Wayfinder's Galley

Main Dish

Barbacoa Venison Tacos

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This simple and delicious Barbacoa Venison is a great way to turn those tougher cuts of meat into juicy, flavorful tacos.

This simple and delicious Barbacoa Venison is a great way to turn those tougher cuts of meat into juicy, flavorful tacos.

What is Barbacoa Venison?

Barbacoa is a Mexican dish typically reserved for tougher cuts of meat that require slow cooking.  Traditionally this recipe uses beef, but it also works great with venison roasts. Although it is technically time-consuming, it is very simple to prepare.  Barbacoa is also great option for large gatherings and is often a crowd pleaser.

This simple and delicious Barbacoa Venison is a great way to turn those tougher cuts of meat into juicy, flavorful tacos.

Ingredients for Barbacoa Venison Taco

 

How to make Barbacoa Venison

Cut the roast into chunks.  Cut your roast into roughly 3-4 inch cubes.

Season the Roast.  Rub the venison roast chunks with a liberal amount of Mexene Chili Powder. 

Brown the Roast.  Coat a cast iron skillet with oil and sear all sides of the roast chunks. 

Add Ingredients to Crock Pot. Add the browned roast chunks, sliced onion, minced garlic, and peppers to crock pot.

Cook Low and Slow. Place the crock pot on low and allow to cook for 8-9 hours.

Shred, Dice, and Serve. Shred the meat, dice all ingredients, and serve on warm tortilla shells.  Top with fresh lime juice, chopped onions and cilantro, and cheese.

This simple and delicious Barbacoa Venison is a great way to turn those tougher cuts of meat into juicy, flavorful tacos.

Tips for the Best Barbacoa Venison Tacos

Sear the venison roast. Searing the roast before adding it to the crock pot is a critical step for both flavor and texture.  Don’t skip this.

Dice the shredded venison. The next critical step is at the end of the process.  A lot of recipes just recommend shredding the meat and that does work.    However, I find that this makes for a sloppier eating experience.  Remove the venison from the pot and place on a cutting board.  Shred the roast and then dice the meat in a cross-cut method (right to left, then bottom to top).  This allows you to take clean bites without pulling meat and toppings out of the taco and creating such a mess.

Top with fresh ingredients.  I like to use shredded cheese, fresh chopped onions and cilantro, and a squeeze of lime on these tacos.  The meat has plenty of flavor so I don’t find the need for any sauces.

Barbacoa Venison Tacos

This simple and delicious Barbacoa Venison is a great way to turn those tougher cuts of meat into juicy, flavorful tacos.

Ingredients

  • 2lb venison roast
  • 1, 7 oz can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • Mexene chili powder
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • ½ stick of butter
  • 2 tbsp Avocado or olive oil
  • 1 onion
  • 1 sprig cilantro
  • Corn tortillas
  • Fresh limes
  • Shredded Mexican-Style cheese

Instructions

  1. Cut your roast into roughly 3-4 inch cubes and rub
    the chunks with a liberal amount of Mexene Chili Powder. 
  2. Add approximately 2 tbsp of avocado oil (or olive oil) to a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Sear rubbed roast cubes on each side.
  3. Add the roast, 1/2 sliced onion, 1 tsp of minced garlic, and the can of chipotle peppers to the crock pot. Place the crock pot on low and allow to cook for 8-9 hours.
  4. Once the meat is done cooking, remove the roast, peppers, and onions (leaving any juices) to a cutting board. Shred and dice the meat along with the onions and peppers before adding back to the pot.
  5. Heat your tortillas in a cast iron skillet for roughly 20-30 seconds on each side.
  6. Dice the remaining half onion with cilantro. Cut a lime into wedges.
  7. Add the barbacoa to the warm tortillas. Top with diced onions and cilantro, shredded cheese, and fresh squeezed lime juice. Enjoy!
© Cody
Category: Main Dish

Other Venison Meals

Nashville Hot Deer Nuggets

Smothered Venison Backstrap

Other Taco Meals

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Chori Pollo Tacos

Air Fryer Wild Turkey Poppers

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These 5-ingredient air fryer turkey poppers are a great appetizer that can be ready in under 30 minutes!

These 5-ingredient air fryer turkey poppers are a great appetizer that can be ready in under 30 minutes!

