CHICKEN POT PIE

This recipe is another original I formulated using my lavender. Last summer I grew all the herbs necessay to make "Herb de Provence". This mixture of , lavender, rosemary, thyme, basil, summer savory and sage is a staple in the cusines of southern fench cooking. My mother made excellent chicken pot pie, but I think this recipe kicks it up a notch. For example I saute the vegghies to bring out more flavor. I also use chicken thighs. I think they are more flavorful, not mention CHEEP.

LAVENDER APPLE CHICKEN POT PIE

serves 4-6

8 chicken thighs

salt

pepper

2 1/2 tsp. herb de provence

2 tbs, olive oil

1 cup chopped onions

1 clove garlic crushed

1 bay leaf

1/4 cup flour

1 Tbs. butter

1 Tbs. olive oil

4 cups chicken broth (split)

3 yukon gold potatoes, skins scrubbed, chopped

3 carrots peeled, chopped

2 ribs celery chopped

1 cup peas

Peggy's pie crust (see older post)

method:

preheat oven to 350. butter a med. size casserole , or oven proof dish. I like to use 1 1/2 cup ramekins. In a large skillet heat the olive oil. Salt and pepper chicken thighs, rub on "herb de provence". Saute onions until soft about 4 minutes. Add chicken and brown on all sides. Add 1 cup of chicken broth, lower heat, cover and simmer until thighs are cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan (keeping juices from the pan) and cool. De-bone thighs. In another pot saute veggies in butter and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and 1/2 tsp. of herbs de provence. Once veggies are slightly browned add the remainder of the chicken broth and bay leaf, cook until veggies are just tender. Remove veggies from broth. Now we are ready to assemble. With whisk in hand add flour to large skillet (pan in which you have cooked chicken) cook until thick, adding broth from veggies. Once you have a nice thick gravy, season to taste. Add in the chicken and veggies, along with the peas. Now fill you dish and cover with a crust. I like to put on as much crust as possible, use your creativity, there is no right or wrong way (just make sure you have a good crust) You can brush on a quick egg wash so the crust browns nicely. This recipe may sound difficult, but it's very easy. I also have doubled this recipe and have frozen the second pie. Let me tell you how much better they are than the Banquet frozen pot pie we ate as kids. They make great gifts too.

Enjoy, Bon A Appetite Peggy