I just put a chicken in to roast about ten minutes ago and already the house is filling with the most wonderful aroma. I think the smell is just as comforting as the roast chicken itself.
The wonderful scent is a result of everything I place into the oven along with the chicken - lots of fresh herbs from the garden (thyme, rosemary & sage), a couple of lemons, garlic cloves and onions. I slice the onions and lay them down in the baking dish for the chicken to rest on while baking. The cavity is stuffed with herbs, whole garlic cloves that I've slightly crushed with my knife, and two lemons which I've rolled on the counter and pierced with a fork so the juice will release while baking.
Dressed and ready to go in the oven. Not only do these added ingredients make the house smell great, they also add lots of flavor to a quick pan sauce that can be prepared once the chicken is done roasting. Fall comfort food at its best.