That’s right!! No rising flames due to grease and no rotating required.  Simply wrap these up and pop them in the air fryer and out comes crispy, perfectly cooked wild turkey poppers! These are great as appetizers for cook outs and parties or you can eat them as a meal.  Here’s a bit of personal advice. If your wife is talking and taking forever to finish her food, that does not mean that she’s finished.  Do not eat the last popper that’s been sitting on her plate, no matter how long its been! These are delicious but resist all temptation. It’s been years, and every time I make poppers I hear about it. 😂

Ingredients for Wild Turkey Poppers

  • Bacon
  • Wild Turkey Breast
  • Cream Cheese
  • Pepperoncini Peppers (sliced)

These 5-ingredient air fryer turkey poppers are a great appetizer that can be prepped and ready in under 30 minutes!

How to Make Air Fryer Wild Turkey Poppers

  • Cut wild turkey breast into strips. This is personal preference but 3×2 inch cuts make a good 1-2 bite size appetizer.
  • Tenderize the strips
  • Place the cream cheese and slice peppers into the center and roll tight.
  • Wrap in bacon and secure with a toothpick.

How Long to Cook Wild Turkey Poppers

I’ve cooked these in a handful of different air fryers and on multiple grills (gas, coal/wood, pellet) the time is different on every single one.  With my air fryer, I set it to 360 degrees and cook for 16-18 minutes.  As a general rule, when the bacon is done, the poppers are ready.  I’ve never used this method and had poppers with crispy bacon but undercooked meat on the inside.

These 5-ingredient air fryer turkey poppers are a great appetizer that can be prepped and ready in under 30 minutes!

I wrap one half around the stuffed turkey strip, turn the strip and wrap the other half piece of bacon around that, making an “X” to enclose the popper before securing with a toothpick.

Tips for Making the Best Turkey Poppers

Tenderize the wild turkey strips.  This can easily be done with a meat tenderizer hammer and makes the entire process, from rolling to eating, much easier. 

Consider using whipped cream cheese.  Regular cream cheese works great and makes delicious poppers.  I just prefer the texture of whipped cream cheese.  That’s pretty much my only reason, ha! Either are great so see what you think!

Roll and wrap the poppers tight but not so tight that you squeeze everything out.  This will keep everything together throughout cooking and give you a clean cohesive bite from your popper versus unraveling all over you as you eat.

Half the Bacon.  I often cut the bacon strips in half.  Then I wrap one half around the stuffed turkey strip, turn the strip and wrap the other half piece of bacon around that, making an “X” to enclose the popper before securing with a toothpick.  Admittedly, the success of this depends on your package of bacon but this method helps the bacon cook better.  When you spiral wrap, sometimes you end up with undercooked bacon between the crispy outside and the stuffed turkey inside.

Use an air fryer! That should go without saying since these are Air Fryer Wild Turkey Poppers but I felt the need to reiterate. I’ve got some self-proclaimed grill master friends and we’ve all agreed that this route is just as good, if not better! You can simply place them in the air fryer and close.  No worries of the flame jumping up due to grease drip, no rotating, just an easy way for delicious turkey poppers.

Other Turkey Recipes:

Turkey, Bacon and Avocado Taquitos 

Baked Turkey Taquitos

Fried Turkey Nuggets

Turkey Meatloaf 

Other Air Fryer Recipes:

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Wings 

Air Fryer Wild Turkey Poppers

These 5-ingredient air fryer turkey poppers are a great appetizer that can be ready in under 30 minutes!

These 5-ingredient air fryer turkey poppers are a great
appetizer that can be prepped and ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lbs Bacon
  • 1 Wild Turkey Breast
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese
  • 2-3 oz Pepperoncini Pepper (Sliced)
  • BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Make sure you have toothpicks.
  2. Cut wild turkey breast into strips.  This is personal preference but 3x2 inch cuts make a
    good 1-2 bite size appetizer.
  3. Tenderize each side of the turkey strips with a meat tenderizer hammer.
  4. Place the cream cheese (1 tbsp) and sliced peppers (1 tsp) into the center of the tenderized strip and fold the turkey strip over, placing one end over the other. Make sure it is tight, but don't press the filling out.
  5. Wrap the bacon around the turkey and secure with a toothpick.
  6. Set the heat on the air fryer to 360 degrees and let the poppers cook for 16-18 minutes or until done.
  7. Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last couple minutes of cooking.



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© Cody
Cuisine: Turkey / Category: 30 Minutes or Less

Baked Turkey Taquitos

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These tasty turkey taquitos are stuffed with wild turkey legs and baked to crispy golden goodness!

These tasty turkey taquitos are stuffed with wild turkey legs and baked to crispy golden goodness!

