Ingredients

  • 3 cups chopped assorted fresh mushrooms, such as shiitakes, chanterelles, black trumpets, or lobster mushrooms
  • 4 ounces diced andouille sausage
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Essence, recipe follows
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Port
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 8 quail, cleaned and boned (leaving only the leg bones in)
  • 1 recipe of Port Sauce, recipe follows
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced shallots
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup Port
  • 3 cups beef or brown chicken stock
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Method

  • In the bowl of a food processor, combine the mushrooms, andouille, onions and garlic.
  • Pulse until the mixture forms a coarse paste, about 10 times.
  • In a large saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
  • When the oil is hot, add the mushroom mixture.
  • Season the mixture with Essence, salt and pepper.
  • Saute for 4 minutes.
  • Stir in the port and cook for 1 minute.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the bread crumbs and cool completely.
  • Season each quail, inside and out with the remaining olive oil and Essence.
  • Stuff each quail with 1/4 cup of the duxelles and wrap the skin around the stuffing.
  • Make an incision in the bony end of one leg of each bird and insert the other leg through the incision to keep the legs crossed to make a nice presentation.
  • Place the quail on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the quail until they're golden brown and crisp-skinned, for about 20 minutes.
  • Serve the quails with the sauce ladled over the top.
  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan over high heat.
  • When the oil is hot add the shallots and garlic.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Saute for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the sugar and port, bring to a boil, and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the stock and cook over high heat, for about 20 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and serve hot.
  • Yield: 1 1/3 cups
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  • Yield: 2/3 cup