Monday, March 26, 2012

VEGETABLES AU VIN WITH COQ AND ROASTED GRAPES


It's week 8 of our Food Matters Project. Evi + Sam of Fifth Floor Kitchen chose the recipe this week. 

Vegetables au Vin with Coq.


While deciding if I should use thigh meat or breast meat I thought why not both? A small Cornish hen halved would accomplish that. 


I used shitake mushrooms for their meaty, chewy texture and a few brown mushrooms. While I was reading the ingredients I came to the wine. It called for a fruity red wine and it was at that moment that  I knew what I was going to do to make this recipe my own.


ROASTED GRAPES!!!

They were the star of the dish.
 I coated seedless red grapes with olive oil and roasted them at 375 for about 20 minutes, until they started to pucker and shrivel.
I stirred them in at the end just to warm them.
The roasted grapes added a depth of flavor that complimented the fruity Pinot Noir in the sauce. It was a flavor burst that was incredible.

I pretty much followed the original recipe here. I added a tablespoon of tomato paste for a little richer flavor and served the sauce over my Cornish hen.

This was a great recipe and the next day the sauce was even better. Tonight I'm serving the sauce over spaetzle.

Thanks Evi and Sam for a great pick.




16 comments:

Jen said...

Oh I love your idea of roasting grapes, such a nice touch!

Unknown said...

I have never roasted grapes before and never even thought of doing it, but you convinced me!

Lexi said...

Thanks Jen, it was really good.

Lexi said...

Hi Margarita, Roast some grapes! You will love them. I like to serve them with a nice cheese and warm baguette.

Sarah from 20somethingcupcakes said...

I am officially jealous! I've been dying to try roasted grapes. That was a perfect idea!

Evi said...

I've never used grapes, that is definitely a neat idea.

Lexi said...

Thanks Sarah, try them, they are so good.

Lexi said...

Thanks Evi!

Alyssa @ Everyday Maven said...

Great idea Lexi! I want a taste of that :)

Lexi said...

Thanks Alyssa!

Unknown said...

I would have never thought of roasting grapes, I have to keep this in mind until I can get fresh grapes here.

Jenn said...

Wonderful idea! And that cornish hen looks to-die-for!!

Lexi said...

Thanks Lena!

Lexi said...

Thanks Jenn!

Joanne said...

The roasted grapes sound like such a great addition! Love that out-of-the-box thinking!

Lexi said...

Thanks Joanne!