Peach Chicken
Fall is a full time of year; especially for a Jewish family with children in a Waldorf school. Last week we celebrated Rosh Hashannah (Jewish New Year), yesterday was Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and this coming Friday is Succot, the fall harvest festival celebrating the bounty provided to the Jews during 40 years wandering the dessert after the Exodus from Egypt. Whew.
During this time of year the Jewish holidays come unremittingly, like waves beating against the shore, one after the other. Don't get me wrong; I do like the holidays, because even with such fullness, the season provides space for reflection --letting go of old ways and setting new intentions for the coming year. I enjoy the process even if I find the pace a challenge.
Now add to all of that our Waldorf festivals and sometimes I do want to run for cover. Next week my boys' school will celebrate Michaelmas, the Christian analogue to Succot. Basically another fall harvest holiday, honoring the autumnal equinox and the shortening of days. The main character of Michaelmas is St. Michael, known, as the conqueror of the dragon and the saint of strong will; the heavenly hero with his starry sword who gives strength to people.
So, on these final days of Indian summer, as the air becomes crisp and we receive the last gifts of Colorado's glorious peach harvest, we all celebrate the end of one season and the beginning of the next. For that, it doesn't matter what your religion is.
Below, the dish I made for Yom Kippur this year before we began our fast. I served it with a big green salad and squash soup. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
(1) 3 pound chicken
¼ cup grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon celtic sea salt
6 peaches, quartered
4 shallots, halved
6 sprigs fresh thyme
- Rinse off the chicken, pat dry, then place in a large baking dish
- Rub with oil, season with salt, then scatter peaches, shallots and thyme around the chicken
- Roast at 400° for 60 to 90 minutes.
- Serve with peaches and pan sauce
This fruity, high protein chicken dish is delicious; in winter I use a bag of frozen organic peaches to bring back the sweet taste of summer. This recipe is based on "Roast Chicken with Balsamic Peaches," from Real Simple magazine's October 2006 issue.
Posted on September 23, 2007 in entrees by Elana
other entries you may like: Grilled Chipotle Orange Chicken
or Chicken Parmigiano: Birthday Challenge
or Rosemary Apple Chicken
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"Check out Elana's FAQ page for info on substitutions -- there are just too many possibilities so she can't answer all of these : ) But the Forums are an excellent resource and I highly recommend posting your substitution questions there; everyone is friendly and helpful." -Katie
Could you suggest a Rosh Hashannah meal that is gluten free?
Thanks!
Sarena,
Thanks for the great idea. I will do an entire Rosh Hashanah post (with gluten free meal suggestions) in the next week.
Best,
Elana
Being that I am a jewish girl from New York with a grandfather who was a bagel baker and I inherited his baking talents, it was devastating when I was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease. I thought all was lost until I found your site. Your baked goods using the almond flour is wonderful. I haven't tried the coconut flour yet but that will be next. Do you have a recipe for mandelbroit and/or rugalah. These were the other goodies my grandfather used to make. I also love that you use dairy free chocolate since I can't have casein either. Agave nectar and grapeseed oil are great, I would never have thought to use them.Thank you for making baking fun again.
Sheryl
Do you use a Kosher chicken? I am wondering because that sounds like a lot of salt for a brined chicken...
Elana--I recently discovered your web-site, and am so happy I did! I have long been interested in baking with almond flour--and finding you and your beautiful recipes is the answer to a prayer. I made this Peach Chicken dish for a family celebration last night--every morsel was consumed, and hailed as a top favorite on the very first try! Thank you!