SUNDAY ROAST CHICKEN WITH APPLE AND HERB STUFFING

Steps:

• Make the apple and herb stuffing: Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the onion, and cook gently for a few minutes, until softened.
• Remove from the heat, leave to cool slightly, then stir in the apple, bread crumbs, egg,parsley, thyme, lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Leave to cool completely.
• Put the parsley and thyme sprigs into the cavity of the chicken, add the lemon and onion, if using, and season with black pepper.
• Truss the chicken if desired.
• Spoon the stuffing into the neck end of the chicken, secure the skin flap over the stuffing with a smalll skewer, and pat into a rounded shape.
• Put any leftover stuffing into a small ovenproof dish.
• Rub the softened butter over the chicken breast and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the chicken, breast side down, in a roasting pan.
• Cook in a 375* oven for about 1 1/2-2 hours.
• Turn the chicken over when lightly browned.
• Continue cooking, basting every 20 minutes.
• Cook any leftover stuffing with the chicken for the last 40 minutes of cooking time.
• Test the chicken: insert a skewer into the thigh-the juices will run clear when the chicken is cooked.
• Transfer to a warmed serving platter and keep warm while you make the gravy.
• Remove the stuffing from the neck cavity and transfer to a serving dish with any leftover stuffing.
• Carve the chicken and serve with the gravy.
• Gravy: Tilt the roasting pan, and spoon off all but 1 tbls.
• of the fat that rises to the surface, leaving behind the cooking juices.
• Put the roasting pan on top of the stove.
• Add the flour and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk or metal spoon to dissolve any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
• Pour in the stock and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens.
• Simmer for 2 minutes, then taste for seasoning.
• Strain into a warmed gravy boat and serve immediately.
• Giblet Stock: In a stockpot or large saucepan, cook the giblets until lightly browned.
• Stir in 1 quart water.
• Bring to a boil, skimming off any scum that forms on the surface.
• Add 1-2 quartered unpeeled onions, 1 chopped carrot, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 bouquet garni, and a few black peppercorns.
• Simmer for about 1 hour.
• Cool, cover, and keep in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
• Strain before use.