Megan Stroech – Page 2 – Unison

Brand Spotlight: Sika Design

June 5, 2017June 5, 2017Megan StroechDesigner's Eye, Making Modern, People

Another brand we’re so pleased to welcome into our collection this season is Scandinavia’s oldest producer of wicker + rattan furniture, Sika Design. Sika Møbler (meaning furniture in Danish) was founded by Ankjær Andreasen in 1942, and is now run by the family’s third generation, Louise Andreasen today.

Sika furniture is still handcrafted with the same tradition of quality and comfort as when it began 70 years ago.

We love the versatility of Sika’s designs not only for their modern + timeless aesthetic, but for the quality and durability of their materials that make their products virtually maintenance free. Since the beginning, the Far East has been essential to the production of Sika furniture, and today the company manufactures their products in their own Indonesian factory.

Rattan is the primary material used in their designs and is natural as well as sustainable. The exterior weave of their rattan is made of dyed and hardwearing polythylene, make it able to withstand demanding weather conditions.

Woven on top of aluminum, the structure of fibers provides great comfort and flexibility, and another bonus feature is most of their seating is stackable too making it easy to store. (Shop the Havana Sofa + Outdoor Pillows)

Rattan exists naturally in the rainforests of Indonesia, and has been known to grow up to 100 meters long. It grows without disturbing the existing balance and structure of the rainforest and is strong, lightweight and very durable. (above: Portrait of one of Sika’s early designers, Franco Albini).

Designed in 1951, the Franco Albini Rattan Ottoman is named after its creator, an Italian neo-rationalist architect + designer, who was renowned for merging wooden minimalistic furniture design with more traditional Italian craftsmanship. (Shop the Franco Albini Rattan Ottoman)

Teak wood is another key material that Sika incorporates into their designs. Sika uses reclaimed Teak, salvaged from old houses, fishermen’s boats or railroad supports. After a few weeks of outdoor use, the teak will develop of silvery grey patina. (Shop the Trestle Table)

With a profile reminiscent of 1930s Parisian café culture, these handcrafted and stackable chairs are as comfortable as they are strong in style and construction. When woven, this material provides flexible comfort and strong structure, along with temperature and UV resistance that renders the chairs ideal for outdoor use in many climates. (Shop The Boulevard Collection)

One part standout style, one part cuddle-up cozy, the Canopy Rattan Hanging Chair brings a wonderful, 50-year-old design back into production. As if the inviting profile weren’t reason enough to bring this piece home, consider the incredible benefits of the material: rattan is sustainable, lightweight, durable, suitable for outdoor use, and relatively flexible, making it the perfect choice for a chair that can hang out anywhere. (Shop the Canopy Rattan Hanging Chair)

Check out more furniture from Sika here.

Registry Favorites

May 22, 2017February 5, 2018Megan StroechFeatured In

Summer time is upon us, and the wedding invites are rolling in! We’ve picked some our favorites from our new summer collection that are sure to please any newlyweds.

Fino Tumblers

The simple-meets-exciting line of these short tumblers will have them celebrating the ever-inventive versatility of thoughtful modern design. With a line that is eye-catching and comfortable, this glass is a lovely resting ground for your favorite short cocktail as well as your hand.

Rondo Black Barware

As simple as it is striking, the Rondo Black Barware forges oh-so-industrial stainless steel into a smooth-as-satin circle, for a look that’s one part classic modern, one part trendy, all parts flat-out handsome. Use it on your bar, your coffee table, or tied up with a bow for your favorite couple.

Grace Dinnerware

The Grace Gray 3pc Dinnerware set is crafted with a special grade of high-quality stoneware that’s close to porcelain. Hand glazed with a reactive glaze that varies from piece to piece, the finish features darker gray flecks on a pale gray background. The resulting look is truly versatile: formal and casual all at once – elegant, graceful, and highly refined, it’s the perfect set for newlyweds.

Black Ceramic Serveware + Barware from Magisso

In typical smart-modern style, Magisso’s black terracotta barware is as practical as it is pretty. Simply soak them in cold water, and the naturally cooling ceramics will cool your favorite beverage, or cheese platter to perfection. For a bit of extra personalization, pull out a piece of chalk and mark the surface of the Wine Cooler or Champagne Bucket for the occasion.

