Sunday, January 7, 2018

A Warm Welcome to Guest Barb Ross



Oven-Roasted Beer Can Chicken with Potatoes from Stowed Away

Stowed Away, the sixth Maine Clambake Mystery, was released last week. To celebrate, I’m giving away a copy of the mass market paperback to two lucky commenters below.

Beer can chicken is most often made on a barbecue grill, but with one-third of the country in a deep freeze, I thought you might appreciate this oven-roasted version. Along with the fingerling potatoes, it makes the basis of a hearty winter meal.

In Stowed Away, Julia Snowden’s sister Livvie makes this dinner when their mother calls an impromptu family meeting. It’s a quick meal that pleases any crowd. While Livvie cooks it using an actual beer can, you can purchase a device called a beer can chicken holder from almost any kitchenware vendor.

Ingredients for the chicken:

1 whole chicken, 4 – 4-1/2 pounds
12-ounce beer can--any brand you have on hand will do
olive oil for rubbing over the chicken
Livvie’s rub for the chicken (or substitute your own rub)

Livvie used the following ingredients for the rub:

2 Tablespoons kosher salt
1/2 Tablespoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 Tablespoon ground coriander
1/2 Tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 Tablespoon onion powder
1/2 Tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon jalapeno powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon lime zest

Instructions:

Preheat oven and sheet pan to 400 degrees. Stir together rub ingredients. Rinse chicken and pat dry. Rub chicken all over, inside and out, with olive oil. Rub chicken all over, inside and out, with the rub mix. Open beer can and pour out or drink 4 ounces, leaving 8 ounces in the can. Stand chicken on beer can by placing the neck over the can. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in oven for 1 hour.




Ingredients for the potatoes:

2 – 2-1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes
olive oil
salt
black pepper
dried oregano
garlic
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with olive oil and seasonings. When chicken is done, remove from baking sheet pan and place on platter. Toss potatoes with drippings left in sheet pan and roast 20 to 25 minutes.



Serves 6 to 8.



About Stowed Away

It’s June in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, and Julia Snowden and her family are working hard to get their authentic Maine clambake business ready for summer. Preparations must be put on hold, however, when a mysterious yacht drops anchor in the harbor—and delivers an unexpected dose of murder . . .
 
When Julia’s old prep school rival Wyatt Jayne invites her to dinner on board her billionaire fiancé’s decked-out yacht, Julia arrives to find a sumptuous table set for two—and the yachtsman dead in his chair. Suspicion quickly falls on Wyatt, and Julia’s quest to dredge up the truth leads her into the murky private world of a mega-rich recluse who may not have been all that he seemed . . .







Bio

Barbara Ross is the author of six Maine Clambake Mysteries: Clammed Up, Boiled Over, Musseled Out, Fogged Inn, Iced Under and Stowed Away. Her books have been nominated for multiple Agatha Awards for Best Contemporary Novel, and RT Books Reviewer’s Choice Awards, as well as the Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction. She blogs with a wonderful group of Maine mystery authors at Maine Crime Writers and with a group of writers of New England-based cozy mysteries at Wicked Cozy Authors. In the summer, Barbara writes on the big front porch of the former Seafarer Inn at the head of the harbor in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Find Stowed Away at:



Leave a comment and Barb will pick two winners of a copy of Stowed Away!

78 comments:

  1. This looks super interesting. I’ve never heard of it and I lived for many years in Wisconsin...land of beer and brats. How this escaped our notice, I’ll never know. I’ve read the other books in the series, looking forward to this one. Thanks for writing...stay warm in this super chilly weather! Lldawnjm (at) gmail (dot) com. Happy New Year!

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  2. Welcome, Barb! Thank you for sharing the recipes; and the book sounds wonderful! EMS591@aol.com

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  3. That looks very, very tasty. I would guess the salt could be reduced. My husband is now having to watch that and I'm finding it a bit of challenge to use a lot less. Guess our taste buds will eventually adjust. Love the setting of your books, though I'm glad I'm not in Maine right now. Texas is fine for me. LOL

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    1. Yes, everyone kept saying, "Maine's not so cold. The ocean mitigates the temperature." Ha!

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  4. I haven't read this series yet but am anxious to do so. It sounds like a winner! I have tried the beer can chicken on the grill. I actually bought one of those devices that hold the beer can and chicken. The chicken is delicious fixed this way. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net

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    1. It's just as good in the oven. So glad you like it.

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  5. Have yet to read this author and am really looking forward to doing so. The synopsis on the book looks like it's going to be a great read. That recipe looks really great as well. So am hoping this will be a start. Della at deepotter (at) peoplepc (dot) com

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  6. Have done this on the grill on a can, but the easiest way to do this in the oven is in a bundt pan. You cover the stem of the pan with foil. I would then toss the potatoes with the dripping and cook them on a sheet pan. Love your series! moodiesmum(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Interesting, Raquel. Will have to try bundt pan.

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  7. This series sounds great and I'd love to read it! The chicken recipe sounds yummy too... thanks!

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  8. This sounds like a good book to read while it's so chilly outside! rebarger(at)bellsouth(dot)com

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    1. The book takes place in June, so the days are long and the weather is mild.

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  9. Being Wisconsin natives, we have enjoyed beer can chicken for many years. I am eager to try that rub to change it up a bit!

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  10. Will try this recipe soon and will look forward to reading the book.

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  11. The series and the recipe both sound like they are right up my alley. Can't wait to try both!

