Seared Chicken & Mashed Potatoes

1. Prepare the ingredients: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven, then preheat to 450°F. Heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel the carrots; quarter lengthwise, then halve crosswise. Large dice the potatoes.

2. Roast & glaze the carrots: Place the sliced carrots on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer. Roast 15 to 17 minutes, or until lightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Carefully transfer to a large bowl. Add half the maple syrup; stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Loosely cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

3. Cook & mash the potatoes: While the carrots roast, add the diced potatoes to the pot of boiling water; cook 14 to 16 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Add the crème fraîche and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Using a fork, mash to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.

4. While the potatoes cook, pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. In a medium pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned chicken and cook 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board.

5. Make the pan sauce: Add the vinegar and remaining maple syrup to the pan of reserved fond (be careful, as the liquid may splatter). Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly and scraping up any fond, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until thoroughly combined. Turn off the heat. Stir in the butter until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Slice the chicken & serve your dish: Slice the cooked chicken crosswise. Serve the sliced chicken with the mashed potatoes and glazed carrots. Top the chicken with the pan sauce. Enjoy!