During times like these, I strap on an apron, turn on some Puccini and head to the kitchen – and so should you. That’s why I’m inviting all of you to join The Culinary Center team in an Oceania Cruises Cooking Challenge. The Culinary Center Chef Instructors and I recently started sharing recipes via email and phone – challenging each other as we all look for new and different recipes to try out during this period when we’re spending more time at home. We thought it would be a great idea to share this fun, new challenge with all of you so you can cook along with us at home, try your hand at some favorite Oceania Cruises recipes, and best of all – relieve some stress in the kitchen.

The first recipe for our Oceania Cruises Cooking Challenge is one of my all-time favorites – Jacques Pépin’s Roasted Chicken. Talk about comfort food! This Jacques Pépin recipe is also versatile because you can pair it with any grain or veggie that you have on hand. So pour yourself a glass of wine and get cooking–we can’t wait to see all of your results!

- Master Chef Jacques Pépin

SERVES: 6 People

SEASONING BLEND:

• 2 bay leaves, minced
• 2 tablespoons each dried rosemary, thyme, sage and sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¾ teaspoon ground mace
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

CHICKEN:

• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 (4- to 6-pound) chicken
• Fleur de sel or Maldon salt, for finishing

METHOD:

MAKE THE SEASONING BLEND:

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Store unused seasoning blend in a sealed sterilized jar for up to 3 months.

ROAST THE CHICKEN:

Preheat the oven to 400°F/204°C. In a small bowl, combine the butter and 2 heaping tablespoons of the seasoning blend and brush the spiced butter generously over the chicken. Place the chicken on a roasting rack, breast side up. Roast the chicken, brushing every 15 minutes with spiced butter, until the meatiest part reaches an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C, about 15 minutes per pound. Remove from the oven and let rest 15 minutes. Carve the chicken and finish the pieces with salt.

Don’t forget to share photos of your results and tag Online Vacation Center and  #OLifeCookingChallenge on Facebook and Instagram!

Enjoy this amazing recipe and more onboard Oceania Cruises. Whether you are looking for a Cruise or Cruise Package featuring Airfare, 4-Star+ Hotels, Transfers and More, Online Vacation Center is here to help! Just search below.