Years ago, I voiced the difficult time that I had trying to make theme park styled smoked turkey legs.  In short, they were not good…..at all.  I was told,

              “If you want to cook wild turkey legs, build a fire and put some big stone bricks on there.                   Let the bricks get hot, place the turkey legs on there and let them cook for 13-14 hours.                     When they’re done, toss the legs and eat the bricks.”

I’ll be honest.  For years, I would simply remove the breast from the bird and move on.  That was a mistake! Not to mention, it was a substantial waste of meat.  In terms of taquitos, two turkey legs/thighs can yield two dozen taquitos!

What are Taquitos?

Taquitos (little tacos or rolled tacos) are your choice of filling, usually meat and cheese, tightly rolled in a corn tortilla, and then fried.  In this recipe though, we brush the taquitos with avocado oil and bake them! It’s easier and allows you to focus your attention elsewhere in the kitchen.

These tasty turkey taquitos are stuffed with wild turkey legs and baked to crispy golden goodness!

Ingredients for Turkey Taquitos

  • Legs and thighs from 1 Wild Turkey
  • 1 onion
  • 1 can chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce
  • ½ stick of butter (optional)
  • Mexican Chili Powder seasoning
  • Yellow corn tortillas
  • Shredded Mexican Cheese
  • Avocado Oil

How to Cook Wild Turkey Legs

Clean and trim your legs and thighs. Separate the legs from the thighs at the joint.  Rub them down with your preferred rub.  For this recipe, Mexene Original Chili Powder works great.  Place the legs and thighs in the crock pot. Cover them with butter (optional), a sliced onion, and can of chipotle peppers.  Cook on low for 8-10 hours until fork tender.  Pull the meat, discarding all of the tendons and bone.  Using your chef knife, give the meat, onion, and peppers a fine dice.  Now, your meat is ready for taquitos or tacos!!

Tip: Before chopping the meat, you can spread the pulled turkey across a cookie sheet and place under the oven broiler on high.  This will crisp the ends and give a crust similar to being smoked. Be extremely careful not to dry the meat when doing this!

As you can see, my hunting buddy likes turkey legs, too! Haha. We 1, 2, 3’d and boom……got 4 legs!

 

What Goes with Turkey Taquitos?

If you intend to make a meal out of your taquitos, then the standard sides such as Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, or a fresh Mexican Salad are great.  I prefer these as an appetizer, though.  As such, dipping sauces such as queso, salsa, and fresh guacamole are delicious! Sour cream and hot sauce work as well.  Whichever you choose, make sure to have some lime juices on the side for a fresh squeeze.

Tips for the Best Taquitos

Heat the tortillas before rolling. Wrap the corn tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warm.  This moistens the tortillas enough to prevent cracking and busting open when you roll.

Use toothpicks.  Once rolled, stick a toothpick in the taquito to hold it in place while it cooks.

Bake the taquitos.  Traditionally, taquitos are deep fried.  But baking them is healthier and easier.  Once they are prepared, brush the taquitos with avocado oil and bake at 450 until golden and crisp.

Other Turkey Recipes

Fried Turkey Nuggets

Turkey Meatloaf

The Best Turkey Chili

Baked Turkey Taquitos

These tasty turkey taquitos are stuffed with wild turkey legs and baked to crispy golden goodness!

These tasty turkey taquitos are stuffed with wild turkey legs and baked to crispy golden goodness!

Ingredients

  • Legs and thighs from 1 Wild Turkey
  • 1 onion
  • 1 can chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce
  • ½ stick of butter (optional)
  • Mexican seasoning
  • Yellow corn tortillas
  • Shredded Mexican Cheese
  • Avocado Oil

Instructions

  1. Clean and trim your legs and thighs. Separate the legs from the thighs at the joint.  Rub them down with your preferred rub.
  2. Place the legs and thighs in the crock pot. Cover them with butter (optional), a sliced onion, and can of chipotle peppers. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until fork tender. Pull the meat from the bones, discarding all of the tendons and bones.
  3. Using your chef knife, give the meat, onion, and peppers a fine dice. This helps prevent pulling out the meat when you bite.
  4. Wrap the corn tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-60 seconds.
  5. Place the meat and cheese on the tortillas (approximately 2-3 tbsp of turkey and 1 tbsp cheese per tortilla) and roll them tightly. Insert a toothpick into each taquito to keep them rolled.
  6. Place taquitos on cookie sheet and brush a light coat of avocado oil over each one.
  7. Bake at 450 for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden. Enjoy!

