They're storming the Bastille!!

    July 14 is the French Independence Day known the world over as Bastille Day.  On that day in 1789, the revolutionaries stormed the prison, released the inmates thus starting the French Revolution.  It's a day that I use every year to indulge myself with French wine and food, not that I don't do that on most days anyway.  As per usual, I'll be making Coq au Vin.  This is one of my favorite childhood dishes which was always prepared for my birthday along with German Chocolate cake.  I was into International relations from very early on. 
   
    'Coq au Vin' means simply "Cock and Wine", which of course throws up the party flag for many of you, but in this case I mean stewed chicken with mushrooms and pearl onions.  I'm going to leave you to your own resources to find a recipe that suits your needs since there are so many.  Traditionally, the dish is made with Pinot Noir, but I most often use a Cotes du Rhone for a little more depth of flavor, not to mention that it's a helluva lot cheaper.  If you are in the white wine mood, partially because it's smokin' hot outside, use a unoaked Chardonnay or a white Rhone.  You really can't go wrong with this dish.  And as always, don't cook with a wine you wouldn't drink.  Better yet, serve a bottle of the wine you cooked with, it'll really be in balance.

    Ciao down!
    Penn

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 29, 2010 at 11:42 PM

    Coq au Vin & German Choc cake?? Will your mom adopt me? Actually we celebrated Bastille Day as well, but not as classy as you. We went for a French Quarter theme with Creole Shrimp & a baguette to mop up all the goodness left behind! Not exactly a hat tipping to the French or their independence, but very tasty.

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