Here’s a quick how-to:

Shop the Black Ceramic Champagne Cooler

Galvin Black Flatware

Gift them dining in high drama with the never-seen-anything-like-it Galvin flatware collection. Forged of titanium electro-plated 1810 stainless steel, it’s not only built for standout style—it’s built to last. After all, black works with everything, including your head-turning tablescapes.

Plateau Jars

Straight-lined glass base, beautiful acacia lid…these jars are ones they won’t want to hide behind cabinet doors. With a generous mouth opening that allows for easy access and a rim fitment that creates a firm lid fit, the Plateau Jars are perfect for storing baking essentials in the kitchen, cookies in the office, or dazzling jewelry on the vanity.

Pizza On The Grill With Last Ingredient Blog

May 17, 2017Megan StroechGet Inspired, People, Recipes

We’ve got another great recipe from Paige Adams at Last Ingredient Blog and this one is perfect for summer, pizza on the grill! Here’s Paige with recipes for the pizza crust, yummy pesto + topping ideas:

Pizza is on regular rotation at my house, and it’s not because of my three-year-old. I’m the one who would be happy devouring a slice at every meal. Sheet pans, baking stones—you name it, I’ve made a pizza on it. The closest I’ve gotten to restaurant-worthy pizza is by putting the dough straight on the grates and grilling it. Thanks to the high heat of the grill, you get the kind of chewy crust with slightly charred edges you thought only was possible in a wood fired oven.

The process is very simple. You roll out the dough, grill it for a few minutes on each side and take it off the grates to assemble the toppings. You then return the pizza to the grill to quickly melt the cheese. My preference is to go light on cheese rather than cover up that perfect crust. I focus on sauces like tomato and pesto along with flavorful toppings that don’t require much, if any, prep before they are added to the pizza.

I like to make my dough and sauces from scratch, but store-bought, readymade ingredients will work, too. The olive bar at the grocery is the best spot for toppings. I stock up on roasted tomatoes, artichokes, peppers and of course, olives in all varieties and colors—just make sure they’re pitted. Charcuterie and delicate greens like arugula are also fair game, but they should be added after the pizza has finished grilling.

(Shop Falcon Enamelware + Grid Small Rectangle Tray)

These are a few of my favorite combinations:

Pesto + roasted tomatoes + shredded Italian cheese blend

Tomato sauce + pesto + roasted tomatoes + olives + artichokes + shredded mozzarella

Tomato sauce + peaches + arugula + prosciutto + fresh mozzarella

(Shop Galvin Black Flatware + Cast Tumblers + Cabana Black Tumblers)

Grilled Pizza

Makes 1-12-inch pizza
(You also can roll it out in individual smaller pizzas.)

2/3 cup warm water
1/2 teaspoon dry active yeast
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon olive oil plus more for bowl
1 cup bread flour plus more for work surface
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

In a small bowl, combine the water, yeast, sugar and olive oil. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, whole-wheat flour and salt. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Once a shaggy dough has formed, turn it out on a floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.* Place it in an oiled bowl, cover and let it rise until it has doubled in volume, about 2 hours.

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill on high heat. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough. (Shop Falcon Prep Set + Stoneware Containers)

Place the dough directly on the grates and grill for 2-3 minutes with the lid closed until it has grill marks and has puffed up. Turn the crust over and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Take the pizza off the grill and add your desired sauce and toppings. Return the pizza to the grill for a minute or so to melt the cheese.

(Shop Oak Paddle Board)

*Note: The dough can be kneaded in a stand mixer fitted with the dough attachment or using a food processor.

Homemade Pesto
Makes about a half cup

2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 cup walnuts plus more for garnish
1/2 ounce Parmesan, grated, plus more for garnish
1 generous handful basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

Pulse the garlic cloves in the bowl of a food processor until they are minced. Add the walnuts, Parmesan, basil, salt and pepper. Puree the mixture and while the motor is running, drizzle the olive oil through the feeder tube until the pesto is fully combined.

Thanks Paige! Find more recipes at Last Ingredient Blog

Celebrating 100 Years With Capel Rugs

May 12, 2017May 12, 2017Megan StroechGet Inspired, Making Modern

This summer our vibe is all about embracing natural materials combined with modern design. The result: easy-breezy sunroom inspired style that transitions from outdoor to indoor with ease. This season we’re so excited to welcome Capel Rugs into our collection.

