Chicken In The Orchard

Total Time: 16 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 min

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 3 chicken breasts, halved (about 2 1/2 lbs.)
• 3 mcintosh apples (about 1 1/2 lbs.)
• 3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine
• 2 shallots or 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 3/4 cup dry wine
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon flour
• 2 tablespoons cognac or 2 tablespoons brandy
• 2 egg yolks

Recipe

• 1 wash chicken; dry on paper towels. trim fat with scissors, if necessary. pare, core, and quarter apples.
• 2 in a large, heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter; add shallot and basil. cook shallot until slightly transparent; add half of chicken breasts; sauté over med. heat until golden-about 15 minutes. remove chicken from skillet. add the remaining tablespoons butter and remaining chicken; sauté until golden--15 minute.
• 3 return all chicken to skillet; add apple. cook gently, uncovered and stirring occasionally, 5 minute add 1/4 cup of wine, cook several min; add another 1/4 cup wine; cook several minute longer.
• 4 add remaining wine, the salt, pepper, and nutmeg; continue cooking until apple is tender.
• 5 meanwhile, in small bowl, combine cream, flour, cognac, and egg yolks; mix well. pour over chicken. cook gently 5 more min., or until sauce is slightly thickened.
• 6 serve at once.