[QUOTE=shootingstar;378705]...*roast a whole chicken/roast beef/pork roast. The whole bird cooking treatment. (my rationale: so many other good, easier and just as fancy dishes to try that don't take as long!)
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Ah, but that means you haven't discovered slow roasting. Put whole chicken or leg of lamb or whatever in the oven -- marinated and seasoned, lightly wrapped -- at about the temp you want it to reach when done. Take off on your all day bike ride. Come home. Add whole peeled veggies. Shower. Emerge from shower to find lovely gourmet meal ready in the oven. Now how much easier could a fancy meal get? Or how much cheaper? Even cheap cuts of meat turn tender with slow roasting.