Ground Game

I feel profound gratitude when we get to eat food that has been harvested from our place in the world. It feels like the right way to be, connected to the process of life, death, and life. Last fall, my uncle and cousin took a moose from the wetlands behind our cabins. The fruits of their labor has nourished us, and one of our favorite things to do is to mix it with Alaskan grown fat back. It transforms ever-lean game into some lip-smacking goodness. We've had the good fortune of receiving deer and moose from friends and family. We're immeasurably grateful to those generous hunters. 

Ground Game

Ingredients
10 lbs Deer/Moose and back fat -  70% meat to 30% fat
1/2 cup red wine vinegar 
1 cup water

Instructions

1. Cube fat and meat into 1 inch pieces.
2. Work quickly to grind the meat before it warms. 
3. To the ground meat, add vinegar/water mixture and squeeze through your fingers until combined.
4. Then, mix with a paddle for 90 seconds on low speed until it becomes well-binded. Place in the fridge until ready to vacuum seal.

This season is intoxicating with its urgent colors, especially in Alaska where fall lasts only a few weeks. Because of its brief but brilliant influence, I fully surrender to the mood of it all. Our food becomes heavier to match the landscape, even the colors of fresh cut flowers in my vase echo the season. 

Mushroom Cream Sauce and ​Moose over Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients
Half a red onion, minced
1 1/2 lb ground game meat
1 lb cremini and button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown the ground meat in avocado oil. 
2. In a separate sauce pan, Sautee onion in butter
3. Add garlic and mushrooms. Cook down until they are reduced and the liquid has evaporated. 
4. Remove from heat and add heavy cream. Return to a simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. 
5. Salt and pepper to taste. 
6. Mix mushroom sauce with the game and serve over spaghetti squash. Top with roasted squash seeds that are seasoned with salt, cumin, and porcini mushroom powder.