Coq au vin (chicken in wine)

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
6Slices bacon
3poundsBroiler-fryer chicken,cut up
6Small onions
8ouncesFresh mushrooms,sliced
4Potatoes,quartered
1teaspoonInstant chicken bouillon
1cupBoiling water
2Large sprigs parsley
1Bay leaf
1cupDry red wine
1Clove garlic,crushed
1teaspoonSalt
3tablespoonsWater
2tablespoonsFlour
Snipped parsley
½teaspoonDried thyme leaves
1Cheesecloth bag

Directions

BOUQUET GARNI

Fry bacon until crisp; remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Brown chicken in hot bacon fat, about 20 minutes.

Push chicken to one side. Add onions and mushrooms. Cook and stir until mushrooms are tender; drain off fat. Mix chicken, onions and mushrooms.

Crumble bacon into skillet. Stir in potatoes, instant bouillon, boiling water, wine, garlic, salt and bouquet garni(see note). Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until chicken is done, about 1 hour.

Remove bouquet garni and discard. Remove chicken and vegetables to warm serving dish; keep warm while preparing gravy. Skim excess fat off liquid. Shake 3 tablespoons water and the flour in covered jar.

Stir flour mixture slowly into liquid. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Pour sauce over chicken; sprinkle with parsley.

NOTE: Tie 2 large sprigs parsley, 1 bay leaf and ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves in cheesecloth bag.