Hello dear readers! It’s a beautiful evening here in Darien, and I find myself reminiscing about my kids’ younger years. Tonight, my son Jake asked for one of his favorite dishes from when he was just a little boy. His request brought back memories of the time he came home from his first lacrosse practice, muddy and exhausted, but beaming with pride and accomplishment. He was only eight years old then, bless his heart, but already showed such determination and passion for the sport. I remember how he devoured his dinner that night – a simple, yet hearty dish of Roasted Chicken with Asparagus.

This dish is one of our family’s go-to recipes, especially during the summer months when asparagus is in season. What’s fantastic about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can easily substitute the asparagus with other seasonal vegetables, or add some crushed red pepper if you prefer a bit of a kick. My husband, ever the hot sauce enthusiast, enjoys adding a dash of Sriracha on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Now, onto the recipe that brought my young lacrosse player some much-needed nourishment and helped solidify his love for asparagus (a small victory for this mom!).

**Roasted Chicken with Asparagus**

*Ingredients:*

– 4 chicken breasts (boneless & skinless)
– 1 bunch of fresh asparagus
– 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Lemon zest from one lemon
– Optional: Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce

*Instructions:*

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Rub each chicken breast with a tablespoon of vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Arrange the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or roasting pan.

4. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus stalks (a little trick I learned: hold the asparagus stalk on either end and bend – it will naturally break at the perfect point).

5. In a bowl, toss the asparagus with the remaining vegetable oil, minced garlic, and lemon zest.

6. Arrange the asparagus around the chicken on the baking sheet.

7. Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.

8. Optional: Drizzle with Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce before serving.

And there you have it! A simple, yet delicious dinner recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Bon appétit!

Remember, cooking is not just about feeding our bodies – it’s about feeding our souls and creating lasting memories with our loved ones. Until next time, happy cooking!