Chicken with Olives, Raisins, and Onions

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a very large enameled cast-iron casserole, warm the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces in batches and brown over high heat, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a platter and discard the oil from the casserole. Add the wine and vinegar and boil over high heat, stirring, until reduced by half, about 6 minutes.

Return the chicken to the casserole and add the onions, olives, raisins and enough stock to cover two-thirds of the chicken. Tie the cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and peppercorns in cheesecloth and add them to the casserole. Bring to a simmer over moderately high heat and cover. Cook over very low heat until the chicken and onions are tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Skim off the fat. Taste the cooking liquid and, if necessary, remove the solids and boil it down until it is full-flavored. Return the solids to the casserole and season with salt and pepper.

In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over moderately low heat until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle the chicken with the pine nuts and serve.