Are you thinking about making the famous French recipe for chicken called Coq Au Vin. You may have heard it pronounced CoCo Van. But this is the real deal recipe.
Ingredients
24 to 30 pearl onions
4 chicken thighs and legs, or 1 (5 to 7-pound) stewing chicken, cut into serving pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water
6 ounces salt pork, slab bacon, or lardon, cubed
8 ounces button mushrooms, quartered
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 (750-ml) bottles red wine, preferably pinot noir
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 medium onion, quartered
2 stalks celery, quartered
2 medium carrots, quartered
3 cloves garlic, crushed
6 to 8 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups chicken stock or broth
Directions
Cut off the root end of each pearl onion and make an "x" with your knife in its place. Bring 2 to 3 cups of water to a boil and drop in the onions for 1 minute. Remove the onions from the pot, allow them to cool, and then peel. You should be able to slide the onions right out of their skin. Set aside.
Sprinkle the chicken on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken pieces, a few at a time, into a large (1 or 2-gallon) sealable plastic bag along with the flour. Shake to coat all of the pieces of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the bag to a metal rack.
Add the 2 tablespoons of water to a large, 12-inch saute pan over medium heat along with the salt pork. Cover and cook until the water is gone, and then continue to cook until the salt pork cubes are golden brown and crispy, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the salt pork from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, using the remaining fat, add the pearl onions, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and saute until lightly brown, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside. Next, brown the chicken pieces on each side until golden brown, working in batches if necessary to not overcrowd the pan. Transfer the chicken into a 7 to 8-quart enameled cast iron Dutch oven.
Add the mushrooms to the same 12-inch saute pan, adding the 1 tablespoon of butter if needed, and saute until they give up their liquid, approximately 5 minutes. Store the onions, mushrooms and pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Pour off any remaining fat and deglaze the pan with approximately 1 cup of the wine. Pour this into the Dutch oven along with the chicken stock, tomato paste, quartered onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Add all of the remaining wine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in the oven and cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is tender. Maintain a very gentle simmer and stir occasionally.
Once the chicken is done, remove it to a heatproof container, cover, and place it in the oven to keep warm. Strain the sauce in a colander and remove the carrots, onion, celery, thyme, garlic, and bay leaf. Return the sauce to the pot, place over medium heat, and reduce by 1/3. Depending on how much liquid you actually began with, this should take 20 to 45 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the pearl onions, mushrooms, and pork and cook for another 15 minutes or until the heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, remove from the heat, add the chicken and serve. Serve over egg noodles, if desired.
Note: If the sauce is not thick enough at the end of reducing, you may add a mixture of equal parts butter and flour kneaded together. Start with 1 tablespoon of each. Whisk this into the sauce for 4 to 5 minutes and repeat, if necessary.
Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Tourism in Paris is a major income source for Paris and the city ranks in the world's most visited cities. In 2013, the City of Paris welcomed 15.6 million international visitors, the largest number of whom came from the United States. The Paris Region received 32.3 million visitors in 2013, putting it just ahead of London as the world's top tourist destination region, measured by hotel occupancy. In the Paris region, the largest numbers of foreign tourists came in order from Britain, the United States, Germany, Italy and China.
In 2012, 263,212 salaried workers in the city of Paris, or 18.4 percent of the total number, were engaged in tourism-related sectors; hotels, catering, transport and leisure. In 2014 visitors to Paris spent 17 billion dollars (13.58 billion Euros), the third highest sum globally after London and New York.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle (originally named Place de l'Étoile), at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It should not be confused with a smaller arch, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, which stands west of the Louvre. The Arc de Triomphe (in English: "Triumphal Arch") honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. The Arc de Triomphe is the linchpin of the historic axis (Axe historique) – a sequence of monuments and grand thoroughfares on a route which goes from the courtyard of the Louvre, to the Grande Arche de la Défense.
