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This year has been challenging for everyone. As the world continues its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives will be changed forever. Moments like this make us reflect on what’s really important. For me, my family is my precious gift. I may not have all I want but I have all I need and I am forever thankful.
For my birthday, my daughters put together a beautiful dinner for me which made me speechless. All I had to do was to set up the table for them which I did with pleasure.
As it was my special day. I decided to use my ivory table cloth, and two table runners instead of one. I use two napkins off white and coral which I decorated with gold rose napkin rings. I truly enjoyed the finished look of the table.
One of the dishes, that my daughters had prepared, was Coq au vin which was absolutely delicious. They have used Cornish hens instead of regular chicken and it was perfect. I could not help to share this recipe with you today
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Coq au Vin
Ingredients
1 (3 to 4 lb.) chicken, cut in 8ths (we used 2 Cornish hens, which I will refer as chicken throughout the recipe)
3 tbsp Haitian spice (A blend of garlic, pepper, vinegar, scallions, cloves, parsley leaves)
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 cups of red wine
¼ cup of Brandy
1 cup of chicken stock (we used water)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 ounces of Bacon
Bell pepper
1 cup of baby Carrots
½ lb. of mushroom
onion pearls
1 large onion sliced
Salt and black pepper
1 Scotch bonnet
Bouquet garni (thyme and parsley)
Season the Chicken with Haitian spice. Let it marinate for about 1 hr.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry, reserving the marinade. In a large pan, sear the chicken on all sides in 2 tablespoons olive over medium heat until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the bacon to the same pan, cook until it’s brown and crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add the vegetables (carrot, mushroom, onions, bell pepper) and cook them until they are softened. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Add the Brandy, then add the marinade.
Stir in the wine, the water (or chicken stock) and bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
Return the chicken and bacon to the pan. Add the bouquet garni and the Scotch bonnet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
We had a beautiful dinner and I could not be more thankful to celebrate my special birthday with those I love.
Aww, such a sweet gesture from your lovely daughter. A happy birthday and thanks for this recipe
Thank you, Mary, they are my blessings.
That’s so sweet that your daughters cooked a meal for you. I’m looking forward until the day mine are able to cook a full blown meal. Hope you had a lovely birthday.
They will be able to do that in a blink of your eyes, Melanie. Thank you, the birthday was special.
OMG, this looks so delicious, I’m so hungry now!!
It was indeed delicious!
Oh my gosh that table setting looks like something straight out of a magazine! Your daughters did a great job spoiling you on your birthday!
Looks so yummy. Your kids have great culinary skills
They did surprise me, Surabhi!
Thank you, Di!
You are blessed to have daughters who made your birthday extra special. I am hoping that my daughter would learn to cook and make a meal for me too.
She will and she will surprise you with her skills, Kristine!
Your daughters are really adorable. That’s a nice cuisine well served. They did a great job.
They sure did, Viano!
How lovely that your daughters made this for you on your birthday! It looks yummy, so thanks for sharing the recipe
Thank you, Regan!
This looks delicious! I’m missing a few ingredients but I am 100% going to try it, thank you for sharing your recipes!
Go for it, Angelica, and let me know how you like it.
This looks AMAZING!!! Totally going to try it out for when I need a fancy dinner. You even made it look easy.
Just put some music, and it will be easy to make.
Looks awesome! I can’t believe it is not restaurant based! So perfect! thanks for sharing it, now I see how good it can be done
Thank you, Lyosha!
Oh my goodness… I am in love with this hearty recipe. It looks and sounds so delicious!
It was so flavorful, Sarah, you should try.
What a thoughtful birthday celebration! The table looks beautiful – so fancy and pretty – and the meal sounds absolutely delicious!
Thank you, Bethan!
What a thoughtful gesture and I’m sure you still had an amazing celebration with your loved ones. This pandemic has really affected all of us so hopefully, it will end soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I am hopeful that we will be able to live our lives without fear soon. Thank you, Alyssa!
this is one of my favourite dishes to have at a fancy restaurant if it is on the menu. Thanks.
Thank you!
You reminded me of the time when my mom was alive and I cooked for the first time on her birthday to give her surprise. She was in tears. I was 14 then. Lol. However I really loved this entire set up and its a beautiful feeling.
Those moments are special for us, mothers. I am sure, that your mom had cherished this time and now, she is watching over you.
Wow! Your daughters are geniuses. Just seeing it in that cooking pot is mouthwatering. I’m definately trying this one of these coming weekends. Thanks for sharing this. So delicious.
Thanks, Mohamed, let me know, how yours turns out.
Wow – Coq au vin – that’s fantastic. It’s been so long that I prepared chicken this way. Thanx for the inspiration!
Thanks, Renata!
Your daughters are amazing! Well done!
Thank you!
Beautiful table design!! Everything looks wonderful!! Happy Birthday!!
Thank you, Katrina.
Happy birthday! This recipe looks so hearty and an easy to make at home.
Thank you, Puja!
What a beautiful setting and dish that your daughter surprised you with! And it looks delicious. Definitely something my husband would love! I’ll have to give it a try!
You should, it was delicious!
This dish looks so Delicious. Can’t wait to try this.
Try and let me know!
I’m so glad they were able to make your birthday special! Birthdays have been the hardest thing this year for my family. They did an awesome job with both the meal and the table setup!
Even though we were supposed to travel for my BD and it did not happen. I would not change a thing, my daughters went above and beyond.
What a special gesture and a lovely meal! Such a beautiful way to celebrate your birthday.
It was indeed, Joline!
Looks so damn good! I can’t believe I’ve never had it. I am so impressed!
You should go for it, Neely!
This is so delicious and inviting. I will definitely be trying this out very soon.
Try and let me know.
Ooh, that looks so good – I’m sure my family would love this meal! And a belated happy birthday to you!
Thank you, Kate. I am sure your family will enjoy it.
Wow, how sweet! The Coq au vin looks delicious indeed 😋 Hope, you had a great birthday 🙂 🎂 🍰 🎉
Thank you! The day could not be more perfect.
This meal looks delicious, and your table setting is gorgeous! Happiest of (belated) birthdays!
Thank you, Christa!
Happy Birthday blessings to you again. Your daughters did a wonderful job for your special day. I love the place settings too. Fantastic!
Thank you, my friend! I am so blessed and thankful for them.