Engagement Chicken

In Januray 2004 Glamour Magazine published a recipe for ’Engagement Chicken’ so called because soon after staffers whipped it up, their boyfriends proposed. Also try “Hook-Him Apple Pie”.

ingredients

1 Whole roasting chicken (approx. 3-5 lb)
2 whole medium lemons, washed
Fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 cup)
Kosher or large grain salt (sea salt)
Fresh ground black pepper

directions

1
Place rack in uper third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Wash chicken inside and out with cold water, remove the giblets, then let the chicken drain, cavity down, in a colander until it reaches room temperature (about 15 minutes).
2
Pat dry with paper towels. Pour lemon juice all over the chicken (inside and out). Season with salt and pepper.
3
Prick the whole lemons three times with a fork and place deep inside the cavity.*
4
Place the birdbreast-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Lower heat to 350°F and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and turn it breast-side up (use wooden spoons!); return it to oven for 35 minutes more. Test for doneness - a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh should read 180°F, or juices should run clear when chicken is pricked with a fork. Continue baking if necessary.
5
Let chicken cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with juices.
6
Good Luck!