Make ahead note:

The stew can be made totally ahead and frozen. If freezing, reduce cooking time by about a third. Allow dish to cool and refrigerate before freezing. Spoon off the fat that forms on the top of the dish before placing in the freezer. Place the casserole in the refrigerator the day before to begin the defrosting. It can be reheated over a low fire on the top of the stove or in the oven at 325 degrees. A slow cooker can also be used for the dish. Cook on low heat for six hours after browning meat and reducing wine.

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 20 pieces of chicken. Make this a mixture of legs and thighs
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 bottle of dry white wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 sprigs of thyme
• 4 sprigs of rosemary
• 2 cups of pitted prunes
• 1-cup brandy
• 2 cups of white pearl onions - using frozen is easier. Allow to defrost before using.
• 5-6 cups of chicken stock
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Heat 2 Tbl olive oil each in a casserole and a skillet. Pat chicken dry. Salt and pepper. When oil is very hot, add a few pieces of chicken to each pot and brown on all sides. Remove from pan and put aside as remaining chicken is browned. Add more olive oil as necessary. When all chicken is browned, pour off any remaining oil. Pour half of the wine into each pot and bring to a boil. With a whisk, scrap off any of the bits of meat from the bottoms and sides of the pans. Reduce wine by half. Pour wine from skillet into the casserole and add the chicken. Add herbs and chicken stock to just about cover. Place casserole in the oven and cook for 40 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, soak the prunes in the brandy. Heat a Tbl of oil in a skillet and add the onions. Cook until they brown. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes. After the chicken has cooked 40 minutes, add the onions, prunes and brandy to the chicken. Cook an additional 30 minutes.

If the chicken sauce seems too thin, remove the meat mixture from the casserole and cook down the liquid by boiling for 10 to 15 minutes. Add the chicken mixture back and serve.