THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS WITH DANTE & SASCHA

On the Second Day of Christmas, Dante's true love gave to him:

'TWO TURTLE DOVES'

It was actually quite an appropriate gift since these two are so very 'lovey dovey'.  As much as they love each other, they can't deny an equal passion for poultry of any size, shape or form.

So Dante got out his cookbook, and this is what he made for Sascha's supPURR.  Dante fancies himself a feline of refined tastes, as well as a seasoned cat chef.  And 'tis the Season for sure.

Doesn't this just make you drool?  (Except for the 'Tabbies of Trout Town', of course, who just think all birds are caca.  For their information, Dante is very careful about cleaning out the caca before serving.)

Sweet, Savory & Spicy Sugar-Glazed Dove Poppers

  

Marinade (Ideal for 20-30 pieces):

1 Tbsp Soy Sauce

2 Tbsp Teriyaki Sauce

4 Tbsp Honey

1 Tbsp Lime Juice

 ½ Tbsp Ginger Powder

1 Tbsp Garlic (Minced)

1 Tbsp Green onion (Finely Chopped)

1 Tbsp Light Brown Sugar

1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Jalapeño, diced (seeded for mild or leave in for hot!)

Dash of Salt & Pepper

Stir well to incorporate honey and sugar (10 seconds in microwave may be helpful)

Place dove and marinade into Ziploc bag and place into refrigerator for at least 1 hour

(2-4 hours is recommended).  

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375°F. 

Open package of bacon and slice pieces in half.  Drain marinade in colander.  It is recommended to pick jalapeño seeds off of the dove breast before wrapping half piece of bacon around each breast.  Feel free to stuff a piece(s) of jalapeño into each wrap.  Thread a toothpick through the top of the bacon so that it goes down to the breast and then bring it back up through the top of the bacon to secure the bacon around each breast.  Place poppers toothpick side down on broiler pan w/ aluminum below.  Place in oven for 10-12 minutes checking often for crispness of bacon, additional minutes may be necessary. 

Once bacon is at desired crispness on top, remove from oven and drain off all juices.  Flip over “poppers” so that the toothpick side is now up.  Align poppers in rows so that they are touching one another. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top; use as little or as much as you would like (“a pinch a popper” is recommended).  **Turn oven to Broil and return the poppers to the oven until brown sugar is thoroughly melted and bacon is crisp.  Remove from oven and place on a paper towel-lined serving tray. Allow a few minutes to cool down (if you can wait that long!).  Remove toothpick and enjoy! **This step should be watched carefully, as ovens broil differently and chances of burning the “poppers” are high. 

This sweet and spicy dish is PURRfectly suited to the sweet and spicy couple.  Dante and Sascha's passion for each other is only enhanced after tasting these succulent morsels.

Come back tomorrow for "The Third Day of Christmas" with Dante and Sascha.  I wonder what she'll give him next?   Hmmmmm, that's a tough one.  But if it should happen to be some sort of  birds again, let's just hope they're actually tender.