Coq au Vin

Ingredients:

4 chicken legs
4 chicken thighs
3 large carrots, cut into diagonal slices
1 yellow onion, sliced
4 shallots, sliced
12 pearl onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp brandy
2 cups red wine
1 cup chicken broth
a few sprigs of thyme
1 package button mushrooms, cut in quarters
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Remove the excess fat from the chicken and pat it dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot. Add the chicken to the pot and brown evenly. Repeat until all the pieces of chicken are browned. Set aside.

2. In a small pot, boil the pearl onions until it is easy to peel the skin off, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

3. In the same large pot as the chicken was browned, add the carrots, shallots, garlic and onions. Cook for about 5-10 minutes or until the onions become soft. If the vegetables are sticking to the bottom of the pot, add 2 tbsp chicken broth. Season the vegetables.

4. Add the brandy to the vegetables and cook until the alcohol has burned off. Then, add the chicken to the pot in layers. Pour the red wine and remaining chicken broth into the pot. Bring to a boil.

5. Once the pot has begun to boil, lower the heat and add the button mushrooms and the thyme. Cover and cook for about an hour.

6. Once the chicken is completely cooked through it is ready to serve. If you choose, you can pour the sauce into a small pot and reduce or thicken it to taste. Enjoy!