#2768656 - 02/26/12 08:27 PM
Southwester Squirrel (Hunt-n-Eat cooking)
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Poser
14 Point
Registered: 07/28/10
Posts: 8172
Loc: Tennessee
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Enjoyed my last hunt of the 2011 season this morning. I took this old, Fox Squirrel with an impressive 60+ yard, high angle shot:
Took her home, skinned her and decided to do something Southwestern with her so I placed the squirrel in a brine of salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, and added two whole Hatch chilies. (Hatch NM is famous for their chilies. I have a client that lives there and he often sends me bags of dried chilies). If you ever get a chance to get your hands on some Hatch chilies , I highly recommend them for cooking (dried or frozen)and eating (canned salsa). Note that they will light your arse on fire!
Anyway, the Squirrel stayed in the brine for 8 hours and then I assembled a rub consisting of:
Ancho Chili power
Chipotle Chili powder
Smoked Cayenne Pepper
Salt
Rubbed this in thoroughly:
-started the charcoals, let the squirrel come to room temperature, melted a half stick of butter and combined the butter with the rub ingredients.
I then placed the squirrel on the grill for 5 minutes on each side, brushing it with the butter mixture constantly:
After 10 minutes, I took the squirrel off the grill, wrapped it in tin foil with a bit more butter and placed in the over for 15-20 minutes. I served it with Southwestern, veggie style tacos
(no, it wasn't burned, that is just the charred seasonings):
Next, I munched down on it (and it was good eating!) This will definitely be a regular meal for the summer time. Its always fun to hunt, improvise in the kitchen and eat your kill within the same day.
.
_________________________
It doesn't have to be fun to be fun. Wild & crazy, can't be stopped. Only the strong will survive. Keep your knife sharp and your skillet greasy. http://www.GoCarnivore.com
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#2768886 - 02/27/12 07:19 AM
Re: Southwester Squirrel (Hunt-n-Eat cooking)
[Re: Poser]
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tarsalgland
4 Point
Registered: 03/22/10
Posts: 254
Loc: hamilton co.
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looks tasty
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#2769006 - 02/27/12 09:25 AM
Re: Southwester Squirrel (Hunt-n-Eat cooking)
[Re: Hawk]
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Poser
14 Point
Registered: 07/28/10
Posts: 8172
Loc: Tennessee
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I bet it did taste great. How chewy was it? Old fox squirrels are a challenge to make tender. Wonder how that method would work with pheasant? The Hatch peppers are the thing. I spent several days in Santa Fa last fall and they were included in many restaurant recipes. Santa Fa locals call their food New Mexican cooking and get upset if you call it Southwestern. 
I don't see why you couldn't do the same thing with Pheasant, but you might need to wrap it in some bacon to keep it from drying out since there is much more meat.
This squirrel was a little tough, but the taste was excellent. -just a little extra work on the front teeth, no big deal.
_________________________
It doesn't have to be fun to be fun. Wild & crazy, can't be stopped. Only the strong will survive. Keep your knife sharp and your skillet greasy. http://www.GoCarnivore.com
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#2769065 - 02/27/12 10:18 AM
Re: Southwester Squirrel (Hunt-n-Eat cooking)
[Re: Poser]
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jb3
10 Point
Registered: 02/23/09
Posts: 3314
Loc: Burns, TN
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I love beer, but can't do Peroni.
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#2769226 - 02/27/12 12:51 PM
Re: Southwester Squirrel (Hunt-n-Eat cooking)
[Re: jb3]
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Poser
14 Point
Registered: 07/28/10
Posts: 8172
Loc: Tennessee
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I love beer, but can't do Peroni.
I love Peroni and most Italian beers for that matter. -had some left over from the other night when we made pizza.
_________________________
It doesn't have to be fun to be fun. Wild & crazy, can't be stopped. Only the strong will survive. Keep your knife sharp and your skillet greasy. http://www.GoCarnivore.com
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#2769980 - 02/28/12 09:17 AM
Re: Southwester Squirrel (Hunt-n-Eat cooking)
[Re: Poser]
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TennesseeRains
TnDeer Old Timer
16 Point
Registered: 11/21/01
Posts: 12937
Loc: Hixson,TN
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Looks good Poser!
Now - about those veggie tacos - what all did you put in em? I believe I see frejoles, cilantro, maters, and (squash)??? Did you use any spice on them like the squirrel?
_________________________
I don't always eat meat but when I do I prefer deer. Stay hungry my friends-nbforrest#3
To be fair, we can now blame everything on everything else-Wildcat
A nation of sheep breeds a gov't of wolves
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#2769994 - 02/28/12 09:28 AM
Re: Southwester Squirrel (Hunt-n-Eat cooking)
[Re: TennesseeRains]
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Poser
14 Point
Registered: 07/28/10
Posts: 8172
Loc: Tennessee
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Looks good Poser!
Now - about those veggie tacos - what all did you put in em? I believe I see frejoles, cilantro, maters, and (squash)??? Did you use any spice on them like the squirrel?
Yeah, that is yellow squash in there. -Cooked the beans separately and sautéed the squash along with onion, and then added tomato, cilantro, a bit of cheese, and squeezed lime before serving. I'll have to ask my ol' lady about the seasonings, as she was making the tacos while I was dealing with that squirrel, but it was pretty straight forward.
_________________________
It doesn't have to be fun to be fun. Wild & crazy, can't be stopped. Only the strong will survive. Keep your knife sharp and your skillet greasy. http://www.GoCarnivore.com
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#2769996 - 02/28/12 09:31 AM
Re: Southwester Squirrel (Hunt-n-Eat cooking)
[Re: Poser]
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jb3
10 Point
Registered: 02/23/09
Posts: 3314
Loc: Burns, TN
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Poser, something to consider in those veggie tacos is fried avacado. Place here in Nashville does it and it works out perfect.
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#2776696 - 03/06/12 08:32 AM
Re: Southwester Squirrel (Hunt-n-Eat cooking)
[Re: jb3]
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Redfred16
8 Point
Registered: 01/22/12
Posts: 1083
Loc: Hendersonville, TN
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The flavor profile sounds great, but like others said, it had to be tough meat.
I wonder if you slow cook it first, then just crisp up the skin on the grill as the last step?
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Airborne and Air Assault Blood Wings Worn Here
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