Mise en place

Before we begin.

Six small things. Do them now and the cooking is easy. Skip them and we have already started badly.

Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).Now — it takes longer than you think. 2 min
Soften the butter.Leave it on the counter. Do not microwave — I will know. 10 min
Pat the chicken dry, completely.Paper towels. Inside the cavity too. Wet skin will not crisp. 2 min
Halve the lemon. Slice the garlic top.One knife. One board. 1 min
Halve the potatoes, quarter the shallot. 3 min
Pour yourself a glass.Non-negotiable. This is for morale. 1 min
Gusto — Every meal begins before the stove. Écoutez. Get your house in order, and the cooking runs itself.
Gusto
Voilà
You did it. The kitchen smells like a Sunday and I am, quietly, very pleased for you.
How was it?