Christmas Chick

It was a wet December Day. We had scrambled up to the summit above the old mine-workings and then scrambled down the remains of the old slag heap to find a meal of Al-Fresco Tea Bread and fresh Coffee. Returning home we were soaked and needed to refuel with a strong Sunday Dinner. 

We had acquired some fresh Chicken Fillets and some Cheese made of Chives and Caramelised Onions from the local farm shop and set to work. 

On the player was Jethro Tull's Christmas Album, which makes old sounds appear as if they have just been invented, and then Low's shimmering, wonderful Christmas Album. 

The Recipe is as follows:

For the flavoured Chicken Breasts:

2 Chicken Breasts.

7 fresh Chive Sprigs. 

4 teaspoons of Dried Tarragon.

2 teaspoons of Mustard Seed.

2 diced cloves of Garlic.

1 diced White Onion. 

Olive Oil 

For the Cheese and Leek Sauce:

50 grams of Unsalted Butter.

1 tablespoon of Cornflour.

7 tablespoons of Unskimmed Milk.

4 tablespoons of Grated Plougman's cheese or other soft cheese with Caramelised Onion and Chives. 

1 tablespoon of Pine Nuts.

1 diced Leek freshly steamed. 

For the Rosemary Mashed Potato:

3 medium White Potatoes, mashed after being peeled, diced and steamed.

1 teaspoon of fresh, diced Rosemary. 

2 tablespoons of unsweetened Soya Drink. 

The method goes like this:

1. Put the Chicken Breasts on a baking tray covered in foil and some Olive Oil. 

2. Spread the Onion and Garlic evenly between the Chicken Breasts and on top of the Chicken Breasts. 

3. Spread the Chive Sprigs, Tarragon and Mustard Seeds all over the Chicken Breasts and brush with Olive Oil.

4. Wrap the foil round the Chicken to create a parcel. 

5. Cook in the oven on Gas Mark 5 for 30 minutes. 

6. Steam the diced Potatoes and Leek for 20 minutes until they are soft. 

7. Make the Sauce by melting the Butter in a saucepan. Stir in the Flour and Pine Nuts. Add the Milk into the mixture and stir until there is a thick paste. Melt in the Cheese and once the melted cheese has combined with the sauce add the Steamed Leeks and stir together. 

8. Mash the Potato, stir in the Soya Drink and Rosemary Leaves. 

9. Serve the Potato, then put the Chicken on top of it with Cheese and Leek Sauce.