Belgian Rabbit With Prunes in Wine Sauce

• (3 lb) rabbit (about 1.5g)1
• lb prune↗1⁄4
• cup water↗1
• cup all-purpose flour↗1⁄4
• tablespoons butter↗2
• tablespoons oil2
• cup finely chopped onion1
• teaspoon salt↗1
• teaspoon fresh ground pepper↗1⁄4
• cup dry red wine↗1⁄3
• orange peel↗
• MARINADE
• cup dry red wine↗1
• tablespoons wine or 2 tablespoons cider vinegar↗2
• piece orange peel↗1
• whole peppercorns, cracked↗5
• whole juniper berries (available in speciality shops and most supermarkets)5
• sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried thyme↗2
• whole cloves↗2
• bay leaf↗1
• sprigs fresh parsley↗4
• cup finely chopped onion1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   MARINADE: Combine all ingredients for marinade in large plastic bag. Place bag in shallow glass, stainless steel or plastic bowl.

2. 2

   Remove head from rabbit and cut the rest into 6 pieces. Place in bag with marinade; close top firmly with a twist tie and lay flat in dish. Marinate rabbit pieces, turning bag periodically, for 2 to 4 hours.

3. 3

   Soak prunes in water while rabbit marinates.

4. 4

   Remove rabbit from marinade and wipe dry; reserve marinade. Toss meat in flour and reserve on paper towels. Strain marinade, pressing out and reserving all liquid.

5. 5

   In large heavy saucepan, melt butter, add oil and, over medium high heat, brown rabbit. With slotted spoon, remove rabbit and set aside. Saute onions for 5 minutes; return rabbit to pan and add salt, pepper, wine, strained marinade, prunes and their soaking water. Mix gently but thoroughly to blend all ingredients. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 to 40 minutes or until rabbit is tender and sauce thickened.

6. 6

   Taste, adjusting seasoning if desired. Transfer to heated serving bowl and garnish with orange peel. Makes 6 servings.

7. 7

   Canadian Living.