MISSOULA, Mont.—Through the ages, many cultures developed special rituals meant to bring good luck to hunters. For today’s elk hunter, no sendoff conveys best wishes and confidence like The New Elk Hunter’s Cookbook and Meat Care Guide from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
The 292-page book is a collection of favorite recipes from members of the habitat conservation organization, which has conserved more than 5.6 million acres for elk and other wildlife.
Different versions of elk chili, stew, roast, steak, stroganoff, meat loaf and casseroles are included along with many unique and wonderful recipes such as:
Elk Henley in Puffed Pastry
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
2 pounds elk meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 slices bacon, diced
2 large onions, chunked
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup port wine
6 juniper berries
1 can beef broth
1 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper to taste
1 sheet puffed pastry
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Melt butter in deep skillet. Add elk meat a few pieces at a time and brown. Remove from pan and set aside. Fry bacon until crisp. Set aside with elk. Add onions and mushrooms to pan and cook until golden brown. Stir in flour. Add port, juniper berries, broth and thyme. Bring to a boil. Add elk and bacon and simmer for about 30 minutes. With a slotted spoon, place elk in a greased, deep-sided casserole dish. Continue cooking sauce on medium heat until sauce thickens. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour sauce over elk. Roll out pastry to fit casserole dish and place atop meat mixture. Glaze with an egg glaze, made by beating an egg with tablespoon water. Bake at 400 degrees until crust is golden brown. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
The Elk Foundation cookbook also includes tips on caring for elk meat from field to freezer, aging instructions, essays on enjoying the bounty of a successful hunt, and recipes for various other game and meats plus everything from salads to desserts.
The New Elk Hunter’s Cookbook and Meat Care Guide is $19.95 plus shipping (next-day delivery is available). Order online at www.rmef.org . From the homepage, click “Shop Elk Country,” then “Elk Country Trading Post,” then “Books.”
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