The Musée du Louvre
The Louvre Palace, originally built as a medieval fortress in the year 1190 by King Philippe Auguste, was transformed by successive governments, since the French Revolution it hosts the Musée du Louvre one of the largest museums of the western world. It houses some of the most popular and culturally ethnic form of art. The doors to The Louvre opened to the public on August 10, 1793. Since the 12th Century, The Louvre has undergone several infrastructural changes due to a change of reign after every century. On March 3, 1989, I.M. Pei inaugurated the Glass Pyramid. This also serves as an official entrance to the main exhibition hall, which in turn leads to the temporary exhibition halls. The Musée is divided into 3 separate wings: Sully, Richelieu and Denon, which showcase 35,000 pieces of art, dating back to the Middle Ages. Some of the most renown pieces of art showcased at The Louvre are the Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Venus of Milo, Nike of Samothrake, and the Dying Slave by Michelangelo.
Notre-Dame de Paris
The Notre-Dame de Paris, is one of the largest cathedrals in Paris. It was started to be built in 1163 by Maurice de Sully, the then appointed bishop of Paris. The construction campaign was divided into 4 parts, and was done by well-known builders of that era: Jean de Chelles, Pierre de Montreuil, Pierre de Chelles, Jean Ravy, Jean le Bouteiller. It took over 100 years for the Notre-Dame to be built completely. It was built in honour of Virgin Mary, making it a bishop’s church, a canon church and a baptistery. It is one of the main symbols of Paris. It is located at Île de la Cité, a small island in the heart of the city. There have been several historical events that have taken place here, including the marriage of King Henry IV and Marguerite de Valois, in 1594.
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is acknowledged as the universal symbol of Paris and France. It was originally designed by Émile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin. In March 1885 Gustave Eiffel, known primarily as a successful iron engineer, submitted a plan for a tower to the French Ministre du Commerce et de l'Industrie. He entered a competition for students studying at the university. The winning proposal would stand as the centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition. Eiffel's was one of over 100 submissions. Eiffel's proposal was finally chosen in June 1886. Even before its construction, the Tower's uniqueness was noticed. The Eiffel Tower was finally inaugurated on March 31, 1889. Currently about 6.9 million people visit the Eiffel tower each year.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Rawhide Travel and Tours would like to remind people that we can book 11 months ahead, because special dates, like spring break, and especially holidays, can get booked up very quickly.
We have clients that come in and think that 2 months in advance is “really early”.. and they may pay higher rates for air, cruises, hotels, and even car rentals. Just saying... plan ahead as much as you can.
Whether business or pleasure, Rawhide Travel and Tours delivers. Internet Travel sites list hotels and destinations, but offer little or nothing in the way of advice. Our many years of experience in the industry will help you design the perfect traveling experience. From romantic getaways to large events, our experienced agents will handle all the details. Traveling does not need to be stressful. You can count on us for great value and dependable service.
We arrange travel air, land and sea. We can create the perfect destination package including, resorts, conference rooms and meeting locations, special events, and attractions.
Rawhide Travel and Tours hopes you have a Great Day!
Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Are you still thinking that this fall is when you are going to see the very best colors are country has to offer? Here are some locations that will be riot of color.
Minnesota
Leaf-watchers, rejoice: Peak fall color season has arrived in northern Minnesota. Leaves are 75 to 100 percent turned in the northwest corner of the state, as well as portions of north-central and northeastern Minnesota.
If you don't want to drive all the way up north, you can stop in central Minnesota — a pocket in the St. Cloud area is also at peak.
Fall colors generally peak between mid-September and early October in the northern third of Minnesota. In central Minnesota, it's between late September and early October. The southern third of Minnesota can expect peak fall colors between late September and mid-October. Peak fall color typically lasts about two weeks, but that can vary widely, depending on location, elevation and weather.
New England States
Columbus Day weekend is traditionally the time leaf peepers take to the roads to seek out the beauty of New England's fall foliage. How brilliant the foliage will be this year is debatable since a wet growing season is considered key to fine foliage. Sunshine and temperatures also play a part in determining fall color.
