ROASTED CHICKEN WITH WINTER VEGETABLES AND LENTILS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. First, cook the lentils: Place the lentils in a medium saucepan, cover with three inches of water, and bring to a boil. Cover the saucepan and lower to a simmer for 20 minutes, just until the beans are tender and before they start to turn mushy. Drain the lentils and replace in the saucepan. Add salt and pepper to taste and cover loosely with a tea towel. The lentils will continue to cook somewhat, but you want to allow the moisture to escape. Then, for the chicken and vegetables: While the lentils are cooking, combine the cut up vegetables and garlic with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Spread the veggies out in a single layer in a large roasting pan. Distribute the sage leaves over top of the vegetables. Combine the herbes de provence with the remaining olive oil and rub the mixture all over the skin of the two chicken halves. Season with salt and pepper to taste and place the two chicken halves skin side up on top of the winter vegetables. Roast in the oven until a thermometer inserted into the thigh reads 160 degrees and the chicken juices run clear. Remove the chicken and veggies from the oven and place the chicken on a cutting board covered loosely with a piece of foil. Test the veggies for doneness. When the largest piece of celery root is easily pierced with a sharp knife, the veggies are done. If the veggies are not done, return to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until finished cooking. Toss together lightly the cooked veggies with the lentils and a large spoonful of the juices from the roasting pan. Taste and add salt and pepper if necessary. Deglaze the pan over medium high heat with the wine or chicken stock. Arrange the lentil mixture on a large serving platter. Carve the chicken into serving size portions and arrange the chicken pieces atop the lentils. Spoon some of the pan gravy over the chicken, garnish with chopped herbs, and serve immediately.