Coq Au Vin

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. slab bacon, cut into 1/2" rectangles
• 1 (3 1/2-4lb.) chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 shallots, finely chopped
• 1/2 lb. mushrooms, quartered
• 1/4 cup Cognac or brandy
• 2 cups full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 teaspoon glace de viande
• Bouquet garni
• 6 sprigs parsley, chopped for garnish

How to Prepare:
Heat a large casserole or skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until light bown and enough bacon fat has been rendered to brown the chicken pieces.

Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to skillet and brown on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Stir in onion, shallots and mushrooms, and saute, stirring occasionally, until vegetables, chicken, and bacon are well browned, about 5 minutes.

Add Cognac and ignite. When flames have died, add wine and cook over high heat until the wine is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Stir in beef stock, glace de viande, and bouquet garni. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer until chicken is tender, 15 to 20 minutes, skimming surface to remove fat.

Transfer chicken to a serving dish or individual plates and pour the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with rice pilaf and warm French bread.