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Food

#6/62: Venison Stew Recipe

February 11, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

My husband was a very successful deer hunter this past fall/winter and as a result we have venison in the freezer. I’ve never cooked venison before and was a little hesitant. Always heard venison tastes “gamey”. So I started off with venison stew, figured all the flavors and vegetables would cover any gamey taste. To my surprise it taste identical to beef stew!

Venison Stew recipe
Venison Stew

We are a big fan of  jerky and the dehydrator has been going pretty much non-stop. ( I love deer jerky, but that’s another post) With so much meat, and beef prices going through the roof, I thought venison would be better used to stretch our meat budget.

I’m pretty confident with soup and stews, so it was a natural transition. Was it a success? Would I be posting it here if it wasn’t? My daughter loved it so much she would eat two bowls at each sitting. Needless to say there was no left overs. Venison stew really tastes like beef stew.

Venison Stew recipe
Venison Stew recipe

The following recipe is a guideline. I’m a dash of this and a dash of that type of cook. Pour some of this in, a little of this, a little more, and…that looks good. So use your own judgement, get creative and feel free to substitute.

Venison Stew Recipe

  • 3-4 lbs venison (cubed into 1/2-1″ pieces)
  • 32 oz beef stock (homemade from shank leg bones)
  • 16 oz potato stock (water left over from boiling potatoes)
  • 20 oz can tomato sauce
  • Olive oil for browning
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 stalks celery
  • 1 frozen bag mixed soup vegetables
  • 3 potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 3 TBSP dried parsley
  • 1 tsp seasoning salt
  • 1 TBSP black pepper

Directions

1. Cube the venison, season well with seasoning salt and pepper

2. Pour 2 TBSP olive oil in skillet, sear & brown venison, do not cook all the way through.

3. Place browned venison in large stock pot

4. Alternate placing venison, vegetables, and seasonings in stock pot.

5. Add liquids and stir thoroughly

6. Heat to boiling

7. Set to LOW and simmer for 3-4 hours and stir occasionally.

8. The venison stew can be cooked, or left on low for many more hours as the flavors continue to blend. In only improves with time.

In the past few years I have learned to love the taste of deer meat. In Eastern Nebraska corn fed whitetail tastes just like Angus beef. Western Nebraska mule deer fed on sage need a little different seasonings and preparation. So my mother-in-law bought me a wild game cookbook.

If you don’t have home grown venison harvested by your favorite hunter with a rifle, muzzle loader, or bow then you can order venison or other wild game online.

The Sporting Chef’s Better Venison CookbookReal Meat Venison Jerky Dog Treats (12 oz)Buffalo Bills 10oz 100% Farm Raised 7Gourmet Game Steaks – Avg 2 LB Case (all sizes are approximate)Venison Medallions – 3 pieces, 4 oz eaVenison Ground Meat – 1 lb

More Soup and Stew Recipes

  • Another Venison Stew Recipe
  • Clean Out the Refrigerator Chicken Soup
  • Rainy Day Soup
  • Chicken Noodle Vegetable Soup
  • Homemade Clam Chowder

Filed Under: Food, Project 52 Tagged With: cooking, country, deer, Food, hunting, kitchen, living off the land, natural, recipe, rural, soup, soup and stews, stew, venison, venison stew, wildlife

Recipe for Chocolate Covered Cherries that Taste Amazing

January 29, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Anything covered in chocolate is divine, and chocolate cherries were my Dad’s favorite candy.

Learn how to make chocolate covered cherries at home. Perfect for a couples Valentines gift to each other. Or make as a special Galentines gift to yourself.

Enjoy my recipe for gourmet chocolate covered cherries in honor of National Chocolate Day, National Candy Day, or Valentines Day (hey you pick, I don’t need an excuse for chocolate)

Even people who don’t normally like chocolate covered cherries LOVE mine. You can leave the stems on, or buy stemless maraschino cherries. You can leave the stems on, or buy stemless maraschino cherries.

I normally make candies at Christmas, but homemade gourmet chocolate covered cherries are perfect for any special occasion.

homemade recipe for chocolate covered cherries

You don’t rush making these chocolate candies, the process of rolling the cherries and dipping takes time.

So enjoy, I don’t think mine will make it to Valentines Day

The Best Recipe for Gourmet Chocolate Covered Cherries

Ok, this is not my “own” recipe, but one I found on AllRecipes.  But I have a few secrets in making the process faster and easier.

The first is buying quality ingredients, which means no skimping on chocolate and using “real” butter and sugar.

The first is buying quality ingredients, that means no skimping on chocolate and using “real” butter and sugar.

