Serves: 5
Total Calories: 964

1 (5-pound) roasting chicken, cleaned, giblets removed
1 1/2 quarts water
2 teaspoons salt
1/3 teaspoon pepper
pinch of saffron threads
12 tablespoons butter
12 tablespoons flour
1 cup light cream, or 1/2 cup each: milk and evaporated milk
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, or 1/8 cup dried parsley
parsley for garnish

Pastry Squares:
1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
1/2 cup butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
about 1/2 cup ice water

Put the chicken in a 6-quart kettle. Add the water, salt, pepper, and saffron and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, for 1 hour. Remove the chicken and cool enough to debone. Strain the stock. Re duce the stock to 4 cups. Remove the skin and bones from the pieces. Melt the butter in the pot in which the chicken was cooked and mix in the flour. Cook over medium-low heat until golden and bubbling. Add the 4 cups chicken stock and the cream, stirring constantly. Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce comes to a boil. Simmer until thickened and smooth. Reduce heat and add chicken pieces and chopped parsley. Serve hot over Pastry Squares.

For Pastry Squares:
These may be made beforehand. Store in an airtight container.

Cut the lard and butter into the flour and salt with a pastry blender, or mix by hand, until it forms crumbs. Sprinkle ice water over the crumbs with one hand, while tossing them lightly with the other hand. Use only enough water to hold the dough together. Press the dough into a ball and put on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 2 or 3 parts. Roll each part 1/8 inch thick to fit an ungreased cookie sheet. On the cookie sheets, cut the dough into 1-inch squares with a pastry wheel or sharp knife. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 12–15 minutes until lightly browned. Arrange pastry squares on a heated platter. Spoon the chicken on top. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 5
Total Calories: 964
Calories from Fat: 723

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