Roast Quail with Apple and Calvados

Recipe by: Victoria Blashford-Snell, Brigitte Hafner | from The Illustrated Kitchen Bible

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

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Wrap the quail in pancetta to keep the flesh moist. The apples and Calvados add a rich, sweet flavor to the dish.Good with roast potatoes and green beans.

Yield: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

8 quail
½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Small bunch of sage leaves
8 slices of pancetta, unrolled
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 tbsp butter, melted
2 tsp raw or light brown sugar
4 tbsp Calvados or applejack

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the quail inside and out with the nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then tuck a couple of sage leaves into the cavity. Wrap a strip of pancetta around each bird, tucking the ends underneath.

2. Place the apples in a large roasting pan, and toss with the butter and sugar. Arrange the quail on the apples. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until both the quail and apples have turned golden brown.

3. Transfer the quail and apples to a serving platter. Stir the Calvados into the roasting pan and stir over high heat until it boils. Cook for 30 seconds, then pour over the quail and apples. Serve at once.