SERVES 6
• 28 ounces boar, deer, or other game (preferably neck and leg cuts)
• 1 cup each carrots, celery, leeks, and onions
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon each of juniper berries, bay leaves, and marjoram
• 1 tablespoon chopped pimento
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder per 2 cups of broth
v Juniper and marjoram sprigs for garnish
1. Cut the game into 1-inch cubes; add to a large stockpot with the vegetables, herbs, and spices. Add water to cover.
2. Boil until the meat is cooked through, skimming the foam often.
3. Separate the game from the broth. Strain the broth, measure it, and allow it to cool. (Discard the vegetables.)
4. Put the game in a ceramic baking pan; cover with plastic wrap.
5. Bring half the broth to a boil again. Add the vinegar and sugar. Taste; it should have a strong flavor, because the taste will become less intense as it cools. If necessary, add more vinegar, spice, herbs, or sugar to taste.
6. Remove from heat. Dissolve the gelatin powder in the broth. Then add the cooled broth to it.
7. Remove the plastic wrap from the game. Pour the broth over the cubes of game until they are completely covered. Allow to chill overnight in the refrigerator.
8. Garnish with juniper and marjoram sprigs.
Read the main article: Cooking with Herbs in Germany.
Sibylle Hechtel writes from Estes Park, Colorado. Her latest articles appear in Red Herring and New Scientist.