Griddled Venison With Pink Gin Applesauce Recipes

GRIDDLED VENISON WITH PINK GIN APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• Cut venison into two equal pieces so it will fit in a 1-gallon freezer bag. Place in bag with gin, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, peppercorns, onion, star anise and garlic. Seal bag securely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours at room temperature, or up to 3 days in the refrigerator. (If refrigerated, allow to rest at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes before cooking.)
• While venison is marinating, prepare applesauce: In a wide saucepan with a lid, melt butter over low heat. Add onion and salt, and sauté until softened but not browned. Cut apples in half, then without coring cut each half into four wedges. Add to pan with 2 tablespoons of the gin, lemon juice and chili. Stir well. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the apples are very soft, about 30 minutes. Remove chili, and work sauce through a food mill. Apple peels will color sauce. Stir in remaining teaspoon gin. Cover and refrigerate for up to three days; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Heat a large griddle or heavy skillet until almost smoking hot. Remove venison pieces from marinade, and shake off any spices. Slap venison onto hot griddle and sear well on all sides, turning frequently to obtain even scorch marks, about 15 minutes for rare meat. (To test for doneness, press tops of loins lightly with a finger. Springy resistance indicates rare meat; firm indicates medium to well done.) Transfer to a carving board to rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
• While venison is resting, preheat a broiler. Drizzle radicchio with oil and vinegar and broil, turning, until leaves are wilted and charred slightly on all sides. To serve, line a large serving plate with heat-darkened leaves, and arrange the sliced venison on top. Serve applesauce in a decorative bowl to pass at table.

VENISON AND RICE STICK STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Slice venison into strips about 2 inches long, 1 inch wide and 1/4 inch thick. Place in either a bowl or sealable plastic bag, and add gin, canola oil, star anise, juniper berries, garlic cloves, thyme and onion. Mix well, and cover or seal. Marinate at room temperature for about 2 hours, or refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• Shortly before cooking, place rice noodles in a heatproof bowl, and cover with boiling water. Allow to stand and soften for about 5 minutes, then drain well and set aside.
• Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove meat from the marinade, reserving 3 tablespoons of liquid. Add meat to hot pan. Stir rapidly to sear, 1 to 2 minutes. Add garlic-infused oil to pan, then Napa cabbage, bean sprouts and Chinese greens. Fry just until vegetables are wilted, about 1 minute.
• Mix reserved marinade with 1 tablespoon water, and add to pan. Stir in the drained rice noodles. Stir-fry just until everything is well heated, another 30 seconds to 1 minute, adding up to 1/4 cup more water if pan becomes dry. Season with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or to taste. Transfer quickly to two plates, and serve immediately.