Notes

* you can freeze the cooked turkey meat by itself for a later meal......like next weeks tacos! OR you can make the taquitos (this recipe makes 24) and freeze what you don't eat to be heated later. Similar to those you by in the local store's freezer section, they can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

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As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© Cody

Fried Turkey Nuggets

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These delicious turkey nuggets, soaked in pickle juice and fried golden brown, are a household favorite.

These delicious turkey nuggets, soaked in pickle juice and fried golden brown, are a household favorite.

 

Spring is in the air! Temperatures are on the rise, rainfall is regular, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming.  The dormant winter woods are coming back to life.  I enjoy all of these things……..mostly as concealment! That’s right, It’s turkey season in Tennessee! Longbeard’s are letting their hammering gobbles roll through the bottoms in the morning and strutting the afternoon away in open green pastures.  So, flick the ticks, keep an eye out for poison oak and cottonmouths, and put some meat in the freezer because this wild turkey recipe will have you coming back for more.

My daughter toting a tom.

Ingredients for Fried Wild Turkey Nuggets

There are only a few simple ingredients for these delicious fried turkey nuggets.  The hidden gem here, though, is the pickle juice.  It creates a taste that brings a smile to face every time! You will need the following:

How to Make This Fried Turkey Nuggets Recipe

  • Cut a wild turkey breast into nuggets (approximately 2 in x 1.5 in)
  • Tenderize the nuggets
  • Soak the nuggets in pickle juice for 30 minutes or longer
  • Roll the nuggets in your favorite fry mix
  • Drop the nuggets into the fryer
These delicious turkey nuggets, soaked in pickle juice and fried golden brown, are a household favorite.

A solid turkey platter with fried turkey nuggets, grilled turkey nuggets, turkey poppers. For a Grilled Turkey Nuggets Recipe, click here.

How Long to Cook Fried Turkey Nuggets?

At the recommended size, fry these wild turkey nuggets for approximately six minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.  The nuggets will often float when done.

Tips for Making the Best Turkey Nuggets

  1. Soak in pickle juice for at least 30 minutes prior to battering the nuggets. This makes all the difference!
  2. Tenderize the nuggets before soaking. While this is not a requirement, it definitely improves the quality of fried turkey nuggets by offering a cleaner bite.  I’m sure we’ve all had the nuggets that require a good tug and leave you picking your teeth later.  This removes those issues.  Don’t over tenderize. Just lightly beat each side with a tenderizer hammer.
  3. Let the nuggets drip dry by placing on a roasting basket/rack. This helps prevent the soggy bottom that can come about by using the old paper towel method.  Simply place a roasting basket on a baking sheet or on a paper towel sheet to allow the oil to drip off.  
  4. Go turkey hunting!!! Sure, you can buy domestic turkey at the store (or chicken) and make this recipe but where’s the fun in that!? Get out there and gain some experiences and memories. Enjoy the outdoors and even some time with friends and family. What better way to make the meal even more rewarding and enjoyable?
These delicious turkey nuggets, soaked in pickle juice and fried golden brown, are a household favorite.

Get out there and gain some experiences and memories with friends and family.

Other Turkey Recipes

Turkey Meatloaf

Grilled Turkey Nuggets 

The Best Turkey Chili 

Air Fryer Wild Turkey Poppers

Fried Turkey Nuggets

These delicious turkey nuggets, soaked in pickle juice and fried golden brown, are a household favorite.

These delicious turkey nuggets, soaked in pickle juice and
fried golden brown, are a household favorite.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes

Ingredients

  • Pickle Juice
  • Zatarain’s Chicken Fry Mix (or your preference)
  • 1 Wild Turkey Breast
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Cut a turkey breast into nuggets (approximately 2 in x 1.5 in)
  2. Using a hammer tenderizer, lightly tenderize both sides of the nuggets.
  3. Soak the nuggets in pickle juice for 30 minutes or longer
  4. Heat the oil to about 360 degrees*. We generally use peanut or corn oil for deep frying.
  5. Roll the nuggets in the fry mix ensuring that it is well coated.
  6. Place the breaded nuggets in the fry basket and lower them into oil. Fry until golden brown and the internal temperature is 165 degrees, or about six minutes. The nuggets will often float when done.

Notes

* 350-375 degrees is typically acceptable for deep frying. The given time and temperature is based off of what works best in my fryer.

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As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© Cody
Cuisine: Turkey / Category: Main Dish

Grilled Turkey Nuggets

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Fried turkey nuggets are delicious, but have you tried grilled? These Grilled Wild Turkey Nuggets, marinated in a mustard ranch sauce, are a tasty way to change things up.

