Enjoy a gathering of family and friends with these delicious recipes. All can be made ahead to give you time to spend with your guests and family.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter, melted

2 large cloves garlic, pressed

1/4 fresh lemon, squeezed, pulped and zested

2 to 3 lbs. chicken, cut into serving pieces, or 1 whole roasting hen

1 cup poultry stock or water

Salt and pepper to taste

Cornstarch and water as thickener if desired

Larger chicken pieces will take about 1 hour to cook. Cooking time may be adjusted for smaller pieces or a whole bird. When chicken is done, place the pan under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp and brown the surface slightly.

Pan drippings may be defatted (add a bit of water, stock or white wine to deglaze the pan if drippings have cooked down) and thickened slightly with a cornstarch and water mixture to make a delightful sauce if desired. Pour sauce over the poultry or serve on the side. Serves 4.