Crockpot Lacquered Chicken

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

In a medium skillet, over medium high heat, heat the oil and saute
the chicken, turning often, until well browned all over. Remove the
chicken to a plate. Saute the onion in the skillet until well browned.
Turn into the crockpot. Place the tomatoes, orange, sugar, salt and
pepper in the pot and set the chicken on top. Rinse the skillet with the
water and scrape into the cooker. 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 the heat to high
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.

makes 4 to 6 servings