Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Arrange peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 30 to 45 seconds until warmed. Remove the stems and seeds and puree the flesh in a food processor to a fine powder.

Stir in black pepper and place in a shallow dish. Set aside.

Rinse the quail and pat dry. Sometimes you can buy quail already boned-out, or remove the breastbone by cutting down the bone with a sharp knife and pulling the bone away from the carcass. Rub the quail with lemon juice and brush tops of quail with the olive oil. Sprinkle on the chile pepper mixture and press in gently with your fingers.

Increase oven setting to 325 degrees. Place the quail in a single layer in a large shallow baking pan, breast-side up. Add about 1/8 inch water to the pan. Cover with foil and bake for 3o to 45 minutes, until done.

To prepare sauce: heat oil in a small heavy saucepan. Add shallots, kumquats and jalape