Big Apple Slices with Seared Foie Gras

Ingredients
  • 4 (1/3-inch thick) slices NY State apples, such as McIntosh, Macouns, or Stearns
  • 4 (2-ounce) portions foie gras, any visible veins removed, approximately 1/3-inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 ounces applejack (beverage)
  • 1 ounce veal stock
  • 1 tablespoon cold butter
  • 4 tablespoons candied nuts (preferably bought on the streets of NYC)
  • 2 ounces watercress
Instructions

1. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high.

2. Place the apples in the grill pan and cook the apples for 2 minutes on each side, allowing for a quarter turn on each side. Reserve on a warm plate until needed.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the foie gras evenly with the salt, white pepper, and sugar. Sear the foie gras for 30 seconds on each side to achieve a golden brown color. Reserve the foie gras on the plate with the apples.

4. Add the applejack to the hot pan and let it reduce to 1 tablespoon. Add the veal stock and reduce by half. Whisk in the cold butter. Place the grilled apples on a plate. Place a small bunch of watercress in the center of each apple ring. Place a portion of foie gras leaning against the watercress and drizzle with the sauce.

5. Garnish each plate with 1 tablespoon of the candied nuts.