Cream Of Sherry Pheasant Or Partridge Recipes

CREAM OF SHERRY PHEASANT OR PARTRIDGE

Steps:

• 1. Quarter pheasant using a heavy knife: cut through back just ahead of the thighs. Split thighs along one side of the backbone. Carefully cut back from the wings and breast and discard. Find the keelbone at the center of the breast. Place knife flush along one side of the keelbone and spit breast lengthwise. For partridge, follow same procedure, but use two birds and leave breasts whole.
• 2. Dredge poultry pieces in dry mix, then the wet bath, then dry mix again. Place breaded pieces on a large plate.
• 3. Heat 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet (preferably cast iron), over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add poultry pieces. Cook bone side up for 5 minutes, covering pan with a tight lid (glass is best). Avoid searing breading. Add mushrooms and onion, rotate poultry with tongs, and continue to brown the bone side for 5 min, covered. Add sherry, return lid.
• 4. Reduce heat to simmer for 25-30 minutes, covered. Deeply prick a thick piece of meat to test doneness. If juice runs clear, it is done. During this time, add chicken broth sparingly if neccessary to keep bottom of pan from drying out. By the end of the 25 minutes, liquid should be almost completely dissipated.
• 5. While poultry is simmering, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with pine nuts and a pat of butter.
• 6. Remove cover, stirring cream gently into pan. Allow to re-heat slowly, removing from heat when cream is hot. Serve over pasta.
• 7. Remember, watch out for shot in your meat!

PARTRIDGES WITH ORANGE AND VERMOUTH SAUCE

Steps:

• Sprinkle the partridges, inside and out with half the salt and peper.
• In a large saucepan, melt all but 1 Tbsp butter over moderate heat.
• When the foam subsides, add the partridge halves and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are lightly and evenly browned.
• Cover the pan and cook for a further 12 to 15 minutes on each side, or until the partridges are tender when pierced with the point of a knife.
• Using tongs, or two large spoons, transfer the partridge halves to a warmed serving dish.
• Keep warm while you make the sauce.
• TO MAKE THE SAUCE: Pour off all but 1 Tbsp of fat from the pan.
• Add the onion and fry, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is soft and translucent, but not brown.
• Pour in the chicken stock and vermouth and add the remaining salt and pepper.
• Increase the heat to high and boil for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about one-third.
• Reduce the heat to moderate and add the orange juice, cream and chives.
• Gradually stir in BEURRE MANIE*, a small piece at a time.
• (*BEURREMANIE is kneaded butter. Kneaded butter is used to thicken stews and sauces.) Mix together equal amounts of softened butter, from the reserved 1 Tbsp and flour (soften the butter with a fork, to incorporate the flour).
• Add in small knobs to the boiling liquid.
• Whisk constantly until the butter melts and sauce is thickened.
• Continue cooking stirring constantly, for 2 or 3 minutes, or until the sauce is smooth and thick and hot- but not boiling.
• Remove the pan from the heat and pour the sauce over the partridges.
• Garnish with the orange slices and serve immediately.