Chicken Legs with Ricotta and Bacon Stuffing

Ingredients

• 6 chicken legs with thigh (drums and thighs attached)
• 1/2 ounce butter, melted
• 2 slices bacon, finely chopped (rind romoved)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumb
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
• 1 pinch nutmeg

Directions

1. 1

   TO MAKE THE STUFFING: Remove the rind from the bacon and chop finely.

2. 2

   Fry in a dry pan until crisp.

3. 3

   Remove cooked bacon and set aside.

4. 4

   In the same pan, heat the oil and cook the onion and garlic until soft.

5. 5

   Put the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, chives, tarragon, bacon, onion, garlic and nutmeg in a large bowl.

6. 6

   Mix together, lightly, to combine ingredients.

7. 7

   PREHEAT OVEN TO MODERATE- 350 degrees F (180C/Gas mark 4).

8. 8

   Using your fingers, ease the skin away from the thigh and leg of the chicken, being careful not to pierce the skin.

9. 9

   Gently push the stuffing mixture evenly under the skin.

10. 10

    Draw the skin back over the stuffing.

11. 11

    Place the chicken in a lightly oiled, shallow roasting pan.

12. 12

    Brush chicken with the melted butter.

13. 13

    Roast for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

14. 14

    Remove from oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.