I used Ina's recipe as a base this time and threw in some things I read in Julia Child's and Eric Rimpert's recipes too. This actually came together relatively quick for a braise and the end result was damn good.
Recipe adapted from Ina Garten http://www.foodnetwork.com/
2 tablespoons good olive oil
4 ounces good bacon or pancetta, diced
3 lbs chicken legs and thighs, skin on
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 heaping cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/4 cup Cognac or good brandy
1/2 bottle (375 ml) good dry red wine such as Burgundy
1 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 fresh thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 pound frozen small whole onions or fresh pearl onions, skinned
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed and thickly sliced
Buttered egg noodles for serving
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, celery, 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, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf 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 pearl 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 over buttered egg noodles.