Fried turkey nuggets are delicious, but have you tried grilled? These Grilled Wild Turkey Nuggets, marinated in a mustard ranch sauce, are a tasty way to change things up.

 

Spring is in the air! Temperatures are on the rise, rainfall is regular, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming.  The dormant winter woods are coming back to life.  I enjoy all of these things……..mostly as concealment! That’s right, It’s turkey season in Tennessee! Longbeard’s are letting their hammering gobbles roll through the bottoms in the morning and strutting the afternoon away in open green pastures.  So, flick the ticks, keep an eye out for poison oak and cottonmouths, and put some meat in the freezer because this wild turkey recipe will have you coming back for more.

My daughter toting a tom.

Ingredients for Grilled Wild Turkey Nuggets

  • Ranch Dressing
  • Mustard
  • Wild Turkey Breast
  • Black Pepper
  • Fresh Dill

How to Make This Grilled Turkey Nuggets Recipe

  • Cut a wild turkey breast into nuggets (approximately 2 in x 1.5 in)
  • Tenderize the nuggets
  • Marinate the nuggets in ranch dressing and mustard for 30 minutes or longer
  • Grill the nuggets until done
  • Sprinkle fresh ground black pepper and fresh dill over the nuggets (optional)
These Grilled Wild Turkey Nuggets, marinated in a mustard ranch sauce, are a tasty way to change things up.

A solid turkey platter with fried turkey nuggets, grilled turkey nuggets, and turkey poppers. For a Fried Turkey Nugget Recipe, click here. 

How Long to Cook Grilled Turkey Nuggets?

Grill the nuggets over medium heat for 3-4 minutes each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165.

Tips for Making the Best Grilled Wild Turkey Nuggets

  1. Tenderize the nuggets before marinating. While this is not a requirement, it definitely improves the quality of grilled turkey nuggets by offering a cleaner bite.  I’m sure we’ve all had the nuggets that require a little tug and leave you picking your teeth later.  This removes those issues.  Don’t over tenderize. Just lightly beat each side with a tenderizer hammer.
  2. Finish with black pepper and dill. Once removed from the grill, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and fresh, finely chopped dill. 
  3. Go turkey hunting!!! Sure, you can buy domestic turkey at the store (or chicken) and make this recipe but where’s the fun in that!? Get out there and gain some experiences and memories. Enjoy the outdoors and even some time with friends and family. What better way to make the meal even more rewarding and enjoyable?

Get out there and gain some experiences and memories with friends and family.

Other Turkey Recipes

Turkey Meatloaf

Fried Turkey Nuggets

The Best Turkey Chili 

Grilled Turkey Nuggets

Fried turkey nuggets are delicious, but have you tried grilled? These Grilled Wild Turkey Nuggets, marinated in a mustard ranch sauce, are a tasty way to change things up.

Fried turkey nuggets are delicious, but have you tried grilled?
These Grilled Wild Turkey Nuggets, marinated in a mustard ranch sauce, are a
tasty way to change things up.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1-2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 wild turkey breast
  • Black Pepper (optional)
  • Dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the ranch, mustard, and 1/2-1 tsp of coarse ground black pepper (optional). You're looking for an even yellow color, no white streaks.
  2. Cut the turkey breast into nuggets (approximately 2 in x 1.5 in). Lightly tenderize each side with a hammer tenderizer. Add the nuggets to the mustard ranch, coat them well, and allow them to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Heat the grill to 450 degrees* and cook the nuggets for 3-4 minutes each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
  4. Remove from the grill, and season with fresh cracked black pepper and fresh, finely chopped dill (optional). Enjoy!!

Notes

* In the event that you run out of gas; your wood, pellets, or coals got wet; the wind keeps the flame out; there is a fire restriction, or anything else that can prevent a good grill session........a cast iron lightly coated with avocado oil will get the job done. Same rules apply, 3-4 min over medium-high heat. Rotate every 2 minutes to help prevent the mustard ranch from burning.

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As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© Cody

Duck Popper Sliders

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Duck season has come to an end here.  I hope that many of you ended up with a stocked freezer just waiting to be turned into a delicious meal. If you’re looking to change up the standard popper recipe, give these Duck Popper Slider’s a try!

If you’re looking to change up the standard popper recipe, give these Duck Popper Slider’s a try!

