Chicken with Apples and Cider submitted by Mom Johnson
Description
Wonderful blend of flavors! Thicken gravy/juice if desired and serve over smashed potatoes!

Directions
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 400 degrees. In a small bowl mix 2 T. of the cider, 1 T. mustard, 1 T. of the chopped tarragon, 2 tsp. of chopped parsley, the butter, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper.

Scatter the carrots, fennel and onion over the bottom of a baking dish that measures 10x15 inches. Arrange the chicken pieces on top, skin-side up, on top of the veggies. Brush the cider-mustard mixture over the chicken and roast for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup cider, 1 T. mustard, the creme fraiche and the cornstarch. Whisk in the chicken broth, vinegar and 1/2 tsp. salt.

Remove pan from the oven and reduce the temperature to 375 degrees. Pour the creme fraiche mixture around the chicken and then scatter the apples around. Return the pan to the oven and roast until the vegetables and apples are tender and the chicken reads 165 degrees, about 20-30 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a warm platter. Use a slotted spoon to arrange the vegetables and apples around the chicken. Sprinkle with a little salt and the remaining 1 tsp. tarragon and 1 tsp. parsley. Tilt the roasting pan so that the juices gather into one corner. Skim as much fat as possible from the pan sauce. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper and pour into a pitcher to pass at the table.




Ingredients
v 1/2 cup plus 2 T. hard apple cider
v 2 T. Dijon mustard
v 1 T. plus 1 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon
v 1 T. chopped fresh flat-leafed parsley
v 1 T. melted butter
v Salt and freshly ground black pepper
v 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced on the diagonal
v 1 small fennel bulb, trimmed, quartered and cut into 1/2 inch thick wedges
v 1 large yellow onion, cut into medium dice
v 1 4-pound chicken cut into 8 serving pieces
v 1/4 cup creme fraiche
v 1 tsp. cornstarch
v 1/2 cup chicken broth
v 1 tsp. cider vinegar
v 1 large Granny Smith apple, unpeeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
v 1 large Braeburn apple, unpeeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces