Chicken and Apple Casserole

2 tb Olive Oil

3 1/2 lb Broiling Chicken, quartered

3 lb Mixed Root Vegetables,

Peeled and cut up 2 md Onions, peeled and cut in

Wedges 2 sm Cooking Apples, peeled,

Cored, and thickly sliced 2/3 c Dried Green Lentils

1 c Apple Juice

1 1/4 c Chicken Broth

Preheat oven to 375oF. Select at least a 6 quart ovenproof pot large enough in diameter to hold chicken in a single layer. Heat oil in pot over medium heat. Brown chicken in hot oil for 20 minutes, turning to brown both sides. Drain on paper towels. Add root vegetables and onion to hot oil in same pot. Saute for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to brown. Add apples, lentils, apple juice, and chicken broth. Mix well to cover lentils with liquid. Bring to a boil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add chicken, skin side up. Cover and bake at 375oF for 1 hour until juices run clear when chicken is pierces with a fork and lentils are tender. Note: To thicken pan juices, puree a few of the cooked vegetables with some of the pan juices in a blender. Stir back into remaining pan juices.