sunday cookday

One of my favorite traditions is, when I'm not out of town, making Sunday my day to cook. I find something I've never made before, and I try it out. Today is Coq au Vin. I know it's more of a wintery-type dish, but when the yard's still full of snow, I think it's acceptable.

First, though, I came across the last of my frozen blueberries and raspberries from last summer, so I'm going to whip up a batch of my mom's blueberry muffins. They're my favorite, super light, not the dense bricks you get at coffeeshops.

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs and then alternately mix in dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt) and milk.

Add floured berries. I only had one cup of blueberries, so I used a cup of raspberries, too. Both were picked from my mom's backyard last summer. Ahhhh summer, how I miss you and long for your return.

But anyway, spoon into muffin cups and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Slather with butter. Mmmmm.

Onto the Coq au Vin. I used a recipe from a Barefoot Contessa, and I think it's pretty darn good.

First, cut up a whole chicken. This was a first for me. Luckily, I have a cookbook that explains the proper way to do this, so I didn't completely mangle the poor bird.

The recipe starts with sauteing some bacon and then browning the chicken pieces.

After the chicken is browned, saute carrots and onions and, later, garlic.

Add some brandy and cook that off, and then add chicken stock, red wine and thyme. Bring to a boil and then put in the oven.

Finished product. Very, very yum.

Now I have to go clean up. Always the worst part.