INGREDIENTS
3 1/2
lbs Chicken
1
Bay leaf
1
Garlic cloves
3/4 lb
Mushrooms, fresh
20
Pearl onions
1/4 tsp
Thyme, dried
2 cups
Chicken stock, homemade
1 tbsp
Tomato paste, store-bought or homemade
3 tbsp
All-purpose flour
1
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp
Olive oil
1/4 cup
Cognac or armagnac
2 cups
Red wine
1/2 cup
Lardons (or very thickly sliced bacon), cut into 1/4- by 1 1/2-inch strips (optional)