Foies Gras and Pumpkin Pudding

Enjoy this creamy, flavorful pudding with the garlic studded loin of venison and berry reduction sauce.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 pound fois gras, cleaned and diced
3 cups thinly sliced onions
Salt
Cayenne
Freshly ground black pepper
3 cups diced fresh pumpkin, blanched
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
5 large eggs
2 cups heavy cream
Dash hot pepper sauce
Dash Worcestershire sauce
8 slices white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart glass rectangular pan with 1 tablespoon of the butter. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fois gras and cook quickly for 1 minute. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside. Add the onions. Season with salt, cayenne and black pepper. Cook, stirring, until the onions are soft, about 4 minutes. Add the pumpkin and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the cream. Season with salt, cayenne, pepper, hot pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk the mixture until blended. Add the pumpkin mixture, reserved fois gras and bread, and mix well. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with the cheese. Bake until the pudding is golden brown and bubble, about 55 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. To serve, spoon the pudding in the center of each serving plate. Arrange a few slices of the venison around the pudding. Spoon the Berry Reduction around the pudding. Garnish with the sweet potato nests and parsley.

Yield: 10 servings