and baste with melted butter and pan drippings. Cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest about 30 minutes before serving.


Mashed Potatoes

5 lbs Potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup sour cream
8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
3 Tbsp Butter
1 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper

Place potatoes in a large pot; cover with water. Bring to a low boil. Cook for 20 - 25 minutes or until fork tender; drain well.

In a large mixing bowl, mash potatoes. Add sour cream, cream cheese, 2 Tbsp butter, salt and pepper. Beat until fluffy. Transfer to a greased 2 qt. baking dish; dot with remaining butter. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in 350 degree F. oven for 30- 40 minutes or until heated through.

Variations: Play with this recipe to give it different flavor. Add a Tbsp of chopped Chives and parsley and serve with your favorite fish recipe. Add a tsp of onion salt or a couple cloves of roasted garlic and serve with a pork roast. You could even add a Tbsp of horseradish and serve with Beef Pot Roast.

Serve with the Key lime Pie recipe below and you have a perfect ending to this delicious meal.

Enjoy!