For those in Western Massachusetts, the leaves are just now turning in Hampden and Hampshire counties. Moderate foliage is reported in Berkshire and Franklin counties. To find peak foliage this weekend, the best bet is to head north of the Bay State. Foliage is at its peak right now in parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
Colorado
West Elk Loop
This 205-mile loop is a ways away from Denver, but the views are worth the haul. The route gives access to the White River and Gunnison National Forest, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreational Area, and Crawford and Paonia State Parks. Heads up: The 31-mile gravel section over Kebler Pass is closed in winter.
Dallas Divide via Last Dollar Road
If you find yourself in the southwest portion of the state, this unpaved route spanning from Telluride to Ridgway is not to be missed. Last Dollar Road is about 5 hours driving from Denver and you can begin your journey (the road is about 40 miles) at either end of the road. Highlight: A clear view of Wilson Peak, recognizable to anyone who’s ever examined the label on a Coors bottle.
Castle Creek Road
This is a 13-mile paved road in Aspen and Ashcroft, a little less than 3 hours west of Denver. It dead ends, but people who have made the drive encourage you to pack a lunch and have a picnic at the end.
Trail Ridge Road
According to the National Park Service website, this is the Rocky Mountain National Park's heavily traveled highway to the sky. A 2-hour drive from Denver, this road crests at 12,183 feet. Heads up: This road does close during the winter, so get your leaf-peeping in early. Be sure to check here before making the drive, as the NPS says the status of Trail Ridge Road can change quickly and at any time.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Every year, autumn delights us with grand displays of color. And every year Americans flock to prime places to see magnificent landscapes filled with reds, oranges and yellows. This year, we invite you to go on an adventure to locations where there are less crowds but just as many radiant trees.
Black Hills, South Dakota
I went to high school in the foothills and enjoyed the beauty of the area. In autumn, the scenic Black Hills in South Dakota transform into a sea of gold-draped cottonwoods and aspens. The towering mountain range stretches across thousands of acres is best-known for containing Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore. However, it's also one of the best places to chase the changing leaves. Stop into Custer State Park to view the leaves against a backdrop of granite spires, rolling mountains and 1,500 bison grazing. Most tourists visit the park in late September to watch the Buffalo Roundup, so if you want to enjoy the scenery without heavy crowds, arrive in October. Embrace the magnitude of the mountains with a bike ride, run, hike or walk on the crushed stone surface of the George S. Mickelson Trail, which yields epic views of the leaves. Another favorite viewing spot is Spearfish Canyon, where limestone cliffs meet dense forests of red, yellow, green and orange birch, aspen, oak and cottonwood trees. Minneapolis - St. Paul
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Home to over 20 forested state parks and 4 million acres of smoldering aspen, beech, birch, maple, oak and sycamore trees, Michigan's Upper Peninsula comes to life in a spectacular array of fiery fall colors each October. What makes this area especially striking at this time of year is the contrast from the sapphire waters of the Great Lakes, the eroded white limestone of the cliffs and the brightly painted leaves. For a memorable hotel stay, retreat to one of the state's largest lighthouses, Sand Hills, which also happens to be an eight-room inn.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Georgia
My daughter lives in the area and sure enjoys the beauty of Georgia. Fall is easily one of the most beautiful seasons in the South, especially in Georgia. Just south of Atlanta in the rolling hills and mountains of Dowdell's Knob you'll find F.D. Roosevelt State Park, the largest park in the state. From late October through early November you'll be greeted with bright bursts of yellow and gold throughout the park. The best way to take in the color display is by hiking, biking or picnicking along the 40-plus miles of trails.
Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Stretching across nearly 50 miles, Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Gorge features a breathtaking fall display of deep reds, yellows, oranges and purples in early October. For show-stopping views of the trees splendor, hike or bike the historic 60-mile Pine Creek Trail. The path winds through the gorge, offering up-close and personal views of the ever-changing colors of countless trees. Another local favorite is Colton Point State Park, which covers 368-acres and offers impressive views of the canyon and river.
