4 cognac ragout Recipes

olive oil, butter, assorted wild mushrooms, sliced, salt, minced shallots, cognac or brandy, champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar, creme fraiche, chicken broth, chopped fresh marjoram, salt and pepper to taste

leeks (white and pale green parts only), halved lengthwise, then cut into 1-inch pieces (4 cups), confit duck legs at room temperature, pitted prunes, coarsely chopped, armagnac or cognac, rendered duck fat or extra-virgin olive oil, cremini mushrooms, trimmed and halved lengthwise, extra-virgin olive oil, dry white wine, turkish or 1/2 california bay leaf, thyme sprigs, by 1-inch) lemon zest, by 1-inch) orange zest, reduced-sodium chicken broth, water, divided, yukon gold potatoes, quartered

fresh white button mushrooms, sliced, onion, finely chopped (can use shallots in place of onion), chopped fresh garlic (or to taste), butter (no substitutes), cognac, chicken broth, whipping cream, paprika (can use slightly less ), salt and pepper, chopped fresh parsley, sour cream, crushed red pepper flakes (optional and to taste), grated parmesan cheese (optional)