by Tallbald » Sun Jul 22, 2012 7:38 pm
Just made my first DO meal this evening. 10 inch oven, nice and deep, of a no brand origin. Had to season it this morning, in anticipation of cooking. Whole fresh (as one can get at a grocery store) 5 pound chicken bought on sale at Krogers came home this morning. Smallest they had on sale. Had to wing it( LOL pun intended) because we don't normally keep lemons, fresh shallots, fresh thyme and such things at our house. At age 53 I have never in my life cooked a whole chicken. Removed the giblet bag, rinsed the bird with cold water. Sprayed with canola oil, and salted/peppered liberally inside and out.Sprinkled powdered garlic and cilantro over it, stuffed a quartered onion in the cavity, and poured some broth around it I made from the giblets. Poured in around it too a bag of baby carrots. Fired up the coals (yes, with a chimney) and got things cooking. Don't laugh, but I have to have help lifting the DO to do anything with it because I had back surgery and have a 10 pound lifting limit. I am in a back brace most of the time, and walk with a cane because my right leg sometimes quits. As a last minute thing, I opened a can of biscuits and arranged them around the chicken while I still had hot coals on the top. Either Penny and I or our 4 dogs will eat well tonight, depending on how it turns out.
Folks this is a huge huge meal for two people. Too much really. And with me unable to lift much, it is not as much fun as I think it could be with a smaller oven. But when I look at the Lodge website, or Cabela's or Gander Mountain, Target or Walmart all I see in a smaller version is only 3 or so inches deep. I can't fit a 3 pound bird or a roast in the shallower depth oven. Am I missing a brand I should search out? I must have the lip around the lid so I can be as versatile as necessary. Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. Don