This year Capel is celebrating it’s 100th year of manufacturing in America, and continues to be a family owned and an industry leader in braids and handwoven rugs. We talked with Cameron Capel, who’s continuing the Capel family legacy. (Shop Diamond Natural Flatweave Rug)

How has the braided rug making process adapted to manufacturing now vs. when the process was originally used? (ex: the making of the Tate rug)

Actually not much has changed in braiding from the original start of Capel. The very first braided rugs were made by hand by Colonists 100’s of years ago – using threadbare clothing, towels, sheeting, that they ripped into strips, braided then would sew together – all by hand. My grandfather industrialized the process by utilizing machines, that are managed by people, so we use the term hand guided. And this allowed one to buy rugs that would match – a 2’ x 3’ would be the same as an 8’ x 11.’

Can you talk about Capel’s history and continued commitment to being a primarily American-based company, and your take on American manufacturing today?

We have been based in Troy for 100 years, with no plans to move anywhere! We are a family business, literally as there are 4 third generation members that work in the business; but also extended family, in that we consider our employees part of the family…. as well as many employees children and/or parents worked for us. We take great pride in making a quality American manufactured product!

Our Tate Stone Braided Rug incorporates Capel’s famous braiding technique, but with a modern twisted in a rectangle versus the traditional circular shapes. With 4 sections combined around a center line, the appeal of this textural showpiece hinges on strong-meets-understated geometry.

What do you love most about Capel, and what’s your favorite design/rug style?

That we are a dependable, quality conscious, employee focused company. My Fave: Thats difficult!! Bayview is my new favorite in Granite. But for a throwback it would be Bear Creek in Wheat, and for kids cause its so soft -—Cutting Garden in tea rose (Pink is my favorite color too!)

Capel is celebrating 100 years as a family business, what do you think is the secret to the brands continued success + staying power?

Not to be repetitive, but quality counts! As well as loving what you do, wanting to do it the best, offering an excellent product at a fair price, and making it right if there is an issue.

Thanks so much Cameron! We are so excited to carry Capel’s beautiful rugs in our collection! Check out our full assortment of rugs here.

Unison x Hedge House Furniture

May 11, 2017May 11, 2017Megan StroechMaking Modern

We’ve got a lot of great things happening this summer, but one that we’re most excited about is our new partnership with our fellow Midwestern designers, Hedge House Furniture. We’ve been big fans of their furniture since they were our studio neighbors here in Chicago. They’ve since moved their production to eastern Indiana and we’re so excited to collaborate with them on a beautiful, handmade bed frame collection.

Hedge House is run by brother/sister team Phil + Katlyn Mast in their eastern Indiana studio. Their furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans and the bed frames in our summer collection are made of American oak. (Shop Garfield Oak Milkweed Bed Frame)

Above is a detail of the Garfield Milkwood Oak Bed Frame. Notice the streamlined and striking overall silhouette, accented by exposed mortise and tenon joints in the headboard and footboard, for just the right hint of function-featuring interest. Meanwhile, the white oak itself is smart and solid as can be. Finish it off in a warm, milkweed stain for a final flourish that allows the wood’s natural beauty to shine right through.

The wood for their furniture is hand selected piece by piece to ensure the highest quality in construction and modern aesthetic. Hedge House draws on classic designs and translates them into pieces that are incredibly modern, yet still warm and inviting. (Shop Windsor Oak Black Bed Frame + Grid Bedding)

Inspired by the Windsor dining chair, the Windsor Oak Black Bed Frame is a clean-lined piece that fuses the classic comb backing with a strong, geometric silhouette. Beneath the striking black tone achieved through charcoal dyeing, the white oak is downright smart and solid, it’s ready for the long haul all on its own.

We especially love how our bedding pairs with Hedge House’s sleek designs, allowing for the prints to take center stage with their minimal + modern pieces as a beautiful backdrop. We’re looking forward to more new designs for our Fall collection, and you can shop our full selection of bed frames from Hedge House here. (Shop Humboldt Bedding)

How It’s Made: Palm Wallpaper

May 4, 2017May 4, 2017Megan StroechMaking Modern, People

Here at Unison we really value working with small, local manufacturers to produce our goods when possible. For our recent Palm Wallpaper collection we worked with Artisan Handprints, a Chicago-based wallpaper production company that’s been around for over 40 years.

