Lapin à la Moutarde (Rabbit in Mustard Sauce)

Ingredients:

• 1 3 to 4 lb rabbit
• 4 strips bacon, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp peanut oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
• 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon crumbled dried
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• salt and pepper
• If needed: 1 tbsp butter mixed with 1 tbsp flour

Directions:

1. Cut the rabbit up into six pieces and rub it all over with dijon mustard. Let marinade in the fridge, covered, for three or four hours.
2. Fry the bacon over medium heat until lightly browned, then drain on paper towels. Pour off all but about a tablespoon of oil from the skillet, then add peanut oil and the rabbit pieces with the mustard.
3. Saute for 10 minutes or until brown, turning once.
4. Add the bacon, onion, herbs and white wine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 45 to 50 minutes or until tender.
5. Add the half and half. Stir and cook for another five minutes. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Arrange the rabbit on a serving plate, leaving the sauce in the pot.
6. If your sauce needs thickening, mix the flour with the softened butter and wisk in. Boil for one or two minutes or until thick. Serve the rabbit with the sauce spooned over.