Ingredients for the Known Ground reconstruction
Ingredient amounts shown for 4 servings.
Known Ground reconstruction
- 1young whole pheasant, jointed
- 3 tbspunsalted butter
- 1/4 cupfine Champagne cognac or brandy
- 3 tbspfresh Seville or other bitter-orange juice
- kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Known Ground reconstruction
Seville orange juice is the practical bitter-orange choice. The source's word 'only' is respected rather than softening it with sweet citrus. This version has not been personally tested by Known Ground. Cook the bird and any poultry forcemeat to 165°F (74°C) in its thickest portion.
Instructions
1. Season and sauté the pheasant joints in butter over moderate heat, removing pieces as each reaches 165°F (74°C); keep them covered and warm.
2. Away from the hood and other flames, add the brandy, ignite it with a long match, and let the flame subside.
3. Scrape the pan and, at the last moment, stir in only the bitter-orange juice; warm briefly.
4. Pour the short sauce over the pheasant and serve immediately.
Historical formula
Ingredients
- pheasant
- bitter-orange juice
Method
Prepare the sauté in the same way, using only bitter-orange juice in the quantity given for pineapple juice.
Source
Le Guide Culinaire — Relevés et entrées de gibier, pp. 895–953.
Updated since publication
Last revised 8/21/2026. Evidence and limitations should be interpreted as described in the article.
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