  • 30 Royal Harvest maraschino cherries (one jar)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons corn syrup
  • 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 pound chocolate confectioners’ coating (I use Ghiradelli melting wafers)

Ok, this is not my “own” recipe, but one I found on AllRecipes.  But I have a few secrets in making the process faster and easier.

Secret Instructions on Making Chocolate Covered Cherries

Ok, there isn’t a secret to making chocolate covered cherries, just a few tips. First, gather your supplies. You will want to use really good chocolate.

If you’re going to go to all the effort why use plain almond bark. So get yourself some Ghiradelli Melting wafers, and try not to eat them during the process.

Cute Valentine Gnomes Couples Mug
Cute Valentine Gnomes Couples Mug
by ndjmom

The best chocolate melting method is double boiler!

Why, because perfect melting chocolate needs to melt slowly, not under high heat in a microwave. If chocolate gets too hot it then congeals and gets lumpy. You don’t want lumpy chocolate. Put about an inch of water in the bottom pan and set your burner to medium. The water should not boil.

Then when you are ready to wrap and package to it to impress with red candy foils and cute little candy boxes.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Melting Wafers (for Candy MakingGhirardelli Chocolate Melting Wafers (for Candy MakingNordic Ware Universal 8 Cup Double BoilerNordic Ware Universal 8 Cup Double Boiler

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherries

  1. Drain cherries and set on paper towels to dry. (liquid will also lump chocolate
  2. In a medium bowl, combine butter and corn syrup until smooth.
  3. Stir in confectioners’ sugar and knead to form a dough. Chill to stiffen if necessary.
  4. Next, pinch off a teaspoon bit of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten in your palm
  5. Wrap each cherry in about 1 teaspoon of dough. Gather the excess sugar dough on the ends and pinch off. You want the thinnest layer of sugar paste around the cherry without any juice seeping through
  6. Place on waxed paper or parchment paper and place in the freezer to chill for one hour or until firm.
  7. Melt confectioners’ coating in a heavy saucepan over med heat. (see above)
  8. Dip each cherry and place on waxed paper lined sheets.
  9. Chill until completely set (trying not to eat them in the process)
  10. Wrap in candy foil wrappers
  11. Lastly, store in an airtight container in a cool place.
  12. Best after 1 or 2 weeks when the sugar paste melts and merges with the cherry juice. (yeah, if they last that long!)
Make chocolate covered cherries at home. This chocolate covered cherry recipe is perfect for a couples Valentines gift to each other. Or make as a special Galentines gift to yourself.

Don’t have the patience, or time, or ambition to try them yourself, then you can buy gourmet chocolate covered cherries and no one will complain. They make a great gift for Valentines Day, or just as an indulgent candy treat.

Where to Buy Gourmet Chocolate Covered Cherries

Maraschino Cherries - Belgian Chocolate Covered Cherries - 24 pieceMaraschino Cherries – Belgian Chocolate Covered Cherries – 24 pieceShari's Berries - 20 Hand-Dipped Classic Cherries - 20 Count - Gourmet Baked Good GiftsShari’s Berries – 20 Hand-Dipped Classic Cherries – 20 Count – Gourmet Baked Good GiftsDouble Dipped Chocolate Cherries 1/2 Lb Box Mix- Milk & Dark ChocolateDouble Dipped Chocolate Cherries 1/2 Lb Box Mix- Milk & Dark ChocolateShari's Berries - 4 Caramel Pretzels and 20 Hand-Dipped Cherries - 24 Count - Gourmet Baked Good GiftsShari’s Berries – 4 Caramel Pretzels and 20 Hand-Dipped Cherries – 24 Count – Gourmet Baked Good Gifts

Enjoy! If you make these I’d love to hear how your own homemade chocolate covered cherries came out and if they were as good as you expected.

If you like this then you’ll LOVE my homemade chocolate covered strawberries recipe! It’s even easier.

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: almond bark, candy, Cherry, chocolate, chocolate covered cherries, chocolate day, cooking, Food, Home, Project 52, recipe, snacks, treats, Valentines Day

Day 312: Cinnamon Rolls

November 24, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Normally I like the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in a tube, you know the ones found in the dairy case. Homemade cinnamon rolls can be too sticky and sweet for me, I like the bread texture.

image

Now I have found a better substitute, Rhodes cinnamon rolls. We had them in church and they were fantastic. It you remember to take them out the night before you can fix them in the morning, otherwise the “fast” ride method in the oven works in just 1 1/2 hours. Delicious!!!

