Sunday carries its own rhythm. The kind of day where the oven hums for hours and the table feels like the heart of the house. I set out a chicken to roast, carrots to caramelize, potatoes to mash, biscuits to rise, and a cherry almond crisp to finish. By the time the plates hit the table, it was less about the menu and more about the pause. I could not help but wonder if Sunday dinner is really just a rehearsal for gratitude.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’m calling it The Jeanie Jo & Joanna Project. Recipe 71 of 457 is Perfect Roast Chicken and Recipe 72 of 457 is Cherry Almond Crisp—and here’s how they turned out.

Perfect Roast Chicken

Crisp skin that crackled under the knife. Meat that stayed tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The kind of roast that makes you think of Sunday tables from childhood but still feels modern. The pan drippings became a quick sauce that tied the whole plate together.

Star System: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Make this now

Sides from the Kitchen

• Roasted Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes roasted before mashing gave them depth and a touch of smokiness. A swirl of butter made them silky.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet and caramelized, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. Proof that simple is often best.

• Jo’s Buttermilk Biscuits (Magnolia Table, On the Farm): Tall, tender layers. A golden top. Buttery enough to eat plain, sturdy enough to cradle honey.

Cherry Almond Crisp

Tart cherries tucked under a golden, nutty topping. The almonds gave crunch against the fruit’s jammy softness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top melted into rivers, each spoonful a warm-and-cool duet.

Star System: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved it

How We Served It

Family-style, dishes set down in the middle of the table. Chicken carved, potatoes piled high, carrots scattered, biscuits wrapped in a towel to keep warm. The crisp came last, still bubbling, served in mismatched bowls with melting ice cream.

Sunday dinner at its best. A reminder that the table holds more than food—it holds us.

385 recipes to go.
Gracefully yours,

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