[mrs bouquet]

This recipe is a bit special, and I thought you might like to try it instead of going out in this horrid weather !!

It serves 4, and you will need

3 oranges
parsley sprigs
1 head of garlic, seperated.
1.7-2kg (3.1/2 to 4lb chicken)
Salt and black pepper
1 tsp paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/2 oz softened butter
1 red pepper , seeded and diced
3 fl oz orange juice
2.1/2 fl oz brandy
chopped basil to garnish.       Preheat oven to 190c gas 5

Cut 2 of the oranges lengthwise into quarters leaving them unpeeled, then peel the remaining one, seperate into segments without the tough membrane.

Then put the parsley, orange quarters and half the garlic cloves into the cavity of the chicken.  Weigh the chicken and allow 20 mins per 1 lb plus 20 mins extra.  Rub the chicken with the butter, salt, pepper, paprika and cayenne. Place it breast down in roasting tin with the red pepper and remaining garlic.  Place in oven for the calculated time, turning breast side up halfway through cooking.

After checking it is cooked through, remove along with pepper and garlic, carve and place on a hot serving plate with pepper and garlic and keep hot.

Then spoon off all but 1 tbspn of fat from the roasting pan, leaving behind the cooking jiuces.  Add the orange juice and brandy and boil on the hob until reduced.  Add the remaining orange segments and heat through. 

Spoon the orange and sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with basil, and serve immediately.

I hope you enjoy this treat  (I might do it on St. Valentines).    Mrs Bouquet

[wighty]

One of my 'must does' was ask Mrs B what this months recipes were. You abviously got there before me.  We love chicken and lemon (had it last night) but do not like the combination of chicken and orange.