We talked with Murray Plotkin, President + CEO of Artisan Handprints to learn more about his company and all things wallpaper. Read on to learn more + watch our behind the scenes video.

Tell us a bit about your company history; how was it founded and who runs it today?

The company was started by my father, Nathan in 1974 here in Chicago. My father and grandfather had previously run a paint and wallpaper store on Lawrence Avenue and he started Artisan by purchasing screen printing presses that were being liquidated from another printing facility in 1972.

Artisan today is still a small operation, with myself and three professional screen printers at the helm. Our wallpaper is printed using an offset process, meaning that the screen doesn’t actually touch the paper, allowing for better detail and results in an overall cleaner look.

While machines are used for the printing process, each layer of color is registered by hand by each screen printer. So, the quality comes from the machine printing, but each printer is responsible for controlling the machine.

What’s your average volume per day?

Well it really depends on the number of colors for each design and the number of rolls of paper we’re printing. I can remember a time back in the day when I was under a strict deadline, in a 10 hour day I had printed a combined number of 1,000 colors.

What’s been your experience working with Unison?

It’s been a phenomenal experience, everyone at Unison is very focused with a good color sense which is very important…it’s been a pleasure. At the core of our mission at Artisan is to make sure what the designer wants is expressed in the product, and it’s been great working with designers that are so focused and creative.

What makes your product superior to other wallpapers out there?

We’ve developed a manufacturing operation that’s really optimal and we’re uniquely positioned to be able to work with smaller companies and young emerging designers. We offer a handmade product, that’s hand inspected and with pre-trimmed edges that ultimately makes it more user-friendly for the consumer.

It’s great to see a re-emergence of these small companies interested in creating really exciting designs and I’m glad to be able to cater to an emerging wallpaper design market.

Check out the full behind the scenes video:

Here’s the finished product! Our Palm Wallpaper Collection is available in three color ways + shop our full wallpaper selection made by Artisan Handprints.

Special thanks to Artisan Handprints for the beautiful product, and Potluck Creative for the great photos + video.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

April 24, 2017February 5, 2018Megan StroechGet Inspired

Mother’s Day is approaching, which means it’s time to show mom how great she is with a gift she’ll really love. We’ve picked out a few of our faves for mom here, and you can shop the full list on our handy Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

Torus Tea Infusers Set of 4

Torus is a donut-shaped tea infuser in a unique, twistable tube, which allows it to quickly clip on any cup or transform into an s-hook to hang on the rim of taller tumblers. Just fill with a teaspoon of loose tea leaves, hang on a cup of hot water, and let your favorite tea brew in beauty.

Stelton Chrome Carafe + Kamil Glass Mugs

The Stelton Chrome Carafe is not only designed to keep your favorite cold beverage chilly and your favorite hot beverage piping hot. It’s also designed with high shine, a unique cylindrical shape, and an overall clean-meets-elegant aesthetic that screams “I’ve got style!” louder than a hot kettle.

Brushed Black Vase

Help mom keep strong style in bloom all year long with this hand decorated earthenware vase. A strong-lined monochromatic statement, this piece somehow manages to garner attention without detracting from whatever foliage you add as filling.

Omaggio Low Bowl

Surprise mom with this bold-meets-clean bowl that looks great as a centerpiece or makes the perfect showcase for a handful of bright-colored fruits or veggies.

Prisma Mirror

A great statement piece for the mom who likes a little glam, this mirror doubles as a tray or use it on the wall to store and hang accessories. Either way, you’ve got a high-drama reflection of your impeccable sense of style.

For even more Mother’s Day gift ideas, shop our full Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Celebrating Earth Day With Prophet Gypsy Robot

April 18, 2017April 18, 2017Megan StroechDesigner's Eye, Making Modern, People

In honor of Earth Day, we recently collaborated with Jamie Tubbs, founder of Chicago-based Prophet Gypsy Robot known for her love of repurposing + reusing materials, to create some limited edition Unison x PGR Woven Wall Hangings using our scrap fabric. We caught up with Jamie and asked her about background, process + what’s next for PGR. Proceeds from sales will benefit Chicago Artists Coalition, check our her wall hangings here.

