Duck Bolognese

1. 1

   Reconstitute the dried porcini mushrooms in a cup of hot water for 30 minutes. Drain mushrooms, squeeze dry, and chop coarsely; keep liquid for another use. (See note at end.)

2. 2

   Chop coarsely the celery, carrots, onion, fennel and garlic. Put together with the mushrooms in a food processor to chop into a fine mixture. Saute in oil over med-high heat for 10-15 minutes, until it has browned a little. A large saute pan is best, to avoid crowding.

3. 3

   Add duck, mix with vegetables, and cook until brown. After browned, add brandy and then red wine. Cook until wine is almost cooked off.

4. 4

   Add 2 cans of chopped tomatoes with their juice. Drain juice from 3rd can, keeping the juice, and adding tomatoes to the pan. (This can all be moved to a heavy pot at this point). Add crushed juniper berries, thyme, sage, bay leaf and heavy cream. Add pepper to taste. Mix together the juice drained from the 1 can of tomatoes with the can of chicken stock, and keep nearby.

5. 5

   Bring sauce to a simmer and let cook, partially covered, for several hours, watching the sauce so that it doesn't dry out. When the liquid is getting so low that the solids are barely sticking to the bottom of the pot, add the tomato juice/chicken stock mixture, little by little, so that it doesn't become too soupy. If that liquid runs out, add more chicken stock or just water. Once the sauce has cooked for an hour, it is good to go, but more cooking time will mean a deeper sauce.

6. 6

   Makes enough sauce for 1.5 - 2 lbs dried pasta.

7. 7

   (Note: I always forget to soak the dried porcinis early enough. So I usually start them soaking when I begin the rest of the dish, then when they are ready, I quickly saute them alone in a bit of oil, and once browned, add them to the pot, wherever it is in the cooking process. For an even deeper flavor, some of the porcini liquid can be added in, although add too much and it will dominate.)

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.