Door County, Wisconsin
Though many residents would argue Door County's crisp fall foliage is no longer a secret, the scenic 75-mile Wisconsin peninsula still welcomes tourists with small-town hospitality. Nestled between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, this peninsula erupts in eye-catching shades of orange and crimson. What makes Door County even more splendid in autumn is the plethora of activities happening all over the county, from harvest festivals to roadside hot cider stands to farmer’s markets, lake cruises and more. For sweeping views of the trees from above, book a scenic airplane tour over the area.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Since you are already on the East Coast why not do some delicious Lobster for dinner. A lobster dinner is a special event — usually reserved for celebrations. (Unless of course, we’re talking about lobster rolls which we should all try to eat as much as possible.) Unfortunately, lobster isn’t inexpensive, so you can’t eat it on the regular like you would chicken. But that just makes it feel even more special — and makes it taste that much more delicious.
Ingredients
1 pound large lobster tail or lobster chuck meat
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 pinch paprika
Directions
Don’t overcook your lobster meat. Some stores carry it already cooked (Whole Foods sometimes offers it in their seafood section) but if you cook your own, steam it whole in the shell for about 7 minutes. That’s really all you need. Any longer and you’ll have a tough little crustacean.
Great cheese is the secret to a great Mac and Cheese. While gruyere is commonly paired with Lobster Mac and Cheese, I wanted to create a lighter, more silky sauce so I chose a meltable fontina with creamy Mascarpone (an Italian style cream cheese) with an edge of super sharp Wisconsin cheddar.
Other cheeses that would be good alternatives to fontina or gruyere are gouda, havarti and monterey jack. Just make them melty and make them good. I usually save mozzarella for my pizza or lasagna since it can become a tad stringy.
The final secret to this sauce is a dose of cayenne pepper. I add it right to the butter and flour roux and cook it into the mix as the flour browns. It adds a depth and almost a sweetness you’ll really love.
Serves 4
Tell guests you’re having lobster for dinner, they think you’ve really gone all out.
Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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It has been said that Autumn leaves are nature’s stained glass. If you agree then let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you visit the very best spots in the country.
Lake Placid, New York
The Adirondack Mountains are famed for their fall colors, and many folks think Lake Placid is the place to experience autumn foliage. Red and silver maples, birch, aspen, oaks, and beech trees stretch out along the Olympic Trail scenic highway, providing a striking show of color for its 170 mile length. Or take the Fall Foliage Train tour on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Prime viewing time tends to be in early to mid-October, which conveniently coincides with the Lake Placid Brewfest.
Fall Leaves
Have your camera ready because the Adirondack fall foliage is here! The Adirondack Park provides excellent fall foliage viewing because the deciduous tree population is dominated by only a few species, which all change colors more or less in unison. This provides all-over color at one peak time, which is rare in other parts of the world.
Adirondack fall foliage is always difficult to report or predict with 100% accuracy because the region is so vast and there are so many factors. Sunlight and the length of days are responsible for when trees show their yellows, oranges, and reds. The frosts and cold snaps determine the intensity of the deep reds and purples.
Looking for a great way to see the fall foliage? The Adirondacks offer hiking and biking opportunities to suit every skill level, and for the less adventurous, Rail Explorers offers rail bike tours along the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. The trip provides glimpses of rivers, wildlife, and of course brilliant fall foliage along the way! Get ready for the tour's fall schedule, which will run until November 1, 2016.
Want to get a sneak peek at what the Adirondacks look like ablaze with fall color? Check out Carl Heilman II's gallery of leaf peeping photos!
Wondering where to stay? Whether for romance, family adventure, or just to escape by yourself, an Adirondack fall getaway is the perfect vacation for anyone. From cozy cabins to luxury resorts, browse lodging options in the Adirondack a quock call to Rawhide Travel and Tours and we can solve all of your travel needs.
Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
