Traditional Dowton Roasted Chicken

Mr. Carson, always a zealotfor standards and style, believes that, post-war, the time is right to returnDownton Abbey to its proper status. The estate's financial troubles may preventhim from bringing staff numbers up to snuff, but he expects the staff conduct toconform to his will. An immoveable standard bearer, Carson may butt heads withhis cohort Mrs. Hughes, but he extends great loyalty to her, as he does to thedowager countess, Violet, and always, to Lady Mary.

It's allabout Mr. Carson... The Butler

"Carson-isms"."Miss O'Brien, we are about to host a society wedding. I have no time fortraining young hobbledyhoys." – Mr. Carson

"Ifhe wants to play their game, he'd better learn their rules." – Mr. Carson

"Tomisquote Dr. Johnson, if you are tired of style, you are tired of life." – Mr. Carson

"Hardwork and diligence weigh more than matinee idol looks in the real world." – Mr. Carson

"Now,just a minute. I’venever been called a liberal in my life and I don’t intend to start now!" – Mr. Carson
                                  TraditionalDowton Roasted Chicken

Serves4-6 

Ingredients

1 mediumchicken, approx. 2.5 -3 lbs

2 onions,roughly chopped

3carrots, roughly chopped

3 sticksof celery

1 tablesp. olive oil

Freshlyground black

Let'sfire up Mrs.Patmores oven:

To Cookthe Chicken:

Set theoven at 400°F

Place thechicken and vegetables in a roasting style Dutch oven. Drizzle with the oliveoil and season well with the pepper. Place in the centre of the preheated oven.After the first ten minutes turn the heat down to Gas Mark 4, 180ºC (350ºF). Roast the chicken forapprox. 1 hour 20, it should be at least 175 degrees. Halfway through cooking,spoon the juices over the chicken and add a couple of tablespoons of water tothe roasting tin to stop the vegetables from burning. To check if the chickenis cooked pierce the thickest part of the leg - the juices should run clear.

Whencooked remove the chicken from the oven, transfer to a carving board and coverloosely with foil. Allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Deliciousserved with roast potatoes  in theoven at the same time as the chicken.