Gratin of Chicken with Broccoli, Cauliflower or Zucchini

This is one of those dishes that can be mouth-watering or a complete disaster. Its success depends on the broccoli being carefully cooked so that it is bright green and just tender.

Serves 8-12

1 x 1.5kg (3½lb) chicken, free range if possible 4 carrots, sliced 4 onions, sliced Sprig each of thyme and tarragon A few peppercorns 600ml (1 pint) homemade chicken stock 900g (2lbs) broccoli florets 250g (8ozs) mushrooms, sliced Scrap of butter 350ml (12fl ozs) milk 350ml (12 fl ozs) cream 4 tsp tarragon or annual marjoram 60g (2ozs) buttered crumbs (mix 1ozs of melted butter with 2ozs bread crumbs) 50-100g (2 — 4ozs) grated mature cheddar2 lasagne dishes (25.5cm x 20.5cm) 10in x 8in