SAM HOUSTON'S SIX MINUTE SORA

(Virginia Rail in background -- Soras have the short bill)

Ingredients:

  • Sora rails (2-3 per person; can substitute with other species)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (lots)
Preparation:

Ease into southeast Louisiana marsh, slowly and with great satisfaction as into high-dollar whirlpool spa. Clothing optional. Catch rails with Harris's hawk; feed hawk rail heads in the field.

Skin rails and remove excess fat. Separate legs and breast (save backs, necks and ribs for call-back meat). Rinse portions, maranade overnight with whole milk in fridge.

When ready to cook: Lightly salt and liberally pepper portions; dust in flour. Melt butter in frying pan on medium-high heat. Fry portions approximately 3 minutes on a side, give or take. Serve hot with wild rice or jambalaya, red wine or cold Abita Amber. Lie about the quality of the flight over dinner.