Welcome! I am so glad you’ve found your way here. If you’re anything like me, the transition from the high-energy festivities of December into the quiet, reflective morning of January can feel a bit jarring. We spend weeks surrounded by noise, indulgence, and let's be honest, far too much sodium.
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I started this space because I believe that the spirit of Friendsgiving shouldn't be a once-a-year event. It’s a lifestyle of intentional gathering. This post marks the beginning of a journey where we will explore how to keep our circles tight and our tables full, regardless of the season.
Before we dive into our first meal together, I’d love for you to join our inner circle. By signing up for the newsletter "Side Dish Energy," you’ll get these weekly hosting guides, exclusive recipes, and "table talk" prompts delivered straight to your inbox so we can navigate this year of connection side-by-side.
The January Pivot: Why a "Clean Slate"?
After the heavy gravies and salt-laden hors d'oeuvres of the holidays, your body (and your friends' bodies) is likely craving a reset. But "healthy" shouldn't mean "lonely." The Clean Slate Supper is designed to be your first gathering of the year and a meal that feels like a deep breath.
We are focusing on a low-sodium menu because salt often acts as a loud curtain, muffling the delicate, bright flavors of actual food. By pulling back on the shaker, we’re going to let winter citrus, fresh aromatics, and heat do the heavy lifting.
The Recipe: Citrus & Herb Roasted "Slate" Chicken
For our first main course, we’re skipping the heavy turkey for a vibrant, herb-crusted chicken. This dish is the centerpiece of the "Clean Slate" philosophy, emphasizing technique over sodium.
This recipe relies on the chemistry of high-acid ingredients to solve a common kitchen dilemma: how to achieve crispy, savory skin without a traditional salt brine. While most roasts use salt to draw out moisture, this method utilizes a concentrated paste of lemon and orange zest mixed with crushed fennel seeds to create a deep, "sausage-like" savory profile. The natural acids in the citrus juice work with the high heat of the oven to catalyze the Maillard reaction, (the process that causes browning and crisping), allowing for a golden, flavorful bird that doesn't rely on the salt shaker for its appeal.
What You’ll Need
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1 Whole Organic Chicken (4–5 lbs)
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Zest of 2 Lemons and 1 Orange
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4 Cloves of Garlic, turned into a paste
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2 Tablespoons Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
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1 Tablespoon Fresh Thyme
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1 Tablespoon Toasted Fennel Seeds, crushed
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3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for that deep, "salted" color)
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Fresh Cracked Black Pepper to taste
The Method
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The Dry Prep: Pat your chicken completely dry with paper towels. Surface moisture is the enemy of crispiness, especially when cooking low-sodium.
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The Aromatic Rub: Mix your zests, garlic, herbs, fennel, oil, and paprika into a thick paste.
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Under the Skin: Carefully slide your fingers under the skin of the breast and rub some paste directly onto the meat. This ensures the flavor is in the chicken, not just on it. Rub the rest over the outside.
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The Steam Chamber: Stuff the spent lemon and orange halves into the cavity. As the chicken roasts, they will release citrus-scented steam, seasoning the bird from the inside out.
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The Roast: Put it in the oven at 200°C (400°F). You want that high heat to jumpstart the browning. Roast for 60–75 minutes until the internal temperature hits 74°C (165°F).
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The Rest: Give it 15 minutes on the counter before you carve. This keeps the meat succulent and prevents the juices from running out.
Setting Your First Table
For this meal, I want you to keep the decor as clean as the menu. Use a bare wooden table or a simple linen runner. Instead of expensive flowers, scatter the leftover lemons and oranges down the center of the table. It’s bright, it’s fragrant, and it’s generally affordable.
A Prompt for Your Guests Since this is our "Clean Slate," try this conversation starter:
"What is one habit or 'noise' from last year you are leaving behind, and what is one intention you are bringing to the table for this year?"
What’s Coming Next
This is just the first step in our year of gathering. Stay tuned for our next entry:
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Hydration Stations: Creative Infused Water Bars for January Hosting
Take a moment to subscribe to the newsletter so we can keep this conversation going all year long. While you're here, listen to the latest episode of The Friendsgiving Lifestyle podcast. If you want to learn the history of Friendsgiving, check out "What is Friendsgiving?" - our complete guide.
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