Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Season the cavity and breast of the chicken with salt and pepper. Smear the butter over the breast and legs. Put into a flameproof casserole with the wine, unpeeled garlic, and bouquet garni. Bring to a boil on top of the stove, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven to cook for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the size of the chicken. If the morels are dried, cover with boiling chicken stock and let soak for 1 hour.

As soon as the chicken is cooked (the internal temperature should be at least 170 degrees), transfer to a carving dish and keep warm. Skim the fat from the pan juices with a metal spoon, and remove the garlic and bouquet garni. Add the cream, bring to a boil, and thicken by reduction, or better still, whisk in just a little roux. If the morels are fresh, wash them carefully to remove all traces of grit or soil. Melt a little butter in a hot pan, and toss the morels gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the morels and their soaking liquid, if using dried ones, to the sauce. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, carve the chicken and arrange on a serving dish. Taste the sauce and season in necessary. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and divide the morels equally among each helping. Garnish simply with a little flat leaf parsley and serve immediately.

This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.

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