Name: Coq Au Vin
Yield: 6 people
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 ounces (120g) diced bacon; 8 chicken pieces (4 drumsticks and 4 thighs), (skin on, bone in); 2 teaspoons salt ((plus more to season)); 1/2-1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ((plus more to season)); 1 onion, (diced); 8 oz (250g) carrots (cut into 1-inch pieces); 4 cloves garlic, (minced); 1/4 cup brandy ((OPTIONAL)); 350 ml good quality red wine ((Burgundy, Pinot Noir, Shiraz)); 1 1/4 cups low sodium chicken stock or broth; 5 sprigs thyme; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature, divided); 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 8 ounces (250g) frozen small whole onions ((pearl onions)); 8 ounces (250g) cremini (brown) mushrooms (thickly sliced); 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, (to garnish (optional))