Venison Medallions With Juniper Food

VENISON MEDALLIONS WITH JUNIPER AND ORANGE

Steps:

• Make butter:
• In food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse until well combined. Transfer to large sheet of wax paper and roll into 5-inch-long log. Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop.
• Make venison:
• In large glass baking dish, whisk together olive oil, orange zest, sage, pepper, and juniper berries. Add venison medallions and turn to coat. Let stand at room temperature at least 1 hour, turning meat occasionally.
• Over moderate heat, heat large heavy skillet until hot. Add 4 venison medallions and cook until undersides are well browned, about 3 minutes. Turn over and cook to desired doneness (thermometer inserted into center will register 120°F for medium-rare), about 2 to 3 minutes for medium-rare. Transfer to platter and cover loosely with foil. Repeat with remaining medallions, cooking 4 at a time. Slice log of butter into 8 coins. Divide medallions among 8 plates and top each serving with 1 coin. Serve immediately.

MEDALLIONS OF VENISON WITH BRAMBLE JELLY OR BLACKBERRIES

Steps:

• Fry enough bacon very gently to extract enough fat to fry the medallions. Remove the bacon. Put enough well-seasoned flour into a plastic bag and toss the venison in it; remove and lay on some greaseproof paper.
• Heat the bacon fat and fry the meat on a medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, turning frequently. Put them in a warmed dish with a teaspoon of jelly on each medallion and keep warm while you make the sauce.
• If you are using blackberries instead of jelly, cook them lightly in a little red wine and sugar to taste. Spoon over the medallions as for the jelly.
• Depending on how much you are cooking, add enough of the stock to the pan. Boil briskly, stirring all the juices together. When it starts to look syrupy, mix in enough sour cream to make a rich sauce. Adjust the seasoning. Pour over the venison.
• Serve with tiny Brussels sprouts and egg noodles with chestnuts if handy. Apple sauce can also be added as a side dish.

SPICE-CRUSTED VENISON MEDALLIONS WITH JUNIPER SAUCE

Steps:

• Pulverize coriander seeds, cumin seeds, allspice, 1 teaspoon juniper berries and 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns in a spice grinder or mortar. Season venison with salt, and coat with ground spices. Set aside.
• Cook wine and stock together for 15 to 20 minutes, until reduced to a scant cup. Lightly crush remaining juniper berries and peppercorns, and add, with jam, brandy and gin. Simmer until jam melts. Strain through a fine sieve, and return to saucepan.
• Just before serving, heat grapeseed oil in a heavy skillet. Add venison and sauté over medium heat, turning to cook on all sides, until medium rare, about 10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer will register about 125 degrees. Do not overcook. Keep heat moderate so spices do not burn. Remove from heat.
• Over low heat, swirl butter into sauce with a whisk. Transfer venison to plates, and spoon sauce around.

SUCCULENT BRAISED VENISON

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Fry the vegetables in a little oil and butter in a heavy-based casserole for 4-5 mins until golden. Tip in the garlic and fry for a further min, then set aside.
• Put the venison into a plastic bag with seasoned flour and shake to coat. Add a little more oil and butter to the pan, then fry the venison over a high heat, stirring now and then, until well browned. Don't crowd the pan - cook in batches if necessary. Set aside with the vegetables.
• Add the redcurrant jelly and wine to the pan, and bring to the boil, scraping up all the bits that have stuck to the bottom. Pour in the stock, then add the thyme, bay leaf, meat and vegetables. Season if you like and bring to the boil. Cover and transfer to the oven for about 1½ hrs or until tender. Remove from the oven and check the seasoning.