1. What’s your background with textiles and how did you begin Prophet Gypsy Robot?

My mom was a seamstress when I was little and we always had tons of fabric and scraps around. She never bought something she could make, and she rarely couldn’t make something. But the cost of clothing production dropped so much and apparel got so much cheaper to buy than make. She switched careers but never stopped teaching us to make things. Homemade household goods have stayed more comparable to store prices, and when I got my first apartment I got into making things like pillow covers and curtains.

2. Where does the name Prophet Gypsy Robot come from?

It’s about my design aesthetic. The Gypsy part refers to color, texture, pattern, maximalism, baubles, beads, fluff and all the things. The Robot part refers to restrained color palettes, clean lines, minimalism, simplicity, deconstructed weaving like the technique “weft over” which shows up a lot in my work and I just learned is an actual legitimate thing weavers do.

These two aesthetics are always competing for first place in my heart and they seem directly opposed. So my work explores trying to visually communicate both of those at once. The Gypsy and Robot overlap most naturally when it comes to the shared value of repurposing.

The Prophet part incorporates another huge part of who I am, someone who likes to declare good things through a megaphone about people and where we are all going together. So, PGR is this little robot like Wall-E who goes around with a flower crown, saving and reusing all the things, preaching a message about how valuable and capable and seen you are, and that when we do our best together we bring life from death.

3. What made you start working with repurposed materials specifically?

Reflex. I’ve been thinking about how lower economic classes have an incredible skill for reuse and repurposing that we can leverage and create new streams of income and value that the future needs from us. Something that is just natural to anyone who grew up with less resources will be an important skill going forward because we need to find creative ways to use our resources in a more sustainable way again.

For the past little bit of history, wealth has meant being able to just throw stuff away and not think about it. The rich of the future will be people who find great value in using our resources in the most sustainable ways possible. That will be a huge part of what makes something beautiful and valuable. Hopefully that happens before we have no choice, which is why I want to show that we can elevate stuff that’s been thrown aside to something that people find truly valuable.

4. How did you choose the particular Unison scrap fabrics for each weaving? Did the prints determine your weaving patterns?

When I was looking through all the Unison remnants I was like, “I can’t believe this is my life right now”. That’s my version of living the dream- alone with piles and piles of scrap fabrics ready to be turned into something! I had about 10 directions I wanted to go but the color pallet I stuck with was for the season and what I’m into right now- oranges and pinks and tone-on-tone and florals. I wanted the weaving pattern to be really simple and for the pieces to be about showcasing the colors of the fabrics, so I did one clean, angled line. They look awesome hanging together with all those simple clean angles.

5. What other upcoming projects are you working on?

Too many, which is awesome! I’ve got the One of a Kind Show at the end of this month and after that I’m working with friend and fellow maker Joslyn Villalpando ( of J.Villa Workshops) on a project at her school about repurposing (so excited to make stuff with kids!). I’m going to be offering workshops on the West Side at a store called Creativita once I work out all the details.

I’m most excited about starting on a series I have in my head using all sorts of working class uniforms, and incorporating techniques from the global working class like boro stitching. “Boro” means “tattered rags” and the technique was created by wives of fishermen who mended their work clothes in such a beautiful way that now it’s a world wide fashion element.

Thanks Jamie! Shop the Unison x PGR Woven Wall Hangings here.

Mother’s Day Table Style

April 12, 2017May 3, 2017Megan StroechGet Inspired, People

Mother’s Day is around the corner and we worked stylist Janelle Gonyea to style a modern brunch perfect for Mom. Read along to learn about Janelle’s style choices + watch her how-to video on creating your own mini flower corsages. Here’s Janelle:

Mother’s Day is a good time to have fun and be playful with color. I tend toward classic colors layered with accents of jewel tones in pinks, violets, and berry tones. My own mom loves purple, so maybe that’s why! If we’re lucky, our moms have been a staple in our lives, and this is the time to show them our appreciation. What better way to do that than to host a celebratory brunch?

The Grid Black Tablecloth is the perfect base for any table. It provides a neutral, yet bold, backdrop while allowing the tableware to really stand out. The Eve Brushed Gold Flatware layers in some luxury, while the Heller Fuchsia Mugs give a shot of color to tie the table together. The Omaggio Vases were a great pairing with this linen, because they have a variety of sizes to play with.

