Gourmet's Chicken Divan

Directions

In a large saucepan of boiling, salted water, cook the broccoli for 6 to 8 minutes or until it is just tender.

Drain it well and keep warm.

In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over mod-low heat, add flour and cook roux, stirring, for 3 minutes.

Add the broth, stirring, bring the mixture, and simmer it, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and cook the mixture, stirring, for 10 minutes.

In a bowl, beat the cream until it holds stiff peaks.

Fold the cream, Sherry, and lemon juice into the sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Arrange broccoli on a flameproof patter or a 2-quart gratin dish and pour half the sauce over the broccoli.

Stir ¼ cup Parmesan into the remaining sauce.

Arrange the chicken on the broccoli, pour the remaining sauce over it, and sprinkle the mixture with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Broil under a preheated broiler about 6 inches from the flame for 1 minute or until the sauce is golden and bubbling.