In other news, both our does (rabbits) had their babies, one today and one yesterday. They're behaving like typical first time mothers. They have no idea what they're doing. It's kind of nerve wracking for me. One of them is keeping hers in a nice little nest, deep in the straw, but didn't pull any fur for them. We had to pull some for her, but she didn't appreciate it and wanted to bite us. We didn't get enough to help much. The other pulled a ton of fur, and stays in the nest a lot, but isn't keeping them in any kind of group. They're all spread out around the nest box. We've raised litters in all kinds of weather, but I'm not sure if these first timers are going to be successful. I pray that they are. If things go well, I'll try to get some photos up soon.
That's about all there is for now. This weather really gets me in the mood to bake, so I've been in the kitchen pretty regular lately.
Stay tuned for my daughter Molly's art work, and canning venison!
Wow, nice deer! Congratulations, Dan. And to your family who will benefit with all the good venison this winter!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh Patty that animal is beautiful! Congrats to your husband, a very nice bag indeed! And beautiful that all his lovely meat will go to your family instead of an unsporting hunter looking only for the rack... but the rack is a NICE one LOL! My hubby really wants to get in to hunting but sadly has not been able to with being gone all the time, we are so hoping maybe next fall he can get his feet wet, he'll be going to a course our DNR offers next fall, I know he's excited - every time we go back home around Thanksgiving he's beside himself LOL! Don't do like I did the first time I got venison meat - I didn't know what was what years ago and proceeded to chop up 2/3 of a cut for chili meat before I realized I was cutting up FILET MIGNON! Saved the last part and it was the best tasting filet I had ever had, needless to say that batch of chili was sublime :) I have to email this post to my hubby on the ship now, he'll probably cry :)
ReplyDeleteErin, thanks for the warning! We saved the back strap and tender loin. No chance of that going in a stew (or chili). Is filet mignon the tender loin or the back strap? They're both sliced up for some really nice little steaks, any way. I like venison a lot, as long as it's not ground, so we saved everything people usually grind up to can. It should be nice and tender by the time is gets through with 75 minutes in the pressure canner. :) That's my hope any way! I sure hope your hubby gets to hunt next fall, and that he gets to stay home for a good long while!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mama Pea! We've already eaten some of the tender loin and made a stir fry. Oh, and the heart. The heart was a hit with some of the family, but I must say, not my favorite. It's really good meat. Not gamey or too tough for such an old guy! He was about 8 years old.
It must be the tenderloin since it looked just like a beef tenderloin cut, only leaner of course, but what amazed me was that even lean it was SO tender! We did a simple rub of only salt and pepper, seared it quickly in a super hot dry pan, than straight out to the grill to finish - I will never forget it! The next time we did the same and drizzled a little shallot butter over the top. I don't think I've had backstrap if it's not the same thing, although I've heard people raving!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks, Erin, for the great tips! I must confess I know next to nothing about cooking meaat. I seriously disliked most meats for most of my life. I didn't want to learn to cook it growing up, and then I worked as an assistant cook at a camp with vegitarian management. I learned to bake great bread, cook with beans and grains, and make yogurt, but not meat. Super sadly, I usually end up stir frying or crock potting and that's about it. So, now I've got some learning to do! I seriously admire people who know what's what with meat and can cook it well!
ReplyDeleteI make horrible bread - wow we would make a great team LOL!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and I can't believe this deer! What an amazing animal! Did he get the deer in MN? I've not seen a deer that big yet come through our house. My guys will be jealous when I show them the picture. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoying reading your blog...
Hi MamaTea! So nice to meet you here! Yes, he got it in Cook county, MN, near Hovland. There were quite a few big bucks bagged in our area this year. There was at least one with a bigger rack, and at least one that weighed more. I must say we were VERY happy with this one!
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