Yummy Stuff: Coq Au vin Rosettes

Last week, I got the old familiar craving for something comforting and delicious- a French dish my mom used to make for us when we were growing up (yes, we ate well). It’s a dish that takes a bit of time- a lot of chopping and sautéing and stirring and watching, but I’ve found that these things are often worth it. Slow food. And as the weather grows cooler, slow food becomes more appealing. We spend more time indoors and crave the richer, warm dishes that stick to our bones. This is no exception.

Coq Au Vin Rosettes

• 4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 8 lasagne noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 8-oz pkg cream cheese, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup Muenster cheese, shredded
• 3 Tbsp slivered almonds, toasted
• snipped parsley (1 – 2 Tbsp, depending on taste)

Cut up chicken into 1-inch cubes. In a large skillet, cook onion and mushrooms in butter until tender. Add chicken, wine, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer about 10 minutes or until chicken is tender.

Halve cooked lasagne noodles lengthwise. Curl each into a 2-3-inch diameter ring and place in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Using a slotted spoon, spoon chicken mushroom mixture into center of lasagne rings.

To the broth in skillet, add cream cheese, cream, sour cream, half of the Gruyere, and half of the Muenster cheese. Cook, stirring frequently, until cheeses are melted (but do not allow to boil); pour over lasagne rings.

Sprinkle remaining cheeses on top of rings, then almonds on top of cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 325 for 35 – 40 minutes. Garnish with parsley. Spoon sauce over when served. Serve with crusty French bread and a nice green salad!Happy 1st of October! Despite the craziness that is going on with our government, this is hands-down my favorite month of the year. And to celebrate, I am going to see Sigur Rós play tonight at the Fabulous Fox Theater with my wonderful friend Ingrid. Yay!