Book of Days Tales

Today is the birthday (1743) of Antoine Lavoisier who was a pioneer in chemistry – discovering the role that oxygen played in combustion, as well as discovering hydrogen.  The French government thought it was a good idea to guillotine him.  Sometimes I despair. Lavoisier was born into the aristocracy in Paris so what would be a suitable recipe for him?   I’ll go with coq au vin:

Ingredients

    3 lbs  bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks

    6 strips bacon, cut into 1″ pieces

    8-oz. baby bellas, sliced

    8-oz. pearl onions, peeled

    1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

    2 cloves garlic, minced

    1 tbsp. tomato paste

    2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

    2 cups red wine

    1 cup chicken broth

    1 tbsp. brandy

    small bunch thyme

    3 tbsp. butter

 Do I need to guide you through the process?  Not complicated – but . . . the red wine should be high quality. Do not cheap out.