Want to serve something other than hamburgers and hot dogs at your next backyard get together?  Well this delicious option serves up a complete chicken for your entire family or all of your guests.  My mom would often make this family favourite because it’s easy and flavourful. 

Feeding chicken to your fury four-legged family members can be a real treat, but remember to keep the bones away from them as it can be very dangerous.  My little ones Napoleon & Josephine are getting married at the end of the month and are raising money for their friends in need at K9 Rescue Me.  Check out www.barkpetcare.biz for further details about the “Big Chihuahua Wedding” event.

- Ken Kostick

Recipe:                                 MY MOM’S ROASTED CHICKEN WITH SAGE DRESSING

Serves 4-6

1- 5-6lb roasting chicken
¼ cup olive oil
8 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper

Dressing

½ lb bacon, chopped and cubed
1 Spanish onion, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
1 small red pepper, chopped
4 eggs
10 cups dried bread, chopped
2 tbsp ground dry sage
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper

1. Take the olive oil and rub the chicken.  Place garlic bulbs in various cavities.  Top with basil, sea salt and pepper.
2. In a sauté pan cook the bacon, onion, celery and red pepper.  In a large bowl place the bread and cooked bacon mixture, eggs and spices.  Mix well with your hands and stuff the chicken.
3. Bake the chicken uncovered, in a preheated oven at 350 F for 1 hour to 1 ½ hour.  Baste once or twice to get a nice golden glaze.  Serve warm.