Spiced Rubbed Venison Chop with Cranberry Poha Chutney

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the chutney, place shallots and butter in a saucepan and sweat. Add the rum, cranberries, and tamarind and bring to a boil, flame the liquor and reduce the liquid by half. Add the dry spices and salt and cook until combined. Add the sugar and cook until it liquefies. Add the zests and sherry vinegar and reduce by 2/3. Add the berries and reduce to thick syrup consistency. Adjust the seasonings and set aside.

For the rub, mix the garlic, thyme, rosemary , pepper, coriander , and salt together. Brush the venison with oil and rub in the spices. Sear in a very hot pan with a little olive oil and then roast in the oven to an internal temperature of 135 degrees F. Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

To make the sauce, degrease and deglaze the searing pan with the cranberry brandy mixture. Flame and reduce the brandy, add the stock and reduce to a cream consistency. Whisk in a tablespoon of butter and season with salt and pepper. Strain sauce. Add the mushrooms and fiddlehead ferns and keep warm until ready to serve.

To serve venison , place on large platter and serve with sauce and polenta topped with the chutney.