10/20/2026
🍂✨ **DESERT SKIES QUAIL LLC — RECIPE OF THE WEEK** ✨🍂
**Maple Apple C***r Coturnix Quail with Roasted Butternut Squash & Cranberries**
Bring a little autumn magic to your table! Golden roasted quail, a buttery maple c***r glaze, and colorful roasted squash make this a cozy fall dinner with a dazzling finish. Sweet apples, tart cranberries, and fragrant sage bring it all together. 🍎🌿
**Serves:** 2–4
**Time:** About 1 hour
🛒 **Ingredients**
**For the quail:**
• 4 whole Coturnix quail, thawed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried rubbed sage
**For the autumn vegetables:**
• 3 cups butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 firm apple, cored and cut into thick wedges
• 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
• ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
**For the maple c***r glaze:**
• ¾ cup apple c***r—not apple c***r vinegar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple c***r vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon butter
🍳 **Directions**
**1. Start the squash.**
Heat the oven to **425°F**. Toss the squash and onion with their olive oil, salt, and cinnamon. Spread on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast for **20 minutes**.
**2. Make the glaze.**
Combine the c***r, maple syrup, vinegar, and mustard in a small saucepan. Simmer for **10–15 minutes**, until reduced by about half and lightly syrupy. Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Set aside half for serving.
**3. Prepare the quail.**
Pat the birds dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and sage. Place breast-side up in a lightly oiled baking dish, leaving space between them.
**4. Roast everything.**
Add the apple wedges and cranberries to the squash pan and stir. Put the quail in the oven alongside it. Roast for approximately **18–25 minutes**, brushing the birds with the cooking portion of glaze during the final **5–7 minutes**. Begin checking early; bird sizes vary. Cook until a thermometer reads **165°F** in the thickest breast and inner thigh, without touching bone. Let rest for **5 minutes**. Remove the vegetables when tender and browned.
**5. Make it shine!**
Spoon the roasted squash, apples, onions, and cranberries onto a platter. Nestle the golden quail on top and drizzle with the reserved glaze. Finish with fresh thyme or sage for a beautiful fall centerpiece.
✨ **Cozy serving idea:** Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice to catch that delicious sauce.
From our family farm to your fall table—thank you for supporting **Desert Skies Quail LLC!** 💜