Mario Batali's Italian Sweet and Sour Chicken

From www.foodandwine.com

1. One 4-pound chicken, cut into 10 pieces (each breast split crosswise)
2. Salt and freshly ground pepper
3. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4. 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
5. 2 carrots, halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
6. 2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch dice
7. 8 garlic cloves, peeled
8. 1/4 cup sugar
9. 1 cup dry light-bodied red wine, such as Chianti
10. 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
11. 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
12. 2 tablespoons capers, drained
13. 1/4 cup sliced almonds

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large, deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook over moderately high heat until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and pour off the oil.
2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet and add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, about 8 minutes. Add the sugar, wine, vinegar, orange juice, capers and almonds and bring to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up. Cover partially and simmer over low heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 35 minutes.
3. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Boil the pan sauce over high heat until thickened, about 3 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Return the chicken to the skillet until warmed through. Transfer to a plate, spoon the sauce on top and serve.

Serve With a salad of bitter greens.