Venison Wellington

Venison Wellington for your Valentine!

Venison Wellington…  Think about it! It’s rare, organic, wild, in a savory crust. Isn’t that what we all want in love?

I took classes in mythology in my youth, I never thought then, that I would ever identify with Diana & Artemis the Goddesses of the hunt, but I do! To my soul… I do!

The Goddess of the Hunt

Saint Valentines’ Day is approaching.  The Goddesses of the hunt inspire me to feed my love something wild, organic, rare, and savory…. in a package begging to be opened.

Diana & Artemis use bows to hunt their conquests. How curious Cupid sports the same weapon! Their Common Quest: Hearts!

Venison Wellington for Two

1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon herbes de Provence

2  Six oz pieces Venison Tenderloin/Loin ( Elk, Antelope, Deer)

1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard with horseradish (or your personal fave)

2 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/2 cup fresh mushrooms sliced (your fave type here as well)

1 sheet frozen puff pastry sheet (10″x 8″ 1/8″ thick) thawed

1 egg

1 teaspoon heavy cream

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
• Mix pepper, salt,  and herbes de Provence in a small bowl
• Rub the mustard on all sides of the 2 venison pieces, and sprinkle all sides with the spice, herb mixture
• Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small heavy skillet. Sear the venison on all sides, about 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
• Melt the other 1 tablespoon of butter in the same heavy skillet. Saute’ the chopped mushrooms till just cooked, about 5 minutes
• Arrange the venison on a small baking sheet lined with parchment & top with half the sauteed mushrooms
• Cut 2 – 5″ circles of puff pastry. drape over the venison, and pinch closed underneath
• Cut decorations from puff pastry scraps, and affix with a bit of water
• Mix the egg & cream. Brush over the Venison Wellington Crusts with a pastry brush
• Bake 15 minutes till browned, and flaky
• Serve immediately

This Valentines Day:

• Make your aim true
• Focus on your target
• Nothing says “I love you” like serving your hard won harvest to your lover
• Give your harvest the presentation it deserves
• Remember also to honor the LOVE you are blessed with as well… dance in celebration of it!
• Remember all your dances of love. Especially (for me) if with your son on his wedding day… to music from another legendary “God of the Hunt” The Archer – “Robin Hood”  (Bryan Adams)