Holiday Cooking with the Deuel Family

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Chefs Mike and Anastassia (and Little Mila) share a delicious recipe for Slow-Roasted Citrus Herb Chicken, perfect for a festive winter meal and a bonus recipe for Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies.

As the holiday season approaches, the our kitchen comes alive with warm spices, gentle simmering, and the joyful chaos of cooking with a toddler. For our family, preparing food together is more than a routine—it’s a tradition rooted in our combined culinary backgrounds, shared memories, and the excitement of creating something delicious as a team.

Whether we’re making dinner for just the three of us, baking cookies with Mila’s tiny hands dusted in flour, or preparing a dish to bring to friends, the season gives us a chance to slow down and savor every flavorful moment. This year, we’re sharing two of our favorite festive recipes—one savory, one sweet—that reflect the heart of how we cook together.

Slow-Roasted Citrus Herb Chicken

by Chefs Mike, Anastassia, & Little Mila

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
3 oranges, halved
1 lemon, quartered
1 bulb garlic, halved
Fresh thyme and rosemary
2 onions, quartered
3 carrots, thick-cut
3 parsnips, thick-cut
2 potatoes, chunked
Olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika

Procedure

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Place vegetables in a roasting pan; coat evenly with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the chicken with citrus, garlic, and herbs.
Rub the outside with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Lay the chicken over the vegetables.
Roast for 3.5–4 hours, basting occasionally.
Finish at 425°F for 15 minutes to crisp the skin.
Rest 10 minutes before carving.

Mila’s favorite part? Helping place the citrus inside the chicken—a perfect toddler-safe kitchen task.

Sweet Highlight: Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies

Inspired by Anastassia’s Russian roots, these soft honey cookies bring warmth, spice, and nostalgia to the holiday table. They’re easy to mix, fun to shape, and perfect for little helpers to decorate.

Get the recipe here: Anastassia’s Holiday Honey Pryanik Cookies

Warmest Wishes from the Deuel Family

For us, holiday cooking is all about connection—slowing down, sharing flavors, and making memories together. Whether you’re cooking with your own family or bringing a dish to friends, we hope these recipes add warmth and joy to your season.