GARAM MASALA:
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
• 1/4 cup coriander seeds
• 1/4 cup cardamom pods, seeds removed
• 1 bay leaf
• Two 3-inch cinnamon sticks
• 1 1/2 tablespoons whole cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground mace
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Finely grind the whole spices in batches in a spice grinder. Transfer each batch to a coarse strainer set over a bowl. Sift the ground spices into the bowl and add the mace, ginger and nutmeg. Whisk to blend. (Garam masala can be stored in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dry place

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Two 3 1/2-pound chickens
• Salt
• 2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 8 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
• 4 dried Black Mission figs, stemmed and quartered
• 1/4 cup honey
• Freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a small bowl, mix the garam masala with the oil. In a roasting pan, rub the chickens all over with the garam masala oil and season with salt. Roast the chickens for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting twice. Return the oven temperature to 450°F and crisp. Transfer the chickens to a carving board and let them rest for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the chicken stock with the garlic and tamarind paste and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the garlic is very soft, about 40 minutes. Strain the stock through a coarse sieve and press the garlic through. Stir in the figs and honey, cover and let steep until the figs are
tender, about 10 minutes. Carve the chicken. Reheat the fig jus, season with salt and pepper and serve with the chicken. Makes 4 servings. Recipe courtesy of FoodandWine.com

The Carnelian Project
Grenache
McLaren Vale, Australia

The McLaren Vale wine region is blessed with a wonderful climate for viticulture. It is located just south of Adelaide in South Australia. McLaren Vale is the Grenache stronghold of Australia. Quite a few of the older plantings of this fine variety survived the vine pull schemes of the 1980’s and are now regarded as living treasures. The fruit for this wine is considered such a treasure – sourced from two 40+ year old vineyards, the fruit was low yielding, concentrating flavors. Grenache is an excellent pairing for complex, spicy and earthy dishes as its bright fruit forward character and mild tannin structure balance the contrast of flavors. We chose a spice rubbed chicken with fig and honey as an inspired pairing for this wine.

“A bright and fruity wine comprised of red raspberries and strawberries, with just a touch of black pepper and notes of mint and basil too. The oak notes creep up in the finish: toasty, even slightly chocolately.” – Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Winemaker: Douglas Danielak
Appellation: McLaren Vale, Australia
Varietal Blend:  100% Grenache
Analysis: 14.8% alc/vol