Name: Pheasant Pie
Yield: Serves 6 generously
Ingredients: three 2- to 2 1/2-pound pheasants* (preferably hens, which come with feet attached); 1 tablespoon whole juniper berries; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms**; 1 cup hot water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 large shallots, chopped fine; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps quartered; 1/2 pound white mushrooms, sliced; 3/4 cup gin; 3/4 cup dry white wine; about 6 cups pheasant stock; 3 celery ribs, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices; 3/4 pound turnips (about 4 medium), peeled and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices; 10 ounces pearl onions, blanched in boiling water 3 minutes and peeled; 3/4 pound baby carrots (about 3 cups); 4 tablespoons cornstarch stirred together with 1/4 cup cold water; 2 puff pastry sheets (from one 171/4-ounce package frozen puff pastry sheets), thawed, unfolded, and chilled in one layer on a tray; an egg wash made by beating 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon water; *available at some butcher shops; **available at specialty foods shops and some supermarkets

When making the following dish, start one or two days ahead to allow time for marinating the pheasant and making stock. The extra time involved, much of it unattended, is necessary to develop the rich flavors of this savory pie.

For those who want to forgo the pheasant, the pie would also be delicious (and less time-consuming) made with chicken. Substitute 1 pound chicken thighs, 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts, and chicken broth; marinate the chicken and prepare the pie in the manner outlined below.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Spiced Meatballs With Golden Raisin–Pistachio Pilaf

Spiced, tender meatballs get cooked atop a bed of rice pilaf speckled with pistachios and plump golden raisins in this quick, one-pot dinner.