Basil Scented Quail Recipes

PAN-COOKED QUAIL, VIETNAMESE-STYLE

Steps:

• Cut along each side of breastbone of each bird, then straight down through where thigh meets body to get 2 semi-boneless halves from each bird. (Don't worry if skin holding thigh and drumstick together separates.) Combine other ingredients except oil, herb and lime wedges and marinate for at least an hour, or overnight in a refrigerator, if you have time.
• Drain quail of marinade and strain and reserve marinade. Pat birds dry. If you have a skillet large enough to hold quail in one layer, put oil in it; if not, put 2 tablespoons of oil in each of two skillets. Turn heat to high and, when oil is hot, sauté quail, skin-side down, until nicely browned, about 4 minutes. Turn and brown other side for 2 or 3 minutes, or until quail are cooked through. Remove to a platter and keep warm.
• Lower heat and remove any excess fat from skillet (there may not be any). Add strained marinade, along with 1/4 cup water, and raise heat to high. Cook, stirring and scraping any browned bits from bottom of pan, until liquid is reduced to about 1/4 cup. Spoon over quail and serve immediately, garnished, if you like, with herbs and lime.

GRILLED SPICY QUAIL

Steps:

• To make the marinade, whisk the canola oil, Parmesan cheese, vinegar, chile-Italian seasoning, and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl.
• Rinse the quail and pat dry. Arrange the quail in a baking dish that is large enough to hold them in one layer, and add the marinade, turning the quail to coat them well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator, turning the quail once or twice, for at least 1 day and up to 2 days.
• Remove the quail from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Prepare a grill to medium-high heat, or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Remove the quail from the marinade (discard the marinade), and pat dry with paper towels. Season the quail with salt and pepper, and grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until just cooked through. The meat should still be slightly pink in the center. Serve with lime wedges.
• Combine the oregano, parsley, basil, thyme, salt, garlic salt, celery salt, onion powder, sugar, chile powder, and pepper in a glass jar. Screw the lid on tightly, and shake until the mixture is well blended. Store at room temperature for up to 6 months.

PALMIERS DU BASILIC (BASIL-SCENTED SAVORY COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°.
• In a small food processor, combine the basil and garlic cloves and process until a paste begins to form. With the motor running, add the 1/4 cup olive oil in a slow, steady stream, processing until a smooth paste forms.
• On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry into a 12x15 rectangle, marking the center at top and bottom, making an imaginary line. Spread the basil paste thinly over the pastry surface. Roll the 2 narrow ends of the pastry sheet inward, not too tightly, brushing with a little olive oil to help it hold together. When the rolls meet at the center, press together very lightly, then place in the freezer for 20 minutes.
• Lightly oil a baking sheet. Remove the pastry roll from the freezer, place on a work surface, and cut crosswise into 3/8-inch pieces. Transfer each piece to the prepared baking sheet, cut side down. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and pressing very lightly to adhere the salt.
• Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Using a spatula, transfer the pastries to a rack and let cool completely before serving.

BASIL SCENTED CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine first five ingredients, stirring well.
• Add chicken and next 4 ingredients, and toss gently.
• Place spinach on individual serving plates; top with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with pine nuts.

BASIL SCENTED QUAIL

Steps:

• Cut the lemon into quarters, then on each quarter, cut in half crosswise.
• Take a little of the basil and push into the cavity of the quail, then add the lemon, then add more basil until full, repeat for all birds.
• Place any remaining basil into the baking dish and place birds on top.
• Rub the tops of the birds with olive oil.
• Sprinkle or grind salt over the birds.
• Roast at 180 degrees celcius for approx 20 minutes.
• Check for doneness.
• If nearly done, grill for approx 10 minutes, until golden.
• Crumble the feta over the top, as much or as little as you like.