Copius
Amourettes (spinal marrow), drawn for Copius

Amourettes (spinal marrow)

Amourettes

Latin nameBos taurus / Ovis aries (medulla spinalis)
FamilyCuts of meat
OriginThe spinal canal of veal and lamb
Season (France)All year
FlavourCreamy · Delicate · Mild
Typical price (France)10–18 €/kg

What it is

Not bone marrow but spinal cord — a long soft white rope, poached and cut into short batons for fritots and for the financière garnish of the classical repertoire. BSE closed the beef trade in it: bovine spinal cord over twelve months is specified risk material, so what remains on the counter is veal and lamb.

In the kitchen

Soak an hour in cold water, then slip the fine outer membrane off with your fingers before poaching seven or eight minutes in vinegared water. Any longer and they go to paste — they hold their shape only just.

Goes with

Butter Lemon Parsley Capers Button mushroom Sercial Madeira Egg Black truffle

Same species

Abura-kasu Spider steak Bastourma Flank steak Beef Beef cheek

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