ROASTED CHICKEN POT PIE

Steps:

• Roast the Chicken& Vegetables: Preheat oven to 375º.
• Rub chicken with 1 T olive oil& sprinkle generously, inside& out, with salt& pepper.
• Toss potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, mushrooms,& herbs with remaining 2 T olive oil& some salt& pepper.
• Set the chicken breast-side down in a large flameproof roasting pan& scatter the vegetables around the chicken.
• Roast for 1 1/4 hours, stirring vegetables several times.
• Remove chicken form the pan to cool.
• Remove vegetables with a slotted spoon& set aside in a bowl with the peas.
• Don't clean out the roasting pan.
• When the chicken has cooled (at least 15 minutes) pull the meat form the bones, discarding skin& bones.
• Cut meat into small chunks (1/2" to 1") & set aside (do this after the sauce is made or while someone else is making the sauce).
• Make the Sauce: If there are not a lot of juices & fat in the pan, skip to step 15.
• If there are, pour the fat & juices into a measuring cup or gravy separator; separate the fat from the juice.
• Add juices to the chicken stock& add enough butter to the fat to make 6 T total fat & butter.
• Put the roasting pan (which should still have caramelized bits in it from the chicken& vegetables) on the stove over medium heat.
• Pour in the 6 T fat+butter; when melted & bubbling, add flour & stir constantly to make a smooth roux.
• Scrape up any caramelized bits.
• Cook the roux, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
• Add the stock, bring to a boil,& simmer.
• Continue to stir & scrape the bottom of the pan.
• Cook the sauce for at least 15 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it is as thick as heavy cream.
• Season with salt, pepper,& more herbs to taste.
• Make the Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg yolk& cream.
• Set aside.
• Assemble the Pot Pie (s): Preheat oven to 400º.
• Choose 4 ovenproof bowls (18 oz each) OR a 2-qt casserole.
• Cut out a circle template of foil or paper that is about the size of the rim of each bowl or casserole.
• Divide the chicken, vegetables,& sauce among the dishes.
• Place on a baking sheet (to catch any drips in the oven).
• For individual pies: On a floured board, cut the dough into 4 pieces.
• Quickly roll out each piece into a larger circle than the circle template (the extra dough will drape down the sides of the bowls).
• Remember to work quickly so the butter in the pastry doesn't start to melt- you may need to sprinkle dough to keep the pastry from sticking.
• As each one is rolled out, place on top of the filled bowls, pressing along the edges.
• For one large pie, lay the dough on a floured board& roll out to a the same shape, but larger than, the casserole template (the extra dough will drape down the side).
• Remember to work fast so the butter in the pastry doesn't start to melt- you may need to sprinkle dough to keep the pastry from sticking.
• Lay the dough on top of the filled casserole& press along the edges.
• Brush the Egg Wash onto the pastry with a pastry brush.
• You do not need to make any vent holes- steam will escape along the edges of the pastry.
• Bake for 30 to 55 minutes, until the crust is thoroughly browned& puffed.
• NOTES: Advance Preparation: The Puff Pastry and the filling (chicken, vegetables,& sauce mixed together) can be made 1 to 2 days ahead of time& refrigerated.
• The Puff can even be frozen for a few weeks.