Baked Chicken with Potatoes, Fennel and Mint

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. In a medium saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the fennel quarters over high heat for 5 minutes. Drain well and pat dry.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Season the chicken drumsticks and thighs with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a large roasting pan, arranging the pieces around the edge.
3. Add the wine to the skillet and simmer over moderate heat for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. Add the water to the skillet and simmer for 1 minute, then pour the liquid into the roasting pan. Arrange the potato slices in the center of the pan in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange the onion slices on top of the potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Scatter the garlic, bay leaves, rosemary and mint over all. Arrange the fennel quarters over the onions. Cover with foil and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and the potatoes and fennel are tender.
4. Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a platter. Discard the bay leaves. Set the roasting pan over high heat and boil until the pan juices are reduced to 2/3 cup, about 3 minutes. Season the juices with salt and pepper and pour into a warmed gravy boat. Serve the chicken, passing the juices separately at the table.

Yield: 4 servings