Barefoot Bloggers-Coq au Vin

Finally, a blog update! We've had a series of colds and viruses run through our house so there hasn't been much noteworthy cooking in my kitchen! I'm happy to report that we are all feeling well now and ready for a happy, healthy holiday and new year and of course lots of yummy recipes! This Coq au Vin was a perfect way to get back in the kitchen. It was also the perfect meal for a night with a rare Texas winter storm. We really loved this dish. I think I may like Coq au Vin even better than Beef Burgandy. The flavors in this dish were outstanding. I didn't have the Cognac or an onion but didn't feel this dish was missing anything. I served mine over mashed potatoes as suggested by Ina. This is definitely a great recipe for a nice Sunday dinner or casual meal with friends. Thanks to Bethany at This Little Piggy Went to Market for a delicious December pick. I will definitely be making this one again.

Coq au Vin

2 tablespoons good olive oil

4 ounces good bacon or pancetta, diced
1 (3 to 4-pound) chicken, cut in 8ths
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound carrots, cut diagonally in 1-inch pieces
1 yellow onion, sliced (I omitted)
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/4 cup Cognac or good brandy (I omitted)
1/2 bottle (375 ml) good dry red wine such as Burgundy
1 cup good chicken stock, preferably homemade
10 fresh thyme sprigs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 pound frozen small whole onions (I omitted)
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed and thickly sliced

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove the bacon to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Meanwhile, lay the chicken out on paper towels and pat dry. Liberally sprinkle the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. When the bacon is removed, brown the chicken pieces in batches in a single layer for about 5 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Remove the chicken to the plate with the bacon and continue to brown until all the chicken is done. Set aside.

Add the carrots, onions, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the Cognac and put the bacon, chicken, and any juices that collected on the plate into the pot. Add the wine, chicken stock, and thyme and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is just not pink. Remove from the oven and place on top of the stove.

Mash 1 tablespoon of butter and the flour together and stir into the stew. Add the frozen onions. In a medium saute pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the mushrooms over medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until browned. Add to the stew. Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes. Season to taste. Serve hot.

Source: Ina Garten/Food Network