Ann Kerney's Pan Seared Squab with Rice Dressing

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add 1/2 cup onions. Season with salt and pepper. Saute for 1 minute. Add the rice, stir to coat and cover with 2 cups chicken stock and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until the rice is just tender, al dente. Remove from the heat and cool. Cut up the gizzards and hearts and place in a sauce pan. Add 1 cup chicken stock, 1 bay leaf and crushed garlic. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until tender and strain. Clean all the livers free of veins and pat dry on paper towels. In a saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon butter until smoking. Season the livers with salt and pepper. Add the livers and quickly sear them on both sides. Remove the livers from the pan and set aside. Add the remaining 1/4 cup onions, celery and garlic to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the brown particles from the pan as the vegetables wilt. Remove the pan from the heat and add the brandy. Deglaze the pan and cook until the alcohol burns off. Set aside and cool. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the cooked gizzards, hearts, livers, and vegetable mixture. Puree until smooth. Season the squabs with salt and pepper. In a ovenproof saute pan, heat the remaining oil. When the oil is smoking, add the squabs, skin side down, and sear for 2 minutes. Flip the squabs over and place in the oven. Roast for about 8 minutes or until golden and internal temperature is medium. In a large saute pan, combine the rice, liver mixture, and remaining stock. Saute until the mixture is heated through. Reseason if necessary. Stir in the green onions and parsley. In another saute pan, melt the remaining butter. Add the carrots and beans. Season with salt and pepper. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. To serve, mound the rice in the center of each plate. Lay the squabs on top of the rice. Arrange the vegetables around the rice. Spoon the Port Reduction sauce over the squab and serve. Yield : 4 servings