Roast One, Propose Two

A while ago, back in my career as a fashion magazine super assistant, the Editor in Chief passed along this recipe to a girl in my department who was in a serious relationship, to encourage a proposal in the Glamour magazine (not where I worked) tradition. Apparently this chicken has been responsible for several engagements. Do I believe it? Not sure. But I know that I would totally mess this up and it would be a disaster. Someone out there try it!

Engagement Chicken

1 whole chicken (approx. 3 lb.)
2 medium lemons
Fresh lemon juice (1/2 cup)
Kosher or sea salt
Ground black pepper

Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 400 degrees. Wash chicken inside and out with cold water, remove the giblets, then let the chicken drain, cavity down, in a colander until it reaches room temp (about 15 minutes). Pat dry with paper towels. Pour lemon juice all over the chicken (inside and outside). Season with salt and pepper. Prick the whole lemons three times with a fork and place deep inside the cavity. (Tip: If lemons are hard, roll on countertop with your palm to get juices flowing.) Place the bird breast-side down on a rack in a roasting pan, lower heat to 350 degrees and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and turn it breast-side up (use wooden spoons!); return it to oven for 35 minutes more. Test for doneness—a meat thermometer inserted in the thigh should read 180 degrees, or juices should run clear when chicken is pricked with a fork. Continue baking if necessary. Let chicken cool for a few minutes before carving. Serve with juices.

{recipe and photo courtesy of Glamour magazine via Grub Street NY}