Epiphany Sunday touches on several Epiphanies as to the divine nature of Christ the Lord. First to the Shepherds who were near Bethlehem at the time of His birth. Then to the gentiles through the Magi, who arrived sometime before His 2nd birthday. These were private revelations.
The Wedding Feast at Cana is also remembered as part of the Epiphany. While we might never know just when the wedding itself took place, we do know that the miracle of water into wine was His first public revelation, although not all the guests in attendance were aware of what had happened. One of the things I love about the story of the Wedding is the interaction between Jesus and Mary. He felt his time had not yet come, His ministry had not yet begun. While Mary listened to Him, she did not argue the point but rather told the servants to do as He commands. She knew His time was drawing near. Just as she knew what that would mean for both of them, and that the day was coming soon when He would become the sacrificial lamb. Imagine the pain she must have felt.
A revelation, an Epiphany is an awaking. While seeing clearly is reason enough to rejoice, it comes at a price. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we must be willing to let our old selfish selves die, and be born again as His servant, here to do His bidding. Protestants make this transformation as young adults through baptism. Catholics are baptized as infants. It is through Confirmation that we make the coconscious decision to remain in our faith. From infancy to confirmation, the path is in preparation. First Confession, First Communion are also part of this preparation. Each Sunday as a part of the Mass, we confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, and declare our Creed.
Every Mass is beautiful in its own right. Some are more moving than others, bringing into focus God’s love for His children in the most profound ways possible. Today is Epiphany Sunday. It is a reminder of all He has revealed to us. Every Sunday should be a special time. Today’s supper reflects the beauty of this extra-special day.
For those of you keeping track of the traditional 12 Days of Christmas, those days end at sundown with this delicious supper. For the rest observing the full Christmas Season, we have a little way more to go.
French Mayo Spatchcocked Chicken
4 lb Chicken Roaster
Sea Salt to taste
Fresh Black Pepper to taste
2 Garlic Cloves
1 Lemon
2 tablespoons snipped fresh Chives
1 cup Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika, divided
To Spatchcock a chicken take a pair of sharp kitchen shears (or a very sharp knife( and cut along both sides of the chickens’ backbone. Remove bone (save for bone stock if desired). Open up the bird so that it lies flat, breaking the breastplate. Spatchcocked chickens are roasted breast-side up.
Heat the oven to 450-degrees.
Pat dry Spatchcocked chicken with paper towels. Season generously all over with salt and pepper. Place on a rimmed baking sheet, let set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Peel and grate garlic. Zest lemon, then slice and juice for 1 tablespoons of fresh juice. Finely snip chives, set aside.
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest and mustard. Place ½ cup of the mayonnaise mixture (to use now) into another bowl, reserve remaining mixture for later. Rub the half-cup mixture all over the chicken. Season bird again with salt, pepper and a teaspoon of paprika.
Place the bird breast side up in the heated oven to roast through, about 35 minutes. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Meanwhile, stir the lemon juice, chives and remaining paprika into the reserved mayonnaise mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper, Set aside.
When ready to serve, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Serve with mayonnaise mixture tableside to use with the roast chicken as desired.
This beautiful supper is wonderful with Rice Pilaf, buttery young peas and a simple Caesar Salad. Enjoy!
We saw His star at its rising
and have come to do Him homage.
Welcome to Rosemarie's Kitchen 