Pan-Seared Venison with Rosemary and Dried Cherries

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Grind 1 teaspoon rosemary with coriander seeds and garlic with a mortar and pestle to make a paste, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon oil.

   Step 2

   Pat venison dry and put in a bowl, then rub with paste. Season well with pepper, then cover and chill 20 minutes.

   Step 3

   Preheat oven to 450°F.

   Step 4

   Heat a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over high heat until hot, then add remaining teaspoon oil, tilting skillet to coat evenly. Season venison well with salt, then brown, turning once, about 6 minutes total.

   Step 5

   Transfer skillet to middle of oven and roast venison until an instant-read thermometer inserted diagonally into center registers 125°F, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer meat to a plate and cover tightly with foil.

   Step 6

   Add wine and cherries to skillet and deglaze by boiling over moderately high heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits. Stir together broth, water, cornstarch, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon rosemary in a bowl and add to skillet. Simmer, stirring, until mixture is thickened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in jelly and salt and pepper to taste.

   Step 7

   Cut venison into 1/4-inch-thick slices and serve with sauce.