Venison Stronganoff

Jake Fall 2014

Meet my husband the deer whisper!  Jake and I have known each  other for 11 years and since the day I met him I was well aware of his love for nature and all things outdoorsy! From backyard bonfires and water skiing to running around the lake and camping, it is safe to say we like to be outside more than in. But one activity that is solely Jake’s thing is his passion for hunting! 

Jake is no casual hunter and at first I didn't understand his obsession for this sport.  Through the years I have grown to appreciate it. I have spent time accompanying Jake on his hunts and I am amazed at the amount patience and skill that it takes to be able to harvest wild game.  (I have very little of either!)

Quality time in a tree

For instance, did you know that many serious hunters do not just walk into the woods and wait for the deer to arrive.  Months before the season even opens, a hunter must apply for licenses and tags to hunt. Many serious hunters spend time scouring the forest scouting for signs of animal activity.  They thoughtfully consider where they will place tree stands or which timber to hunt. They analyze and agonize over pictures from trail cams.   These pictures tell a story - a hunter may discover that a doe that has been visiting their timber is the mother of three young fawns that depends on her for their development. This helps hunters to take care in selecting which animal they will harvest, often passing many others in the process. There is so much more that goes into it but you get the jest.

Homemade ground venison

I completely understand that eating wild game is not everyone’s forte.  I grew up eating venison. If not for having a father that also had an affection for the outdoors, I am not sure I would have acquired a taste for it.   I use the word acquired because if not properly cured or processed game meat can have a unique taste. Admittedly, I  almost prefer venison over beef. Plus, venison is very lean and packed with nutrients making it a healthy red meat option!

Homemade venison sausage & snack sticks 

Venison is not easy to come by and from September to January I often find myself a Hunter's Widow.  While Jake spends his weekends in a tree stand, I spend my time dreaming up what tasty meals I can create using wild game!  As much as Jake is out to get a trophy (he already has three hanging in the man cave) when it comes down to it, hunting for our family is not about the trophy.  We have become a unit that relies on Jake’s harvest to provide meat for us throughout the year. And now that we are "real adults" with a mortgage, saving money on groceries is welcomed! We've also learned how to process our own venison, not only saving us locker cost but also allowing us to control what goes into our food!  Here is my most recent recipe makeover!  One of our new favorites! Venison Stroganoff -  try it with beef stew meat if you are not a fan of wild game!

Venison Stroganoff over Zoodles

Paleo Venison Stroganoff

Ingredients

6 oz. venison stew meat

2 tsp. coconut oil

1/2 onion (chopped)

1 clove of garlic (chopped)

2 cups sliced mushrooms

8 oz. chicken broth

2 Tablespoons arrowroot powder (cornstarch if not Paleo)

1/2 cup full fat coconut cream (turn the can upside down for a few hours then drain off the liquid - it will look like sour cream)
2 zucchini (spiralized)

Directions
1. Sear venison in heated coconut oil.
2. Braise venison, onions, and garlic for 30 - 45minutes in 3/4 of the chicken broth.
3. Add mushrooms.  Continue to simmer until they are soft and a thick sauce begins to form.
4.  Turn off the stove.
5. In a bowl combine the coconut cream, arrowroot powder, and remaining broth. Add this to the  venison and mushroom mixture. (only add broth if needed otherwise your sauce will lose its consistency) 
6.  Serve over zucchini noodles.
7.  Enjoy!