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1
Trim the saddle to remove any nerves or bits of fat.
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2
Put the saddle in a reasonably deep stainless steel or enamel utensil just large enough to hold it compactly.
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3
Add the onions, garlic, thyme, rosemary, carrot, celery, ginger, peppercorns, juniper berries, red wine, one and one-half cups of port wine and cinnamon stick.
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4
The surface of the meat should be covered with the marinade.
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5
Refrigerate one or two days.
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6
The longer the meat stands, the more gamy the taste will be.
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7
Remove the saddle of venison, but reserve the marinade with vegetables.
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8
Strain the marinade but reserve separately the liquid and vegetables.
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9
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
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10
Sprinkle the drained saddle with the one tablespoon of ground pepper and salt to taste.
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11
Heat the olive oil in a heavy roasting pan large enough to accommodate the saddle of venison.
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12
Brown the meat on both sides, about five minutes.
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13
Scatter the reserved vegetables around the meat and place the roasting pan in the oven.
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14
Bake 30 minutes.
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15
Turn the meat to the opposite side and bake 30 minutes or until the meat is medium rare.
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16
If you want the meat more fully cooked, let it bake an additional 15 minutes or longer.
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17
To test for doneness, insert a thin metal skewer inside the hollow part (the spinal cord) of the spine.
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18
Remove the skewer and press it to your lips.
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19
If it is nicely warm, the meat is medium rare.
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20
If it is hot, the meat is well done.
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21
Transfer the meat to a warm platter.
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22
Place the roasting pan over medium heat and add the reserved marinating liquid.
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23
Bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the brown particles that cling to the bottom and sides of the pan.
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24
Cook about 10 minutes and pour the sauce and reserved vegetables into a casserole or deep skillet.
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25
Let simmer slowly about one-half hour.
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26
Add the cream and remaining cup of port wine and bring to the boil.
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27
Let cook about 15 minutes or until the sauce is slightly thickened.
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28
Line a saucepan with a sieve, preferably of the sort known in French kitchens as a chinois.
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29
Pour the sauce and solids into the sieve, pressing to extract as much liquid and flavor as possible from the solids.
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30
Discard the solids.
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31
Bring the sauce to the boil and swirl in the butter.
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32
Add salt and pepper and stir in the jelly.
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33
Carve the meat and serve with a little of the sauce spooned over each serving.
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34
Serve with mashed potatoes, if desired.