Appetizer
This was one of my favorite treats growing up. I haven’t had it in years, and when my brother and I were going over some old recipes, I asked if he had this one, and sure enough, he did. Most online recipes make it into a large cheese ball, but we always rolled small ones so you could pop open the refrigerator and grab one as a snack. The prep can get sticky, so wet your hands before you start rolling. These are perfect for parties, too. Enjoy!
Dinner
Okay, the real title should be lovely roasted chicken, but Mr. E misheard me when I was casting about for what I’d made this month that was new and yummy. “I made that lovely roasted chicken,” to which he replied, “Lonely Roasted Chicken?” So lonely it is. Lonely, and quick! This takes 5 minutes to put together and 45 to bake. You can scale it up or down—this is for two.
Dessert
We discovered this delight at our favorite local restaurant, and I searched for a recipe straightaway because it was too good not to try making at home. Having a signature dessert you can serve or bring to a party is always a great plan. It’s a very easy recipe, which I love. I found a recipe that’s gluten-free, but the first result was a bit too soft in the middle, so I’ve amended it to be firmer and creamier, and cook a tad longer so the top burns appropriately. It’s delicious either way, and adorable served in small cast iron skillets for an individual treat. Enjoy!
To Drink
A special mocktail I’ve dubbed Crimeade, this has become my go-to restaurant drink. It’s a lovely cranberry limeade with a bit of sparkle to it. Absolutely delicious, and feels like you’re drinking something naughty.
Thoughts: I love this wine. I love Prunotto in general, and I’m always a big fan of a Nebbiolo. My family is from the Piedmonte region, so a good Nebbiolo makes me happy. Prunotto is always an elegant bottle, and this isn’t super heavy and overwhelming.
Pairings: As with most Italian wines, garlic helps you realize the full potential. Make sure you get enough garlic in the chicken, and you’re golden!
J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes contemporary fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.
With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards. Her titles have been optioned for television and published in twenty-eight countries.
J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.
