Invite the family round for a delicious roast chicken this Easter
Serves 4
1.5kg/3lb 6oz oven-ready chicken
2 lemons
1 bay leaf
2tbsp butter, softened
3tbsp finely chopped tarragon leaves
1tbsp olive oil
40 garlic cloves (3-4 bulbs) unpeeled
10 shallots, peeled
150ml (5fl oz) vermouth
250ml (9fl oz) chicken stock
100ml (3½fl oz) double cream
Preheat the oven to 200C°/fan 180C°/gas 6. Remove any string from the chicken and place one of the lemons and the bay leaf inside the cavity. Brush the butter all over the chicken.
Generously season the chicken inside and out with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle with 1tbsp of the chopped tarragon over all sides. Add the whole garlic cloves and shallots to the casserole, nestling around the chicken.
Cut the remaining lemon in half and add to the casserole. Pour over the vermouth and chicken stock.
Cover the casserole with a tight-fitting lid, bring the liquid to a simmer on the hob, then transfer to the oven for 1¼-1½ hours (depending on size), or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the garlic is completely softened.
Carefully transfer the chicken, garlic and shallots to a warmed platter and cover with a couple of dry tea towels. Skim off any fat that rises to the surface of the liquid in the casserole and discard. Return the casserole to the hob and stir in the remaining tarragon and the cream.
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring. Cook for 4-5 minutes. Season to taste and pour into a warmed jug. Carve the chicken and serve with the tarragon cream sauce
These carrots are the perfect accompaniment to the chicken
Honey and thyme glazed carrots
Serves 4
600g (1lb 5oz) Chantenay carrots
2tsp lemon thyme leaves
450ml (14fl oz) orange juice
50g (1¾oz) butter
1tbsp orange blossom honey
Thyme sprigs, to garnish
Trim and peel the carrots and cut any large ones in half so that they all cook at the same time. Place in a shallow pan with the lemon thyme, orange juice, butter and honey.
Cook gently, covered, for around 15-20 minutes, until the carrots are tender and the juice has reduced by at least half to make a nice sauce.
Season well and serve, garnished with the thyme.
ENJOY UR EASTER....RECIPE FROM HERE
