"Tis the season for venison!

Hunting season opened the week before thanksgiving in Virginia. Since we are in North Carolina, why does it matter when hunting season opened in Virginia? I was born and raised in Virginia. My parents still live there and my dad hunts ALMOST every day of the season. He killed 2 deer already and having visited over the holiday weekend, we brought some home to freeze. I feel very fortunate to have a resource (Dad). It's better than store bought and cheaper too.

I grew up on the stuff and I love it. What do we do with it? Well my favorite recipe of all is to follow Julia Child's recipe for Boeuf Bourguignon. I even served it at a private party for 150 people and even though it was labeled, people didn't see the label and many people who swear they do not eat venison, loved it. Better yet, hunters who eat venison all the time told us that it was the best they had ever eaten.

What else do we do with it? Venison Stew, Venison Jerky (my niece J.J.'s husband Chris makes the best), Venison ground up in everything from Spaghetti to Sloppy Joes, Venison Barley Soup, Venison Mushroom Soup, Marinated Grilled Venison Kabobs, Venison Sausage, Venison ala Mode, Venison Roast, Stuffed Venison Roast, Venison Chili, Venison Daube, Venison Steaks, Venison Chops, Venison medallions, Venison Braised in Balsamic Vinegar, Venison Enchiladas, Venison Burritos. That's enough to get you cooking!

My everyday Venison Stew Recipe:



2 pounds venison stew meat


1 small onion, peeled


Several sprigs of parley, thyme and 1 bay leaf


3 tablespoons olive oil


2 cups chopped onions


1 cup chopped celery


1 cup chopped carrots


1 tablespoon chopped garlic


1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme


2 bay leaves


1/4 cup flour


4 cups stock


4 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed


4 carrots, peeled and sliced


3 T butter


1/4 cup flour


Salt and black pepper


Crusty bread


Pressure cook venison with onion and herbs, with enough water to cover under pressure for 30 minutes. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can simmer; it will just take alot longer. Cool, strain, reserving stock. Shred venison. Saute onions, celery and carrots in olive oil until onions are translusent. Add garlic and cook a minute longer. Add to venison and stock. Add potatoes, carrots, thyme and bay leaves. Cook until potatoes and carrots are done. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make a roux with butter and flour stirring until lightly browned. Add to venison off the heat and whisk in to remove lumps. Serve with bread for dipping.

Another great recipe for venison can be found on our recipe-of-the-week: Veni son Bourguignon

I realize that everyone doesn't have access to venison and lots of people have an opinion about it, but I know, if you like beef, you'll like these recipes. The deer populations, at least in our area, are a are huge and a real menace. We have a compound around the vineyard to keep them out. Too bad my husband doesn't hunt because it would help in reducing the population and keep good food on the table. In the meantime, enjoy these recipes for venison and if you want recipes from the list above, do not hesitate to ask.



About the author:

Peggy Bloodworth left a high-tech sales VP job entertaining clients around the world for a personal chef & catering business in RTP, NC. More party ideas, recipes & menus can be found on her website swank website. She maintains a large garden & vineyard. Menus are well researched, recipes are mostly original and the ingredients are fresh, organic & frequently from her garden.