If you love Cinnamon Rolls you can even get cinnamon bun flavored lip gloss. That way you can enjoy the taste all day long whenever you like. I do know a few people who might actually buy this. In fact it would be a good Christmas stocking gift for my boys.

Pillsbury Lip Balm: Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Roll Recipes

Cinnamon Roll And Sticky Bun Recipes To Make Mornings Sweeter

There’s a lot to love about breakfast. Between the French toast, the bacon and the many ways with eggs, it’s no wonder that we want to eat breakfast for each and every meal. And we haven’t even gotten to the best of the morning pastries: cinnamon rolls …

Lazy Cook’s Cinnamon Rolls

Active Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Makes: 8 rolls. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature; 6 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; All-purpose flour, for work surface; 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed …

Super soft cinnamon rolls recipe

She said, “Mom, you know what the secret is to them being so soft and moist? The addition of heavy whipping cream during baking process.” So give it a try for your self and let me know how you like our new cinnamon rolls recipe with the trick by our …

Multigrain Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | Taste of Home

This simple and easy-to-work with recipe is sure to become a family favorite. And the wholesome cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen with a wonderful, warm aroma. —Judy Eddy, Baldwin City, Kansas.

Cinnamon Rolls « bakerella.com

I love cinnamon rolls and this weekend these were the perfect comfort food. Or comfort dessert that is. Dough swirled with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Yes, yes. yes. These are basic cinnamon rolls … basic yum … with …

Ninety Minute Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Allrecipes.com

Make soft and sweet homemade cinnamon rolls the quick and easy way with this recipe that uses quick rising dough to make the perfect kid-friendly treat.

Filed Under: Food, Project 365 Tagged With: baking, breakfast, cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, cooking, Food, Product Review, recipes, rhoades, sweets, tradition

Day 311: Prepping For Thanksgiving

November 24, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

How to Prepare for Thanksgiving Dinner

How to make a bacon and butter basted turkey for thanksgivingOne of my joys during the year is planning Thanksgiving dinner. My kids love eating my moist delicious turkey wrapped in bacon. You can find the recipe here.

I start shopping for Thanksgiving several weeks before the holiday. Why? Because shopping for Thanksgiving can be expensive. The biggest turkeys are gone first and who wants a 12 lb turkey? My perfect sized turkey is about 18-20 lbs.

What else is on my list as I’m preparing Thanksgiving dinner?

Here is my shopping list for Thanksgiving. This is mainly for my kids who someday will need to fix Thanksgiving for their families.

  • 18-20 lb Fresh Turkey
  • 1 lb of bacon
  • Two pounds of butter (need one lb just for the turkey)
  • Vanilla
  • 18 eggs
  • 2 prepared pie crusts
  • 2 tubes crescent rolls
  • 5 lbs of potatoes
  • 1 can of cranberry jelly
  • 3 boxes StoveTop Stuffing
  • 3 lbs apples
  • 3 lbs onions
  • 1 package of dried cranberries
  • Mushrooms
  • 3 cans of green beans
  • Cream of Mushroom soup
  • FRENCH’S Crispy Fried Onions.
  • Spices
    • Sage
    • Thyme
    • Lawrys Seasoning Salt
    • Grinder Pepper

When Is Thanksgiving?

It never fails. Every year I still get the question Mom? When is Thanksgiving?” Thanksgiving is ALWAYS the third Thursday of November kids. Look at your calendar. Now let me get back to planning thanksgiving dinner so you can feed your belly.

preparing thanksgiving dinner

Thanksgiving Holiday Decorations

As I’m planning Thanksgiving I set the table the day before. It saves time and stress on Thanksgiving Day to relax and visit with family. I break out my China and good silverware.

 

Yes, I set a traditional Thanksgiving table. I put in all the leaves and gather chairs from all over the house. My family is small compared to friends with extended families.  Since our nuclear family is small, usually 6-8 people, we can all gather in the dinning room.

All the food goes on the table, the Turkey taking center stage and dishes getting passed. We don’t eat buffet style on Thanksgiving. I get a new tablecloth and napkins every Thanksgiving and it’s not easy to find a 72″ table cloth.

I’ve learned a few secrets to setting a large dining table. Use TWO Table cloths overlapping each other.

Use two ta

 

Filed Under: Food, Project 365 Tagged With: baking, cooking, Food, good eats, Holidays, thanksgiving, tradition

Day 286: Chocolate Cupcake

November 10, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

image

Heavenly delight, a chocolate chocolate cupcake, yum! What’s better is I didn’t have to make these myself, my step daughter did for a friends birthday.

Filed Under: Food, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, baking, chocolate, cooking, delicious, dessert, Food, frosting, phone pic, project365, snacks

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