Back in early summer, I received an email from author/chef extraordinaire, Georgia Pelligrini to read and review her upcoming new release Girl Hunter, which is due out tomorrow, December 13. Georgia has a fascinating story about how she studied at the French Culinary Institute and found and fostered a desire to learn to hunt and forage for her own fresh food.
Her book is really a step-by-step journey of her foraying into the world of hunting and a cultural look at the different types of people, lifestyles, and game that she encounters. Each chapter details a unique quarry and at the end of each chapter Georgia leaves the reader with 3 or 4 different personal recipes, each which sound amazing.
I found the entire book and Georgia’s story so fascinating and truly enjoyed the read. Georgia was kind enough to leave this one recipe for my readers.
Moroccan Elk Stew
Serves (8)
Also try: beef, lamb, bison, venison, an other antlered game
4 pounds elk shoulder or haunch, cut into cubes
3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons grap see oil or butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 medium-size turnips, peeled and chopped
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2/3 cup dried apricots
2/3cup prunes, pitted
3-4 cups beef or antlered game stock
1. Heat a large, heavy -bottomed pot with oil. In a bowl, toss the elk cubes in the flour, Shake the cubes well and place them in the pot in batches, being sure not to crowd them. Brown them on all sides and transfer to a plate or rack.
2. Put all of the browned meat back in the pan and sprinkle it with the salt, cinnamon, ginger, and pepper. then add the vegetables, garlic, and dried fruit. Pour in enough stock for the meat to be three-quarters covered, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat so the bubbles percolate. Cover and simmer gently for 2 hours, until tender.
Special thanks to Georgia for the opportunity to review her book. Girl Hunter releases tomorrow, December 13th. Make sure to check out Georgia’s blog and pick up your copy of Girl Hunter.
not surprisingly this one has been on my radar.
tried any of the recipes?
how are the hunting stories? the best hunting stories I have ever read were written by a woman who grew up in africa – thrilling stuff. beryl markham “west with the night.”
Mike,
I figured as much. I haven’t had a chance to try any of the recipes. I have a batch of quail and my turkey that I’m going to be doing here around the holidays. I’ll probably do a post on how that all goes.
The hunting stories are good. Having grown up hunting and fishing, Georgia comes from a different background, so it’s interesting seeing how her journey progresses. She tells one story about hunting with a poacher that is surprisingly transparent.
Ben
I’ve had her site bookmarked and on my blogroll for a long time. I’ll have to go get this book. Her site is enjoyable reading and there is no such thing as too many recipes.
I agree Ken. She has some really great stuff on her website. I love seeing good recipes although I find myself getting in a rut once I find something I like. It sure is nice to branch out.
Ben
At first I thought this post was going to be about your pre-married days. Interesting nonetheless!
Ha. Yes, those days are done. Glad you still found the article interesting.
Ben
I will have to pick up this book and give it a read. I know that she has some great recipes for wild game, thanks for the review before Christmas Ben.
Not a problem, Marc. It sure is an interesting read and has some tasty looking recipes.
Ben
“Girl Hunter” should win a Pulitzer Prize. The writing is so tight and the imagery so rich that years of gentrified abstractions are peeled like an onion. Vegans, vegitarians, beware….you are mere adolescents. This is adult stuff. Read it…..be enthralled.
The book would be a bargain at twice the price just for the prose….and the recipies…..oh my!!
Gerry