With any brunch, I like to keep things easy to access for the guests. I created a light side table complete with Stelton Gold + Chrome Carafes of coffee both caffeinated and decaf, a the Oak Paddle Board with a cheese spread, and chilled champagne in the Black Ceramic Champagne Cooler. To continue the look throughout the space, I added the Brushed Black Vase of purple blooms to complement the main dining table.

(Virtu Cheese Knife Set, Kronos Champagne Glasses + Grid Rectangle Tray)

For the florals, I wanted the color to really stand out and accent the mugs, so I stuck with that same vibrant pink. Anytime I’m using a limited palette with florals, I try to use texture to add interest and differentiate the blooms. I topped off the place settings with a petite pin corsage for guests of honor, because who doesn’t like wearing inspired blooms?

(Heller White Dinnerware, Grid Black Napkins + Cork Black Placemat)

To create a pin corsage of your own:

Choosing blooms is the best part of creating a petite wearable bouquet. Florals are in wild abundance in May, and any local flower shop should have a wide selection. You can focus on florals with full blossoms, go with all greenery, or some combination of the two. For these Mother’s Day corsages I chose dark plum scabiosa, checkered fritillaria, and pink heather boronia to complement the table setting.

1. To create these sweet little bundles, you’ll need floral clippers, your bloom choices, and ribbon or twine of your choosing.

2. Gather together the blooms you would like to use.

3. Clip the stems of each of the blooms to about 6″ while you piece them together.

4. Nestle the blooms together, starting with the largest bloom and moving outward to the greenery.

5. Once you have an arrangement you are happy with, tie the blooms together with your twine or ribbon.

6. Clip the stems to a half inch to an inch of the tie.

7. Pin to your lapel or garnish your place setting and enjoy!

Easter Cooking With Last Ingredient

April 5, 2017Megan StroechGet Inspired, People

Here’s the last in our 3 part series with Paige Adams from Last Ingredient Blog, this time Paige is serving up dishes for your Easter table. Here’s Paige:

Easter Recipes

Holidays are the best excuse to go a bit overboard in the kitchen and have family & friends over to enjoy a big feast complete with all the details and décor like fresh flowers and the proper linens on the dining table. With everything to take care of on my to-do list, I like to focus the menu on trusty, no-fuss classics with seasonal flavors. Of course I want the food to be perfect, but ultimately, the people are the most important part of these special get-togethers.

For Easter, I love herby rosemary roasted chicken and fingerling potatoes. Chicken is a simple crowd-pleaser, and with this recipe you can make your main dish and side in a single pot. With any big meal, I like to use the stovetop since there isn’t time to rely only on the oven. A grill pan is great for asparagus that can be served at room temperature along with soft-boiled eggs and a few spring salads, all with elements that can be prepped in advance.

Rosemary Roasted Chicken and Fingerling Potatoes

Serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil

1-1/2 pounds assorted fingerling potatoes, halved or quartered lengthwise, depending on thickness

4 sprigs fresh rosemary

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

One 3-1/2 to 4 pound whole chicken

1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed

Half a lemon

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil in the bottom of a cast iron casserole pot. Add the potatoes and toss with the leaves from 2 rosemary sprigs & 1 thyme sprig, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Cut off any excess fat from the chicken and discard with the giblets. Rub the chicken all over with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with the remaining salt and pepper. With the chicken breast side up, stuff the remaining rosemary & thyme sprigs and garlic into the cavity. Squeeze the lemon over the chicken and then place it inside the cavity before tucking the wings under and tying the legs together with kitchen twine. Nestle the chicken into the pot with the potatoes.

Roast the chicken for 25 minutes before reducing the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Continue cooking the chicken until the juices run clear and the internal temperature in the thigh is 165 degrees F, about 50 minutes to 1 hour.

Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Grilled Asparagus with Soft-Boiled Eggs

Serves 4

4 large eggs

1 pound asparagus, trimmed

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon minced chives

Place the eggs in cold water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, cover and remove from the heat. Let the eggs stand for 4-5 minutes before using a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Wait a few minutes before peeling the eggs and halving lengthwise.

For the asparagus, preheat a grill pan over medium high heat. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Grill the asparagus, turning occasionally, until it is warm and has grill marks, but is still a bit crisp, about 4-5 minutes.

Serve the asparagus and eggs together sprinkled with chives and the remaining salt and pepper.

Thanks again, Paige and stay tuned for more recipes with Last Ingredient!