Lacquered Chicken

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 (2 pound) whole chicken
3 very large onions, peeled and chopped
5 large tomatoes, chopped
1 medium orange, unpeeled, seeded, chopped
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup water
1 bouillon cube, crumbled
3 heaping tablespoons red currant, raspberry or red grape jelly
1/4 cup sweet sherry

In a medium skillet, over medium high heat, heat the oil and saut? the chicken, turning often, until well browned all over. Remove the chicken to a plate.

Saut? the onion in the skillet until well browned. Turn into the crockpot. Place the tomatoes, orange, sugar, salt and pepper in the crockpot and set the chicken on top.

Rinse the skillet with the water and scrape into the crockpot. Add the bouillon cube. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 7 hours.

Before serving, remove the chicken to a deep serving dish and keep warm.

Turn the pot contents into a skillet, set over medium-high heat and simmer until thick enough to mound on a spoon. Stir in the jelly and the sherry and cook, stirring until the sauce boils. Do not overcook, lest the sauce lose its shiny quality. If you wish, add some sugar or sweet sherry to further brighten the taste. If sauce is not shiny enough, bring back to a very brisk boil and quickly stir in some jelly. Pour sauce over the chicken.

Yields 4 to 6 servings.