Spoil mum with a special dinner

JUNIPER-MARINATED VENISON ROAST By Silver Fern Farms

Preparation time: 60 min. Cooking time: 20 min. Serves 2-3 Ingredients

■ 1 Silver Fern Farms Venison Roast

■ 1⁄2 cup port

■ 1 fresh or dried bay leaf

■ 3 juniper berries, lightly crushed ■ 1 garlic clove, crushed

■ 2 slices prosciutto

■ 5 small sprigs rosemary ■ 1⁄2 Tbsp olive oil

■ 1⁄2cup of veal stock ■ steamed green beans, to serve ■ roasted cherry tomatoes, to serve

Parsnip and Potato Mash:

■ 2 large desiree potatoes, peeled, quartered

■ 1 large parsnip, peeled, chopped ■ 25g butter, chopped

■ 1⁄4cup cream

Method

Combine venison, port, bay leaves, juniper berries, and garlic in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge, turning occasionally, for 1-2 hours to marinate. Drain venison, reserving the marinade and set aside. Placing venison on a clean work surface wrap prosciutto slices around venison. Tuck rosemary sprigs under prosciutto.

Preheat oven to 200C. Heat oil in large roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add venison and cook, turning, for 5 minutes or until brown all over. Roast for 15 minutes for medium-rare, or until cooked to your liking. Remove from oven and transfer venison to a plate and rest, covered, for 10 minutes.

Place roasting pan over medium heat. Add marinating liquid and veal stock. Bring to the boil. Cook, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes or until sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly. Strain into a serving jug.

For Parsnip and Potato Mash: Place potato and parsnip in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil. Cook, covered, for 12-15 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Return to pan with butter and mash until smooth. Add the cream and stir to combine. Season. To serve: Thinly slice venison and drizzle with sauce. Serve with steamed green beans, roasted cherry tomatoes and parsnip and potato mash.