This dish is inspired by many things - Autumn in the Ozarks, the Appleseeds Teaching Farm in Fayetteville, and seasonal ingredients that are best harvested this time of year…mainly beets. I love a slow roasted and log braised chicken, and even though this recipe tastes like it took hours to prepare, once the actual cooking begins, you can have a beautiful Fall chicken dinner in less than an hour. We like it served with mashed sweet potatoes, but it’s also divine with jasmine rice, couscous, and polenta.

Red Bud Jelly is a BARBIE pink sweet condiment that is delicious on toast, biscuits, or anything that requires a smear. The early Spring flowers of the Red Bud Tree are brilliant in color, set off against surrounding foliage that has not yet caught up from the Winter doldrums…not only unmistakably pretty, but also boasting a subtle floral flavor that is all its own.

Holiday Leftovers are their own food group - midnight sandwiches, mashed potato pancakes, and eggs and hash are staples - but this year I decided to take my leftover swagger to a new level by incorporating a pouch of Blue Elephant Green Curry Sauce from my pantry along with gruyere cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and leftover turkey breast to make what may be my favorite savory crepe - EVER!