HIGHLAND MEATBALLS WITH MUSTARD AND WHISKY SAUCE

Steps:

• * If you substitute ground turkey or chicken, then season the poultry mix with thyme and sage and omit the coriander.
• TO MAKE THE MEATBALLS: Soak the crumbled bread in the milk for 15 minutes or until softened. Squeeze out the excess moisture and transfer the soaked bread to a food processor al ong with the egg, thyme, rosemary and coriander.
• Process until combined, then add the cooked onions, 2/3's of the meat, salt and pepper to taste, and process until blended.
• Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the remaining meat and mix with your hands.
• Roll the meat into thirty two 1 1/2-inch meatballs, then roll the meatballs in the dry bread crumbs, coating all sides.
• TO COOK THE MEATBALLS AND MAKE THE SAUCE: In a 6- to 7-quart casserole, over moderate heat, heat the vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter.
• In two batches, brown the meatballs making sure they are crisp on all sides. When they are brown, remove them with a slotted spoon to a plate.
• Add the shallots to the remaining fat in the casserole and saute for a couple of minutes or until tender.
• Add the garlic and mushrooms and saute for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender.
• Add the whiskey and boil, scraping up the juices on the bottom of the casserole into the whiskey and simmer for a minute or so or until the whiskey has almost evaporated.
• Add the mustard and the flour and cook for a minute. Add 2 cups of the beef broth and bring it to a simmer, whisking all the while. Add the bay leaf and simmer for a couple of minutes.
• Adjust the seasoning and return the meatballs to the sauce (the dish can be made a day or two in advance up to this point). Simmer the meatballs, uncovered, to heat them and finish cooking them while you make the vegetable garnish.
• TO MAKE THE VEGETABLE GARNISH: In a separate 12-inch skillet over moderate heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter.
• Add the carrots, sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup of beef broth. Cover and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes or until partially cooked.
• Add the leeks, celery and parsnips and 3/4 cup of water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes longer or until the vegetables are tender.
• Uncover the skillet, evaporate the liquid over high heat until the vegetables are glazed. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• TO SERVE THE DISH: Discard the bay leaf. Spoon the meatballs onto a plate and top with mushrooms and gravy.
• Scatter glazed vegetables over the meatballs and garnish with the parsley.
• Serve with boiled potatoes or rice.