Julia Child's Coq Au Vin

We sure did watch Julie and Julia while making this. And I almost cried when I tasted it. I can't believe I've gone this long without Coq Au Vin in my life. A lengthy process, but so undoubtedly worth it.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices thick cut bacon
• 3 lbs chicken breasts and legs, skin on (two breasts and two drumsticks)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, minced
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 10 oz sliced mushrooms
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp salt (or, to taste)
• 
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
2. Fry the bacon over medium heat in a dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot. 
3. After it’s fried, remove the bacon and place on paper towels to drain. 
4. Once cool, chop bacon and set aside. Keep the bacon grease in the pot.
5. Turn heat to high and place chicken, skin-side down in the pot. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, about eight minutes. 
6. Then, add the onions, garlic, bay leaves and rosemary. Continue sautéing until the onions begin to soften, about six minutes.
7. Add the chicken broth and red wine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. 
8. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes.
9. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place in an oven-safe dish. Keep chicken warm in the oven while you work on the sauce.
10. Stir the flour and butter (butter should melt instantly in the pot) into the red wine sauce. Bring back up to a boil and stir constantly----sauce should be begin to thicken. 
11. Add mushrooms, chopped bacon, salt and pepper and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes. Keep in mind that the sauce will also thicken up a bit when it cools.
12. Place chicken back in sauce and serve with roasted potatoes and/or greens.
13. Die of happiness.