Venison Roast With Juniper Berry Rub Recipes

ROASTED VENISON LOIN WITH BRAISED RED CABBAGE, SWEET GERMAN POTATO NOODLES, AND JUNIPER BERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• To make the venison:
• Preheat the oven to 220 degrees F.
• Heat the sunflower oil in a roasting pan. Season the venison with salt and pepper, and sear it until it's nicely colored and caramelized. Roast until it's medium rare; an instant read thermometer inserted into the center should read 145 degrees. Transfer the meat to a board and let rest so the juices can settle. Spoon off the fat from the pan drippings. Add the bay leaf, rosemary, juniper berries, and butter. Return the meat to the pan and begin spooning the butter and meat juices over the meat to bring to medium.
• To make the sauce:
• Cook the shallots in a small amount of oil until they're softened but haven't taken on any color. Deglaze the pan with the Calvados and cognac. Add the venison glace and double cream and cook to reduce somewhat. Add juniper berries. Finish with cassis and vinegar to taste. Strain through a fine sieve.
• To make the cabbage:
• In a saucepan, heat the sugar on medium heat until it caramelizes. Add red wine and port and stir to dissolve into the caramel. Add the peppercorns, cloves, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, ground cinnamon, and a little salt, orange juice and zest. Put the cabbage in a bowl, pour the marinade on top, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
• To make the potato noodles:
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the potatoes on a bed of rock salt and roast until soft. Peel the potatoes, break them open, and let the moisture steam out. Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer. Mix in the cornstarch and egg yolk to make a dough. Form the dough into little noodles by rolling it between the palms of your hands. Blanch the noodles in boiling salted water until done. Drain.
• Sear the potato noodles in a hot skillet with a little butter until they're golden brown. Sprinkle with walnuts.
• To make the cranberries: In a large bowl, toss the cranberries with the sugar and a dash of port wine to taste.

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.

ROAST LOIN OF VENISON WITH CRANBERRIES

Steps:

• Rub the venison with the olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, 1 teaspoon of the pepper and 1/2 teaspoon thyme, pressing the seasonings into the meat. Allow the venison to come to room temperature.
• Set the loin on a rack in a roasting pan and roast at 400°F until medium-rare, about 135°F on a meat thermometer, about 25 to 30 minutes basting frequently with the pan juices.
• Tent the venison loosely with foil and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
• Place the roasting pan on stove top over medium high heat and add the wine. Bring to a boil and cool until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 5 mintues. Be sure to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Add the stock and bring to a boil. Add the cranberries and reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Add the ginger, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, thyme and the cold butter. Allow the butter to completely melt before removing from heat.
• Slice the venison thinly and serve with the hot sauce.
• Enjoy!

JUNIPER RUB

Steps:

• Place juniper berries, peppercorns, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and bay leaf in a coffee or spice grinder.
• Process until finely ground.
• Combine juniper mixture, olive oil, sage leaves, and garlic.