Chicken Roasted with Bramley Apples

Serves 4

Preparation time: 20 mins

Cooking time approx. 40 mins

Ingredients:

1½kg/3lb chicken

1 head of garlic, halved crossways

2 Bramley apples, cored

3 cardamon pods

3 cloves

1cm piece cinnamon stick

3-4 tablespoons apple juice

200ml/7fl oz chicken stock

1 desertspoon flour

AND THIS IS WHAT YOU DO…

1.  Preheat oven to 180c/Fan 160c/Gas 4.

2.  Crush together the cardamom, cloves and cinnamon in a pestle and mortar. Rub half into the chicken and scatter the remainder in a roasting tin.

3.  Add the garlic halves and one of the apples cut into 16 segments.

4.  Place the chicken breast side down, pour over the juice and season. Cover with foil and cook for 1 hour.

5.  Turn the chicken over, cut the remaining apple into quarters and tuck between the chicken legs and breast. Baste well and roast for another 30 minutes or until the juices run clear.

6.  To make the sauce, remove the chicken and keep warm. Skim the fat, stir in the flour, whisk in the stock and simmer to make a smooth sauce.