Bixby Cacao Nibs & Spice Rub on Roasted Chicken, Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

Two Cacao Nib recipes to inspire you!

Serves 6 to 8 people
Cacao Nibs & Spice Rub

1/4 cups sea salt
1 tbsp white sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
3 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp ground sage
1 tbsp ground thyme
3 tbsp Bixby & Co. Cacao Nibs

Mix spices and cacao nibs together. Store rub in an airtight container in a dry place.

Roasted Chicken with Rub

3lb chicken. Rinsed, dried, fat removed
1 large onion chopped
2 cloves garlic
3 sprigs Thyme
1 sprig of Sage
1 tbsp oil
3 tbsp Bixby & Co. Cacao & Spice Rub
2lb Butternut squash, peeled, cubed
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon
Fresh spinach

preheat oven to 425F
1) Season chicken inside with salt and pepper
2) Put herbs, onion, garlic inside bird then, twist the wings under bird, tie legs together
3) Rub outside of bird with oil
4) Rub 3 tbsp of Cacao Rub all over the bird. Allow to rest at least an hour, or overnight.
4) Cook bird of about one hour, until juices run clear, insuring internal temp is above 160 F. 
5) Toss squash with the honey, cinnamon, and salt and pepper. Roast in oven 15 to 20 minutes, or till tender.
6) While squash is roasting, remove bird from oven, tent with foil.. let it rest (about 15 minutes)
7) Place a small bed of spinach on plate. Place squash on spinach. Serve the chicken on the side.