#99—My Wayne Gretzky of Posts: Herb-Rubbed Roasted Chicken Dinner

The reference to #99 is a Canadian one, dear readers. Wayne Gretzky, arguably the finest (ice) hockey player this country has produced, wore the number 99 on his hockey jersey. This is the 99th post for Savvy Single Suppers, arguably Canada’s finest home-cooking blog for the single crowd! In Wayne’s honour, this will be a high scoring post offering a complete “Sunday-Supper” style meal.

Herb-Rubbed Roast Chicken, Roasted Tomato Relish and Mashed Sweet Potatoes

According to the web, Wayne’s favourite meals are spaghetti with meat sauce or steak (see http://www.vancouverobserver.com/blogs/tmi/2012/01/26/10-ways-celebrate-wayne-gretzkys-birthday). No surprise a pro athlete would favour red meat and carbs. However, I’d wager a bet my Herb Rubbed Roast Chicken served with Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Warm Roasted Tomato Relish and the green vegetable of your choice could win Wayne over. If he’d like to just call before he drops in, I’d make enough for him and his family.

Main Dish Salad: Curried Turkey Couscous with Cranberries

I’ve been looking for a recipe to use some recently purchased Israeli couscous. The ingredients in Fine Cooking’s Meals in Minutes [The Taunton Press, 2012, pg 160] recipe for Curried Turkey Couscous Salad with Dried Cranberries looked like an intriguing combination. Diced, cooked turkey, celery, green onions, toasted almonds and orange juice-soaked dried cranberries tossed with cooked and cooled couscous and a light curry vinaigrette struck me as inspired.

Delicious Main Dish Salad: Curried Turkey & Israeli Couscous Salad

The salad came together in 30 minutes (or less). I stored it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before suppertime. To create a balanced meal, I served the salad on a bed of baby spinach leaves and it was simply delicious . . . and very filling.