In Tennessee, Active Military and Veterans are privileged with their own day of hunting.  An overly hospitable Blue Bank Resort and the guide services of long-time friend, Caleb Dunn*, provide an amazing experience on Reelfoot Lake.  We were treated as honored guests, fed like kings, and fortunate enough to have a sky full of waterfowl. As the hunt came to an end, we had a boat full of ducks and a handful of current and prior service members that were honored to be given such treatment and thankful to take part in what turned out to be one amazing hunting experience. Good dudes, good food, a good dog, and some favorable conditions made for a great time!

*Apparently Caleb has his own recipe similar to this one except it is served as more of an open-faced sandwich that he compares to Philly Cheesesteak.  I haven’t personally tried it, but the guy can cook and I’ve yet to try any of his food that wasn’t delicious!  I typically drag myself away lethargic and over-indulged.  With that being said, his concept may also be worth trying.

What are Duck Popper Sliders?

Poppers are a very common wild game appetizer typically made with either duck or dove, and sometimes geese.  In addition to the breast meat, the most common ingredients are jalapeno peppers, onions, cream cheese, and bacon.  Duck Popper Sliders are a spinoff of this traditional recipe and they equally, if not more, delicious!

Ingredients Needed for Duck Popper Sliders

As I mentioned above, the ingredients for these sliders are essentially the same as poppers with just a couple of extras.  You will need the following:

  • Duck breasts
  • Bacon
  • Jalapeno peppers
  • onion
  • soft cheese such as goat cheese, brie, cream cheese, etc.
  • Hawaiian rolls
  • Fischer & Wiser Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce (or comparable sauce)
  • Salt & Pepper
  • oil or butter

How to Make Duck Burger 

I chopped the partially frozen duck breasts and bacon and mixed them together at an 80/20 ratio before running the mix through the meat grinder.  A food scale is the most efficient way to accomplish this, but to put in a clearer perspective: A limit of Mallards in Tennessee (4, with no more than 2 being female) would be mixed with approximately 1/3 lbs. of bacon and can feed two hungry couples and a really hungry seven-year-old! If you’re a “bacon makes everything even better” person then, by all means, do your thing and alter the ratio as you see fit!

How to Make Duck Sliders

Form the ground meat into patties that are just a bit larger than the rolls. Place the oil or butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Dice the jalapeno (seeds removed) and onions. Sauté them in skillet until they reach your likeness. Set the sautéed veggies to the side. Add the slider patties to the skillet and cook to medium-well, or however you like your burgers prepared. Place the patty on the bottom half of the toasted roll and top it with the sautéed jalapenos and onions before drizzling raspberry chipotle sauce over the top. Spread the cheese on the top half and combine the halves to form the slider.

Tips for Tasty Duck Sliders

There are two key things to keep in mind when making these duck sliders:

  1. As with any other grinding process, you want to keep everything cold. I mean really cold.  I put all of my grinder components in the freezer for about thirty minutes prior to processing any meat.  I even have the bowl that the ground meat falls into in there. It also helps to have the meat partially frozen as well.  
  2. Toast those buns! Buns have the ability to take your burgers to the next level.  For these duck sliders, place the halved Hawaiian roll face down in the skillet until its crisped and golden brown.  This will add warmth, texture, and even more flavor. 

 

Duck Popper Sliders

If you’re looking to change up the standard popper recipe, give these Duck Popper Slider’s a try!

Ingredients

  • 8 Duck breasts
  • 1/3 lbs. Bacon
  • 4 Jalapeno peppers
  • 1 onion
  • 1 tbsp oil or butter
  • 1 tbsp of soft cheese (goat cheese, brie, cream cheese, etc.)
  • Hawaiian rolls
  • Fischer & Wiser Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce (or comparable sauce)
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Patty the ground meat into 2-ounce patties that are just a bit larger than the rolls.
  2. Place one tablespoon of oil or butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Dice the jalapeno (seeds removed) and onions. Sauté in skillet until they reach your likeness.
  3. Remove the vegetables from skillet, leaving them in a serving bowl to the side. Add the slider patties to the skillet and cook to medium-well, or however you like your burgers prepared.
  4. Using the same skillet, toast the inside of Hawaiian rolls. This leaves the top of the bun soft with a warm crisp inside.
  5. Place the patty on the bottom half of the roll and top it with the sautéed jalapenos and onions (1-2 tbsp) before drizzling raspberry chipotle sauce over the top. Spread the cheese on the top half and combine the halves to form the slider.
  6. Enjoy your Duck Popper Sliders!





© Cody
Category: Wild Game

Nashville Hot Deer Nuggets

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This southern spinoff is sure to be a new favorite! Nashville Hot Deer Nuggets are the hunters’ new “tastes like chicken” recipe. 

