This is my great-aunt Delia’s famous New Year’s Day main dish, with notes for a cheaper version that my mom made most Sundays. It is so good that my sibs and I would fight (literally) over the last bits of rice clinging to the pan! Don’t be tempted to replace the butter with margarine–this is a holiday meal, after all, and you just don’t skimp for holidays! Also, don’t forget to dry the poultry. If you don’t, the butter won’t stick to the skin and help crisp and flavor it. Oh, and canned mushrooms work fine instead of fresh.
When company comes, I want to serve something delicious and quick because there is nothing more horrible than spending your “visiting time” in the kitchen. Most of this dish can be prepared ahead of time and when your company gets there, finished in under 30 minutes. That will give you time to say your hellos, show them where the bathroom is, and have a drink or two, if you want.
If your rotisserie is not large enough to hold four hens just prepare three! Plan ahead the hens need to marinade for a minimum of 5 hours.
From the Telegraph Magazine (Daily Telegraph UK) 19th Aug 2006 in association with Waitrose promotion “Local Food Heroes”.
The warm climate of Cornwall produces tender young vegetables earlier than other parts of the U.K. For a luxury touch, use clotted cream instead of double cream. Dress the potatoes while still warm, even if you are serving them cold, as this allows the flavours to be absorbed.
