Rabbit in brandied wine sauce

7 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1largeOr 2 small rabbit[s]
Seasoned flour, for dredging
¼poundsDiced salt pork
¼cupShallots; chopped OR
¼cupOnion; chopped PLUS
1cloveGarlic; minced
1cupMushrooms, sliced
¾cupChicken stock
¾cupDry red wine
ounceBrandy
2teaspoonsButter
2teaspoonsFlour, opt'l
2 Parsley sprigs
2 Ribs leafy celery
1 Bay leaf
1 Dried chile pepper; opt'l

Directions

~----------IN A SPICE BAG----------- 1 sl Lemon rind

10 Peppercorns

Skin, clean, cut into pieces and dredge the rabbit[s] in flour. In a skillet render the salt pork and saute the shallots and mushrooms 5 min. If you don't have shallots, substitute mild onion plus a small clove of garlic. Remove and reserve the mushroom mixture. Saute the rabbit pieces until browned. Add the stock, wine and spice bag and simmer until tender, about 2 hours. Remove the spice bag and add the mushroom mixture 10 minutes before serving. Just before serving stir in a jigger of brandy and a swirl of butter. The gravy can optionally be thickened with a slurry of flour and water. Or the flour and butter can be made into a roux and added.

Jim Weller