Guest Author - Phyllis Doyle Burns
Deer Season is coming up soon. Be sure to check your state's rules and regulations for any possible changes. When your supply of venison is ready for this winter season I have a really good supper idea for you. Venison Chili and good old fashioned corn bread. Is it time for those chilly night suppers at your house yet? We still have some pretty hot weather in Washoe County Nevada - but, for those of you who cannot wait for a good pot of chili on the table, here you go:
Venison Chili
1 pound ground venison
1 pound pinto beans
1 can black beans
1/2 cup chopped zucchini or other squash (if you choose a hard squash, bake it first till it softens up a little)
3 onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 can stewed tomatoes with green chilies
2 cans tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 Tbsp crushed red peppers
Chili seasoning to taste
3 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Soak pinto beans overnight in enough water to cover. Drain, set aside 1 cup of the liquid. Brown venison, not too long, just lightly browned, in a little butter. Using a heavy dutch oven, add beans, venison and all other ingredients. Simmer at low heat for eight hours or till done, adding a little water if chili becomes too thick. This should feed a family of four to six people - unless you are ravenous!
Corn Bread
1 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 cup milk
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 egg yolk
2 Tbsp butter
Simmer milk just until you see little bubbles begin to form around the edge - do not boil the milk. Remove from heat. Add corneal, salt and butter. Beat egg yolk with the baking powder, stir well and add to milk mixture. Heat oven to 400 degrees, grease 8" X 8" pan and place pan in oven till it is almost hot. Remove pan, pour the batter in right away and return to oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve hot. (putting the batter in the hot pan in this way makes for a really good crust on the cornbread)
If you like things a little spicier, try this recipe for corn bread:
Jalapeno Cheese Cornbread
Make batter as above. Before pouring batter in pan, layer shredded cheddar, sliced jalapenos and more cheddar cheese in bottom of pan. Pour batter over this and bake as above till done. This ought to warm those tummys!
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For your cooking and eating pleasure:
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