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  12. I visited an Aunt in Maryland once and was treated to a Crab Boil which was fantastic! But I've never attended a Maine Clambake (it was cool and foggy when I was there). However, we do beer-can chicken all the time, and this recipe looks like something we definately want to try! Looking forward to the books, too, as I'm always looking for a new read.
    J_C_Elliott(at)msn(dot)com

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  13. I’m looking foward to reading Stowed Awat.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  14. I've read about beer can chicken many times, but never tried it----that picture makes it look so yummy that I think I'll buy some beer and try it. I'd like to read your new book, too---thanks for the giveaway.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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    1. The chicken is delicious, Sue. You won't regret it.

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  15. Looking forward to trying this recipe. Thanks! Cheers at MarjimManor dot com

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  16. That recipe sounds fantastic! And the book sounds amazing so count me in! ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

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  17. Glad to see the newest book in this series has been released. I have enjoyed the other books in the series. hannah03 at bellsouth dot net

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    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you're enjoying the Maine Clambake Mysteries!

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  18. Oh my goodness gracious! I woke up hungry this morning and now reading this my mouth is about to drool. I love the seasonings used and it sounds super easy which is great for a lazy day cooking when you still want something delicious.

    Can't wait to read "Stowed Away". Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  19. I love your books, thanks for the giveaway. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. So glad you love the Maine Clambake Mysteries, Doward.

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  20. Delectable recipe which is ideal for winter. Your book sounds captivating. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  21. A recipe which is perfect for the family on the weekend which would be greatly enjoyed and appreciated. Stowed Away sounds wonderful. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. Love the recipe and the theme of the book.Hope I win.Candykennedy 45@gmail.com

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  23. This book looks amazing as well as that beer can chicken I saw a picture of. Eating chicken and reading this cool book sounds like a win for me!

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  24. Thanks for the chance. I look forward to this book. Thanks also for the recipe. ezellmarlene(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. Sounds like fun; would love to win it!
    Dm_richards (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  26. This sounds like a great series! Think I'll have to get the first book and try it out.

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  27. Oh man, you've reminded me how much I love beer-can chicken! (Though I've always called it "beer-butt" chicken. Sorry.) It's so easy, and fall-off-the-bone tender. Gonna make one again soon...

    Congrats on the new release! (No need to enter me in the contest; I'll buy it!)

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  28. I love books that take place in maine so I definitely want to read this one!

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  29. I've never been to Maine, so I guess the next best thing is to read about it. Would love to read "Stowed Away". Thanks for the chance. Recipe looks amazing!
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Maine is such a great setting for fictional murders, though it's really quite safe.

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  30. Welcome Barb! I’ve had a recipe for this forever. I just have never gotten around to making it.

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  31. Forgot my alias.
    patdupuy@yahoo.com

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  32. Never did whole chickens as my family always liked just white meat. Along came my youngest 2 grandsons who love dark meat so we do 2 now.. I really think turkey and chicken's dark meat is paler than when I was young and please never put a thigh on my plate.Ruth NIXON ruthenixon(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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    1. Our family has the opposite problem. Everyone prefers dark meat.

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  33. The chicken & potatoes look yummy. I'm curious about that millionaire recluse.
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. I love this series and I would love to have this newest in the series. That chicken sure does look good. Thank you for the chance. pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com

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  35. I love this series! I have books 1 - 4 and I'm about to start reading #3. I've always wanted to visit Maine and these make me want to even more.

    That chicken sure does look good. I'll have to try it. Dbasak1@gmail.com

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  36. And if you are worried about balancing the bird on a can,use a bundt pan with the center covered with foil.
    Sounds lovely for a chilly night's repast.

    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    1. Definitely going to have to check out this bundt pan thing.

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    2. I've forgotten where I got it. It was only a few days ago.
      Bundt Pan Roast Chicken

      SERVES: 6
      INGREDIENTS
      • 3 cloves garlic
      • 2 carrots, chopped
      • 1 onion, quartered
      • 1/2 lb. yukon gold potatoes, quartered
      • extra-virgin olive oil
      • kosher salt
      • Freshly ground black pepper
      • 1 large bunch fresh thyme
      • 1 large bunch fresh rosemary
      • 1 3-4 lb. chicken, gizzards removed
      • 1 lemon, sliced
      DIRECTIONS
      1. Preheat oven to 425° and cover the hole of the Bundt pan with foil.
      2. In the bowl of a large Bundt pan, combine garlic, carrots, onion, and potatoes. Toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Scatter sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary on top of the vegetables.
      3. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season the inside of the cavity generously with salt and pepper, then stuff it with the lemon halves, a few sprigs of thyme, and a few sprigs of rosemary. (video shows sliced lemon and herbs being into pan, not into chicken) Rub olive oil all over the skin of the chicken, then season generously with salt and pepper.
      4. Place the chicken in the middle of the Bundt pan, breast side up. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and skin is golden, 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Let chicken rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted vegetables and extra pan juices.

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  37. This sounds terrific and very filling. I'd love to read the book too. Thanks, legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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  38. We have made beer can chicken and I just love it. I hadn't had it till I moved to Ia from Ca. I would love to read and review your books sounds so good. Thank you for posting. ptclayton2@aol.com

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  39. This mystery sounds interesting - clam bake, dead guy on the yacht, and all! Thanks for the chance to win!
    jeaniedannheim (at) ymail (dot) com

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  40. Thanks for the recipes and the chance to win!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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  41. The chicken and potatoes looks so good. Can't wait to try this recipe. Would love to win the book. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  42. That chicken looks amazing! And I'm just realizing I don't make potatoes often enough at all. Thanks for sharing! Love your books!
    Awilcox1182@gmail.com

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  43. I’ve read the other books. I must have missed this one coming out.

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  44. I love your books, just finished #8. I also love the homey touch with mouth watering dishes! Can’t wait to try the chicken! I am also roasting some broccoli, cauliflower and mushrooms in a separate sheet pan. Thanks

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