Marinated Quail with Olives and Strega

Ingredients

• 8 boneless (sleeve boned) quail, if available. If not, leave bone in.
• 8 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup plus 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, standing in cold water
• 1/2 cup Gaeta olives, drained of juice
• 1 head fennel, trimmed of stalk, cut into batons
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Strega
• Salt and pepper

Directions

ONE DAY AHEAD: Wash the quail and pat it dry. Combine the honey, 1 cup olive oil, vinegar and fresh black pepper in a large bowl until well mixed. Toss in the quail and mix until well coated. Allow to marinate overnight in the refrigerator, or for 2 hours at room temperature.

Light the barbecue or preheat the broiler.

In a 12 to 14-inch saute pan, heat 4 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Drain the potato cubes and shake them dry. Add the potatoes to the hot oil and saute until light brown, stirring constantly, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Add the olives, fennel, and garlic and continue cooking 4 to 5 minutes, until the fennel is softened but still firm. Add the Strega, flame it, and allow to boil for 2 minutes, until reduced by half. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Place the quail on the grill and cook until just medium. Remove and allow to rest 1 minute. Place the potato mixture on a large platter, place the quails over the potatoes and serve.