Jugged Hare

Jugged Hare

"Jugged" refers to the stoneware jug in which it was cooked. 1 well-hung hare (hung bunch of sweet herbs (parsley, marjoram, for up to a week) savory, thyme, tied with string)

1 teaspoon vinegar
pinch of mace & nutmeg
seasoned flour
2 oz. red currant jelly
oil for frying
5 oz. port or claret
brown (beef) stock
salt & pepper
1 onion studded with cloves

Have hare skinned, cleaned, and neatly jointed, reserving the blood and liver. Mix the blood with the vinegar to prevent it curdling and keep in a cool place. Dust the joints with seasoned flour and fry in oil to a deep golden brown; transfer to a deep oven-proof dish, pour over enough stock to cover, add onion, herbs, mace & nutmeg. Cover with lid, bring to a boil and place in 350 degree oven for 3 hours. Serve garnished with diced, fried liver. Strain the cooking liquid into a pan and reboil. Add jelly and pour a little of the liquid into the blood, stirring until smooth. Blend blood into gravy had heat to thicken, but do not boil; add port or claret, season with salt & pepper, and pour over the meat.