This southern spinoff is sure to be a new favorite! Nashville Hot Deer Nuggets are the hunters' new "taste like chicken" recipe. 

For years, I’ve been a “traditionalist” when it comes to backstraps; a little s+p on the grill, butterflied, bacon-wrapped, smothered, etc.  But, that changed this year! A random, sideline conversation about grilling at my daughter’s soccer practice led to a delicious local spinoff recipe.  Another dad was telling me about how he had recently enjoyed grilled venison backstrap that had been marinated in Allegro’s new Nashville Hot marinade.  Ding!! Instantly, the idea hit me to marinade small strips of venison in the same way but, then, fry them in a spicy batter!

At this point, I’ve made these things a handful of times.  To be honest, though, it’s so easy that I nailed it on the first attempt.  Simple and southern, this is a must try!

P.S. If you’re local, swing in Sweet Jordan’s and pick up a fresh loaf of sourdough to build the perfect basket!

Nashville Hot Deer Nuggets

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1lb venison backstrap
  • 1 bottle Nashville Hot marinade
  • 1 box Spicy Chicken Fry Mix
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Cut the venison backstrap into small "nuggets" (around 2x1 in is my preference) and let them marinade in Allegro's Nashville Hot for at least 1 hour.
  2. Fill the bottom of a cast iron skillet with about 1 inch of oil ( I use avocado or peanut) and place over medium high heat. While the oil is heating, prepare your battering station by combining 1/4 cup of dry mix* with 1/2 cup of cool water and mixing well. Then place the rest of your dry mix in a container to shake or plate to roll.
  3. Dip the nuggets in the wet batter, roll/shake in the dry mix, then fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. I highly recommend enjoying with pickles!

Notes

* I typically use Zatarain's New Orleans Style Spicy Chicken Fry Mix but Louisiana makes a good one, too. If you want to make your own, just mix flour and your favorite spicy seasoning until you get your preferred level of heat.

© Cody

Frying Tip

I see it all the time and have done it myself, a lot. When it’s time to fry, break out the paper towels and fold them in layers to soak up the dripping grease.  This, in my opinion, isn’t always the best practice.  I was in Memphis several years ago and hit up Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken.  If you’ve never been, go! Anyway, while I was there, I noticed them hanging the chicken baskets to “drip dry” when they took them out of the fryer.  Obviously, my kitchen isn’t equipped for this level of chicken frying and figure most people’s aren’t either.  What I started doing, though, was placing a roasting basket on a cookie sheet.  I put the fried goods in the basket and let any excess grease drip off onto the cookie sheet to discard later.  No more soggy bottom peel offs!

 

For more delicious venison recipes, check out Smothered Venison Backstrap, Southwestern Chili, and DIY 50/50 Sloppy Joe. 

Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

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This savory Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl is simple, tasty, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free.  

This savory Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl is simple, tasty, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free.  

To be honest, I discovered this meal by complete accident.  We had quinoa in the fridge for the Healthy Quinoa Breakfast Bowl and some black beans from the previous night’s jerk chicken.  I needed a quick lunch, so I grabbed an avocado from the counter and combined the three.  I was shocked at how good it was, especially considering the absence of meat! To make it even better, it was super easy to make and nutritionally solid.

Handling the Avocado

The key to keeping the avocado in chunks and not smashing to the resemblance of baby food is simple.  Make the cuts before removing the green flesh from the skin. Using a pairing knife, half the avocado, remove the pit, and make both horizontal and vertical cuts on each halve.  Then, simply scoop the perfectly cut chunks out of the skin with a spoon. 

Other Ingredient Tips 

It is 100% possible to make this dish “organic”, if you choose.  When cooking the black beans, I typically add a teaspoon or so of Flavorgod Everything to help develop flavor.  The recipe calls for red quinoa.  Regular quinoa works just as well, but I use red because it has a more nutty taste that adds depth to the dish.  The choice is yours. Enjoy!

Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

This savory Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl is simple, tasty, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free.  

Ingredients

  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 cup red quinoa
  • 1/4 red onion
  • 1/2 Jalapeno
  • 1 avocado
  • season to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low and cover for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. A fork works great to break up the quinoa, or "fluff" it.
  3. While the quinoa is cooking, place the beans and diced vegetables in a small pot/saucepan and bring to a boil. Season to taste. Reduce heat to low and let beans simmer until quinoa is fully cooked.
  4. Halve, pit, and dice the avocado.
  5. In a bowl, layer the quinoa, avocado, and beans (in that order) and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 314Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 554mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 16gSugar: 2gProtein: 13g
© Cody
Category: 30 Minutes or Less

 

Healthy Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

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This healthy and filling Breakfast Bowl with quinoa, eggs, and fresh fruits and veggies is a great meal to start the day. 

