Engagement Chicken

Directions

1. 1
   Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 400 degrees.
2. 2
   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 temperature (about 15 min) Pat dry with paper towels.
3. 3
   Pour lemon juice all over the chicken (inside and outside) season with salt and pepper.
4. 4
   Prick the whole lemons three times with a fork and place deep inside the cavity.
5. 5
   (Tip: If lemons are hard, roll on the countertop with your palm to get juices flowing.) Place the chicken breast-side down on a rack in a roasting pan, lower heat to 350 and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
6. 6
   Remove from oven and turn it breast-side up (use wooden spoons!); return it to oven for 35 minutes more.
7. 7
   Test for doneness - a meat thermometer inserted in the thigh should read 180, or juices should run clear when chicken is pricked with a fork.
8. 8
   Continue baking if necessary.
9. 9
   Let chicken cool for a few minutes before carving.
10. 10
    Serve with juices.
11. 11
    Serve with boiled new potatoes tossed with olive oil and fresh chopped parsley and/or steamed asparagus with butter.
12. 12
    Enjoy.