Caramelised Elderflower Rosemary Chicken with spicy Potato Wedges

My Elderflower Syrup gets put to good use once again! I marinated chicken breast for a couple hours in elderflower syrup together with some fresh rosemary and was rewarded with the most aromatic, tender meat. Flowery and woody flavours wrapped the chicken, the sticky marinade caramelised the soft surface, it was absolutely delicious! I seared it first and then baked it for 8 minutes, this way it keeps its juiciness. My old method of frying the chicken until it's done left it a lot drier.

I don't cook chicken that often but when it finds its way to my kitchen I like to play around with strong flavours. You could replace the elderflower syrup with maple syrup or any other flowery taste, honey works of course but it's nice to try something different. I used the rosemary as it's great in combination with elderflower and poultry, it turned smokey which added a bit of a flame grilled touch.

This meal had a rustic feeling to it, so crisp potato wedges felt like the right company. Flavoured with maple syrup, they also got a spicy coating. Don't worry about the long list of spices, just use what you find in your spice box and what makes sense for your taste buds, this is what I mixed together: cumin, star anise, harissa, cloves, cayenne pepper, fennel seed, sweet paprika and black pepper.

Caramelised Elderflower Rosemary Chicken with spicy Potato Wedges

If possible, marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, a few hours would be even better.

For 2 people you need

• chicken breast 2 (around 400g / 14 ounces)

• elderflower syrup 50ml /1.5 ounces

• rosemary, chopped, 1 tablespoon plus 2 little sprigs

• salt and pepper

• olive oil for frying

For the potato wedges

• potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges, 500g / 1 pound

• maple syrup 1 tablespoon

• olive oil 2 tablespoons

• cloves, ground in a mortar, 6

• harissa powder 1/2 teaspoon

• ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon

• star anise, ground in a mortar, 1 piece

• ground Hungarian (sweet) paprika 1/2 teaspoon

• cayenne pepper, a bit more than a pinch

• fennel seeds, ground in a mortar, 1/4 teaspoon

• black peppercorns, ground in a mortar, 1/2 teaspoon

In a bowl, cover the chicken breast with the elderflower syrup and rosemary and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the potato wedges in lots of salted water  for 8 minutes, rinse with cold water and lay on a cooling rack to dry (for at least 10 minutes to a day).

Set the oven to 200°C / 390°F (I use the Rotithem setting).

For the wedges, whisk the maple syrup, olive oil and spices. Spread the potatoes in a baking dish and cover with the spicy syrup. Roast in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown and crisp. You can turn on the grill for the last minute.

While the potatoes are in the oven, heat a splash of olive oil in a heavy pan and sear the chicken breasts (covered in marinate and rosemary) for a few minutes on both sides till golden brown and caramelised. Season with salt and pepper. Put the meat in a baking dish when the potatoes are done and roast in the oven for 8 minutes. Turn on the grill for the last minute. Check with a skewer, only clear juices should come out.