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In November 2023, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada collaborated with nine young people from across Canada who have lived experiences of the child welfare system to develop a cookbook full of stories that represent the resilience, strength, and courage that young people from care exemplify in their everyday lives. Raised in government care and faced with the sometimes-difficult task of transitioning into independent life upon aging out of the child welfare system, these young people found solace, connection, and stability in the act of cooking. For them, the kitchen became more than a place to prepare meals; it was a haven that provided a sense of home and belonging.
Though we could only include nine young people in the cookbook, there are so many other incredible young people who have stories and recipes to share. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Raven’s story and her comforting chicken recipe.
Raven faced adversity in her early life, but she has emerged as a beacon of strength and success. She entered the child welfare system after being hospitalized due to the physical and mental toll of an unsafe environment at her biological parents’ home. Her journey involved overcoming illness, enrolling in high school, and ultimately achieving independence.
Raven, now 27 years old, resides in Coldwater, Ontario, with her furry friend Rocky. A graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Lakehead University, Raven now works in payroll management. Her love for nature and art fills her free time with adventures and creative projects.
Raven’s Roast Provençal Chicken Recipe
This chicken recipe holds a special place in Raven’s heart as her chosen mom first prepared it for her during a challenging time of post-surgery recovery. It has since become her go-to comfort food – a reminder of the unwavering love and support she receives from her chosen family. The memory of this meal has accompanied Raven throughout her journey within the child welfare system and beyond, providing solace during difficult times.
Cook Time: 1.25 hours
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1⁄4 cup herbes de Provence
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp. kosher salt
- 1⁄2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 4-Ib. chicken(s)
- 1 lemon (for serving)
- 3 large carrots
- 5 medium white potatoes
Equipment:
- Oven
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 mixing spatula or spoon
- 1 oven roasting pan with wire rack
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chopping knife
- 1 instant meat thermometer
Cooking instructions:
Preheat oven to 475° and finely chop the garlic cloves. Chop the carrots a half inch wide and three inches long. Then, chop your potatoes into quarters and chop the lemons into wedges.
Mix garlic, herbes de Provence, oil, and salt and pepper in a separate small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the inside and outside of the chicken. Place the chicken on a wire set inside a roasting pan and roast chicken until skin begins to brown, approximately 30 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350° and add the carrots and potatoes to the roasting pan. Roast until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thigh of the chicken registers 165° and potatoes are cooked, approximately 30-45. Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before carving the chicken. Plate and serve with lemon wedges.
Enjoy!
Download A Safe Plate
As we celebrate the incredible journeys shared in A Safe Plate, we invite you to join us in this ongoing exploration of these young people’s stories. Download “A Safe Plate: Recipes and stories of young people from children welfare” to read more.
Your support is not only an acknowledgment of these remarkable stories but also a contribution to positive change. For every download of A Safe Plate, $5 will be donated to support children, youth, and families affected by the child welfare system. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and create a world where everyone can find a taste of home.
Thank you to our media sponsor Adapt Media for their support of the A Safe Plate cookbook.
