This recipe is originally from the west Bohemian spa region, which is dominated by a town called Marianske Lazne. Marianske Lazne is a spa town surrounded by green mountains, a mosaic of parks and noble houses. Most of its buildings come from the town’s Golden Era in the second half of the 19th century, when many celebrities and top European rulers came to enjoy the curative carbon dioxide springs.

But let´s get back to the tradition of the food. Our ancestors believed, if we carry with us a small juniper branch, it will defend us against all illnesses. And you can also find the strong aroma of this woody plant in the typical Slovakian alcoholic drink called borovicka.

For more information about the Karlovy Vary Region, from which this recipe comes, click here.

This post was created by volunteers. You may help and support by clicking here. Or contact us via Facebook.

Ingredients

5 1/2 lbs cleaned chicken
1/2 cup butter
2 1/4 lbs apples, peeled and cored
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 lb onion
1/2 tsp allspice
tomato paste
1/2 tsp whole pepper
bay leaf
1/2 tsp juniper
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
3/4 cup light cream

Instructions

Salt the cleaned chicken inside and outside. Fill it with butter and apples and put the chicken into a roasting pan. Add cleaned and chopped onion, bay leaf, allspice, whole pepper, tomato paste, butter, and juniper. Baste the chicken with hot water and cover. Roast for 30 minutes, remove cover and continue roasting. The entire baking time is 45 minutes. Then remove the roast chicken from the gravy, press the gravy through a sieve, and add the cream. Serve the carved chicken with apples and creamy sauce. Enjoy your meal!

Side dish: butter dumplings, rice, pasta, or potatoes