Pot Au Feu Of Foie Gras Recipes

Steps:

• Divide foie gras where it separates into two unequal pieces. Cut a half-inch slice from ends of each piece and discard or reserve for another use. Remove and discard veins or nerves on surface of foie gras. Place foie gras in a bowl. Mix 1 tablespoon sea salt with 3 cups water, pour over foie gras and add enough ice cubes to cover. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate 8 to 12 hours.
• Remove foie gras from ice water and pat dry. Fill a pitcher with enough boiling water to submerge most of the blade of an 8-inch knife. Slice each section of foie gras crosswise into slabs about 3/4-inch thick, dipping knife in hot water before making each slice. Lay slices on a cutting board. Using tip of a paring knife, pluck out any tiny spots of blood from slices. Season slices on both sides with salt and pepper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap until ready to cook.
• Halve potatoes, place in a pot of salted water, and cook until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside, covered.
• While potatoes cook, cut celery stalks, carrots and leeks into 3-inch lengths. You should have 12 pieces each. Cut each turnip into 6 wedges. Bring stock to a simmer in a 4-quart casserole. Add vegetables and simmer 10 minutes. Remove any that are tender when pierced with a sharp knife. Continue cooking until all are tender. Set vegetables aside to drain on paper towel.
• Warm 6 large soup plates. Place wine in a small pitcher. Return stock to a fast simmer, add ginger, cook gently for 5 minutes, then slip in slices of foie gras. Remove from heat and allow foie gras to steep 6 minutes. Do not overcook. Place 2 slices of foie gras in each soup plate.
• Return vegetables to stock. Cook 30 seconds, then remove vegetables with a slotted spoon and divide among plates. Discard ginger. Put two pieces of potato in each plate. Strain stock into a saucepan and add truffle juice, if desired, bring to a simmer, then ladle stock over and around foie gras. Sprinkle chives on top, and serve at once, with fleur de sel on the side. Pass wine so guests can add a little to their plates.

Steps:

• In an 10 to 12 quart stock pot or soup kettle combine beef with short ribs and cover with stock or water by 4 inches. Bring to a boil over moderate heat; as the stock begins to boil, carefully skim all foam and scum from surface and discard. Reduce heat to low, skim again, then add onions, carrots, tomatoes and bouquet garni. Skim again; cover the pot, leaving the lid ajar and simmer as slowly as possible, skimming on occasion. Cook for 2 to hours or until meat is almost tender. Remove meats. Strain the liquid through a sieve lined with dampened double layer of cheesecloth. Discard seasoning vegetables and bouquet garni; remove surface fat. (If you do this on one day, before you finish the dish, store meat and liquid separately.)
• Transfer stock to a clean pot. Return the meat to the liquid along with the carrots and turnips. Bring the liquid to a boil, season with salt and pepper and simmer for 30 minutes or until carrots, turnips and meats are tender. Meanwhile boil the potatoes separately (when done, leave in water off heat) and steam cabbage wedges separately for 8 minutes or until just tender.
• To serve, degrease the liquid and season with salt and pepper. Remove meat from liquid, discard strings and carve into 1/4-inch slices, remove short rib bones and cut into chunks. Transfer slices of meat, a portion of potatoes, cabbage, carrots, turnips into a deep soup plate. Ladle liquid over the top and garnish with parsley; serve as main course soup.
• Or, serve soup liquid first, garnished with parsley and serve meat, vegetables, potatoes and carrots as a second course, accompanied by 1 or more accompaniments and a good French bread.