Capon Salad

• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 5 quarts cold water
2. 1 bottle dry white wine
3. 1 head of garlic
4. 1 large carrot, halved crosswise
5. 1 celery rib, halved crosswise
6. 1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley
7. 1 medium red onion, halved
8. 1 thyme sprig
9. One 8-pound capon or 2 halved 4-pound free-range chickens
10. 1/2 cup pine nuts (2 1/2 ounces)
11. 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal (1 cup)
12. 1/2 cup golden raisins, soaked in sweet wine, such as Vin Santo, and drained
13. 1/4 cup snipped chives
14. 2 tablespoons chopped tarragon
15. 1/3 cup best-quality extra-virgin olive oil, preferably from Tuscany
16. 2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
17. Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. In a stockpot, combine the water, wine, garlic, carrot, celery, parsley, onion and thyme and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to moderately low, add the capon, breast side up, and return to a gentle boil. Simmer the capon until just cooked through but still moist, about 45 minutes. Carefully remove the capon from the pot and let cool slightly, then refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. Strain the broth and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for another use.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the pine nuts in a small baking dish and bake for about 3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, or until lightly toasted. Let cool. Using your fingers, pull the capon meat into 2-inch pieces; discard the skin and bones. In a large bowl, toss the shredded capon with the pine nuts, scallions, raisins, chives and tarragon. Add the olive oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper and toss the ingredients to combine. Mound the capon salad on plates and serve.