Lavender Lemon Chicken Food

LAVENDER, LOVAGE AND LIME ROAST CHICKEN WITH HONEY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 190C, 400F, gas mark 5.
• Combine the lime(lemon), onion and garlic with the butter. Stuff half of this under the skin of the chicken, working carefully under the skin of the breast. Put the remaining flavoured butter inside the bird, with the chopped lovage (celery stalks/leaves) and the lavender flowers. Secure the skin over the neck with a skewer and put the chicken in a roasting tray.
• Combine the olive oil and honey in a pan and heat gently so the honey liquefies. Stir, then pour over the chicken. Season well.
• Roast for 45 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes, basting every 20 minutes or so.
• If the chicken seems to be browning too quickly, cover it with foil half way through cooking. To test whether the chicken is cooked, pierce it with a skewer in the thickest part. If the juices run clear, it is cooked. Leave to stand, covered with foil, for 20 minutes before carving.
• Garnish with lavender and lovage sprigs.
• Carve at the table and serve with the pan juices, green beans and apple & potato purée.

LAVENDER AND HONEY ROASTED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and stir thoroughly.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F Season a whole chicken or chicken pieces (leave the skin on) with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken for 30 minutes (reduce time for a smaller bird such as a poussin or cornish hen).
• Baste with the lavender honey marinade every 5 minutes or so for an additional 30 minutes or until completely cooked. The bird is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F Do not overcook.
• [Chef's Note: Once the bird has browned nicely, you can cover it with foil until it is finished cooking to prevent the skin and marinade from burning. Once finished, you can brush additional marinade between the flesh and the skin.].

ELEGANT LAVENDER AND LEMON POACHED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Place the stock and lavender essence in a saucepan and bring to boil. Add the chicken breasts and return to boil and poach for 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
• Remove the chicken to a dish and keep warm while making the sauce. Pour the stock into a jug.
• Melt the butter in the pan and soften the shallot gently for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle on the cornflour and stir to mix.
• Gradually add the stock and stir while bringing to the boil. Simmer for 5 minutes then add the creme fraiche, salt and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes. Add lemon juice and season to taste.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken, garnish each chicken breast with some lavender flowers and serve with wild rice or pasta; new potatoes and mange tout would also be good.