The shallot marinade is good with any game bird or poultry. Instead of almonds and almond oil, you can use your favorite nuts and nut oil. Plus: More Chicken Recipes and Tips
How to Make It
In a shallow baking dish, combine the wine with the olive oil, shallots and garlic. Add the quail, turn to coat and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the almond oil with the sherry vinegar and mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
In a small skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of almond oil. Add the almonds and cook over moderate heat until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate to cool.
Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Remove the quail from the marinade and scrape off most of the shallots and garlic. Season the quail with salt and pepper and grill, breast side down, over a hot fire or high heat until nicely charred, about 3 minutes. Turn and grill until the breast is pink throughout, about 1 1/2 minutes more. Transfer the quail to a plate.
In a medium bowl, toss the chicories with the almonds and pear. Add half of the vinaigrette and toss well. Mound the salad on plates, set a quail on top and drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette.