Chicken stout stew

I found this recipe a while ago and a) I thought the ingredients sounded good  b) the picture looked good 

Here is what you'll need: (this recipe serves 8 so I cut everything in half)

• 6 tablespoon(s) (plus 1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon(s) salt, divided, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 1/2 pound(s) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
• 4 teaspoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 3 piece(s) bacon, chopped
• 1 2/3 cup(s) (1 14-ounce can) Guinness beer or other stout
• 1 pound(s) whole baby carrots, or large carrots cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 package(s) (8-ounce) cremini or button mushrooms, halved if large
• 2 cup(s) chopped onion
• 4 clove(s) garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) dried thyme
• 1 cup(s) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cup(s) frozen baby peas, thawed

1. Combine 6 tablespoons flour with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge chicken thighs in the mixture to coat completely; transfer to a plate.
2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken and cook until well browned, 2 to 4 minutes per side; transfer to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Reduce heat to medium and repeat with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and chicken thighs. Arrange the chicken in an even layer in the slow cooker.
3. Add bacon to the pan and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup flour over the bacon and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes more. Add stout and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Add carrots, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and thyme, spreading in an even layer over the chicken. Pour broth over the top.
4. Cover and cook until the chicken is falling-apart tender, 4 hours on high or 7 to 8 hours on low.
5. Stir in peas, cover and cook until the peas are heated through, 5 to 10 minutes more. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. 

John breading the chicken (so you don't think I have manly looking hands)

all the veggies chopped up

the stout we used (John bought a good one so he could drink the rest of the pack)

the stout rue

all in the crock pot

While we were waiting on the stew to finish up I had bought an apple at the store last week that peaked my curiosity. But not just any apple...

Yup your reading that right a bubble gum flavored apple, WT*****? Why would you want your apple to taste like bubble gum? Of course I had to try it.

The first couple of chews did taste like bubble gum but after that it tasted like regular old apple. I don't think these are worth buying at all unless maybe your a desperate parent to get your kid to eat some type of fruit?
Ok, maybe not even then.


After the apple tasting experience I was looking for something to go with the stew. I haven't gone grocery shopping yet so my choices were little, then corn bread spoke to me and I said why not!

The stew came out good it turned out to be thick and the veggies were cooked just right with the chicken falling apart. 


P.S Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's/soon to be mother's out there!!!