This healthy and filling Breakfast Bowl with quinoa, eggs, and fresh fruits and veggies is a great meal to start the day. 

Over the past year, I have cleaned up my diet for various reasons but nearly all of them could be categorized under “improved overall health”.  Earlier this year, I committed to a diet that spanned over a period of weeks, with the most strict portion lasting for approximately one week.  During the peak of the diet, I abstained from salt, refined sugar, alcohol, red meat, pork, animal fats, saturated oils, and hot spices.  This was no easy task, trust me, but the results were shocking!  

Forty-eight hours in, I started to exhibit some pretty significant detox symptoms that had me feeling rough.  What had I been “fueling” my body with!? Once I broke through the withdrawal barrier, I began to notice something.  I felt great!! Not just physically, but mentally, too. Almost as if I had been given a shot of youth. I felt more springy and upbeat.  Discussions with some friends that had undergone the same dietary rigors, led to the topic of our “second brain” and the relationship between digestion and mental health.  If you are unaware of this connection, I encourage you to look into it.  

I have yet to return to my previous dieting habits but my love for food may never allow me to completely omit certain items.  So I maintain a rather healthy diet with minimal unnecessary additives and splurge when my crave meter gets into the red.  I still feel great and my splurge meals are just that much more enjoyable.

Quick, Easy, Healthy

Now, this meal can be prepared fresh in about twenty minutes if you chop the fruit and vegetables and cook your eggs while the quinoa is simmering.  However, if you prepare the quinoa ahead of time (let’s say Sunday evening), then you can reduce the cook time to the 4-6 minute range depending on how you like your eggs.  My wife and I do this pretty much every week.  Reheat the quinoa, chop the fruit/veggies while the eggs are frying, and we’re at the table in no time.  Eggs, quinoa, lime, and avocado are the staples but we often add tomatoes, too.  Occasionally, I’ll toss in some onion or jalapeno slices to shake things up a bit. What will you add?

Healthy Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

This healthy and filling Breakfast Bowl with quinoa, eggs, and fresh fruits and veggies is a great meal to start the day. 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1/2 lime
  • Optional:
  • Jalapeno (diced)
  • onion (diced)
  • tomato (diced)
  • salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring the water and quinoa to a boil. Then, reduce heat and cover. Simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. (Remember, making the quinoa prior and reheating will reduce your time significantly).
  2. While the quinoa is cooking, place a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggs to your likeness. We stay somewhere between over-easy and over-medium for this recipe.
  3. Slice the lime into wedges. Halve and pit the avocado. While still in the skin, make your preferred size of vertical slices. Once you've sliced the avocado, run a spoon between the flesh and skin to remove the edible part.
  4. Place the eggs and avocado over the quinoa, squeeze your lime wedges over the top, and enjoy!
  5. Optional: We add fresh diced tomatoes pretty regularly and, occasionally, jalapenos and onions. If you choose to do the same, I recommend squirting some extra lime over the fruits/veggies before you add them to the mix.

Notes

Want a little salt & pepper? Check out Flavorgod Himalayan Salt & Pink Peppercorn.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 339Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 372mgSodium: 152mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 6gSugar: 2gProtein: 18g
© Cody

Fried Apples

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These quick and easy fried cinnamon apples are a staple that can be enjoyed with oatmeal, on a burger, in a burrito, or as a stand alone side.

These quick and easy fried cinnamon apples are a staple that can be enjoyed with oatmeal, on a burger, in a burrito, or a as stand alone side.

Fried apples are delicious as a side or dessert,

These quick and easy fried cinnamon apples are a staple that can be enjoyed with oatmeal, on a burger, in a burrito, or a as stand alone side.

or mixed in oatmeal for breakfast,

The Funky Java burger is stacked with bleu cheese, cinnamon apples, caramelized red onions, and espresso rub to create an explosion of flavor!

and even on a burger!

Fried Apples

These quick and easy fried cinnamon apples are a staple that can be enjoyed with oatmeal, on a burger, in a burrito, or a as stand alone side.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 granny smith apples (sliced or chopped)
  • 4 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan or skillet (with lid) over medium heat.
  2. Core and slice/chop the apples. Mix the cinnamon and sugar well. Liberally cover the apples and place them in the skillet. Add water, stir well, and cover.
  3. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the apples are soft and golden brown. Give them a good stir halfway through.
© Cody