CALF'S LIVER WITH SHALLOT AND WINE PAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Sprinkle the flour and a pinch of salt on a piece of wax paper. Dredge the liver, cut into two pieces if it is large, in the flour. Heat 1 teaspoon of the butter in a small heavy skillet over moderately high heat. When it starts to sizzle, drop the liver into the pan. Sauté quickly, still over quite high heat, for about 1 minute on each side, then remove to a plate. Clean out the burned butter left in the pan, let the pan cool a little, and melt the remaining butter over moderate heat. Toss in the shallot. Cook, stirring, until it softens, and splash a little wine into the pan. Let it reduce quickly and then add another splash and return the liver to the pan. Cook to warm through. Check to see if the liver is done to your liking by cutting into a piece; I like it still rosy. Salt and pepper the liver lightly, remove to a warm plate, spooning the shallot and pan sauce over it, and sprinkle parsley on top.
• I find the usual supermarket-packaged piece of liver too big for me so I set aside a piece, about 2 ounces, to make an unusual and delicious pasta (see page 182).