Chicken Braised with Dried Fruits Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients - 1 cup coarsely chopped dried fruit: a mixture of figs, apricots, prunes, raisins, etc - 1 cup wine - 1/4 cup flour, more if needed - 1 teaspoon salt, plus ground black pepper to taste - 8 pieces chicken legs, thighs, or a combination - 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil - 1 onion, chopped - 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed or coarsely ground - 1/2 cup water    Savory chicken and slightly sweet fruit make a wonderful combination. Using all dark meat ensures lots of flavor and a uniform cooking time.   Directions Soak fruit in wine. Preheat oven to350° F. Mix salt, pepper and flour in a plastic or paper bag. Add  chicken pieces, 2 or 3 at a time and shake to coat lightly. Heat oil	1

	in an oven-proof  heavy skillet or pot, with a cover,  and brown the chicken. Add onions and fennel, stirring for a minute or two to toast the seeds. Add fruit and wine plus 1/2 cup water. Stir to loosen browned bits from the pan. Cover and bake about 45 minutes, or until chicken is tender. Good served with rice, polenta, noodles, or mashed potatoes.	2