Venison and Mushroom Ragout on Soft Parmesan Polenta

A ragout is a stew with French roots that’s rich, hearty and pairs slow-cooked meats with vegetables or beans. I’ve mixed in a pile of mushrooms and serve it on top of soft, cheesy polenta. For my Southern friends, feel free to substitute cheese grits for the polenta. If you’re long on venison stew meat,…

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Italian-Seasoned Venison Roast

Most folks don’t think about eating venison meat cold, like any other cold cuts from the local deli. Marinated, seasoned and roasted to medium-rare, it’s as good — no, better — than store-bought sliced meats. Sliced thin and piled high on toasted bread with cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles, now that’s a sandwich! This…

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Broiled Venison Tenderloin

Rick Vonk's Elk Tenderloin

I don’t soak my venison tenderloins in buttermilk, teriyaki sauce or anything else that is supposed to get rid of the gamey flavor. If your tenderloins taste gamey, it’s your own darn fault. This picture is from filming The Sporting Chef TV series with guest, Chef Rick Vonk from Alabama. He made an elk tenderloin…

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Maple Breakfast Sausage with Buttery Red Eye Gravy

homemade venison sausage

It’s been my experience that most folks won’t bother giving a sausage recipe a second look. They think it requires special equipment and a chemistry degree. Grinders, cures and casings — and, really, what are those casings made of anyway? This breakfast sausage recipe is as simple as making venison burgers. Nothing more than a…

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