BAKED SQUIRREL
Mom often fixed fried squirrel, and when served with side dishes of biscuits, milk gravy made with the drippings from the squirrel, sweet potatoes and turnip greens, it was among my favorite meals. However, I liked her baked squirrel even better, and the recipe below will work just as well for rabbit, a young ‘coon or muskrat. I realize some folks might turn up a dainty nose at the latter two, but let me assure you both are exceptionally clean animals that can make mighty fine fare.
- 2 (or more) squirrels, dressed
- Cold water to cover
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (more if you have more than 2 squirrels)
- 1 tablespoon butter per squirrel
Cover the squirrel with cold water in a large saucepan. Add the baking soda and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, pour off the water and rinse thoroughly under running water to remove any baking soda. Return to the pan and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue until tender.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer squirrels to a baking dish, dot with the butter and bake until brown and crusty.
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In company with his late wife, Ann, Jim Casada wrote a number of cookbooks focusing on game or foods from the wild. One of those, The Complete Venison Cookbook, is available from him or the Sporting Classics Store. Jim’s next book, Fishing for Chickens: A Smokies Food Memoir, is due out from the University of Georgia Press in mid-2022. He is currently taking advance reservations for copies. To reserve a copy or learn more about his many other books, include his recent multi-award winning A Smoky Mountain Boyhood: Memories, Musings, and More, visit his website at www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com or e-mail him at jimcasada@comporium.net.
Hundreds of kitchen-tested recipes make this cookbook your answer to a table of hungry hunters or out-of-town guests! Even the choosiest of eaters will enjoy the savory variety of recipes from crockpot cookery to venison on the grill.
Deer hunters and popular culinary creators Jim and Ann Casada have personally tested these recipes in their own home, assuring you of quality, delicious venison dishes. From traditional favorites to more exotic recipes, you’ll enjoy every venison dish imaginable, including: Stir fry, French dip, Fajitas, Kabobs, Piccata, Sloppy Joes, Lasagna, Ribs, Meatballs, Jerky and hundreds more! Buy Now
