dinner date

Sometimes it can be hard to come up with dinner inspiration. Dinner date is our new Tuesday feature showcasing a tasty meal we've had during the week.

Recently, a suitor invited me over for dinner to display his culinary skills. On a rather cold and wet night, this hearty meal passed the test. From The Best of Annabel Langbein, the recipe is under the category 'Saucy Chicken(!)' but is specifically called Provencal Chicken with Prunes, Apricots & Olives. It is quite delicious, and I think it would go well in a slow cooker too.

Here's the recipe:

12 each dried pitted prunes & apricots

1 cup water

1 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper

8-10 chicken pieces

1 tsp each crushed garlic and fresh thyme leaves

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup white wine

2 tbsp sherry or port

1 1/2 cups chicken stock

1 cup green olives

Soak dried fruits in water for 1 hour or microwave for 5 minutes. Set aside. Preheat oven to 180C. Heat oil in a pan, season chicken and lightly brown in batches. Transfer to a casserole dish. Cook garlic, thyme and tomato paste for a few seconds. Add wine, sherry or port, chicken stock and dried fruits and their liquid. Bring to a boil. Pour over chicken. Cover and bake for 40 minuets. Add olives. If desired, thicken with 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with a little water. Serves 6.