Antelope Tagine with Vegetables and Dates

My Ras el Hanout spice blend contains 28 ingredients, and I've included the list and method for making your own "k'meesa"(aka "secret stash"). But If you're not up to purchasing and creating the spice blend, African, Middle Eastern and other specialty grocery stores will have bags of Ras el Hanout already mixed.  Williams-Sonoma has good one too!   … [Read more...]

Chinese Red Stock Braised Venison Shanks

Traditionally used for braised duck legs or pork belly, the red cooking broth imparts a distinctively Chinese flavor to these venison shanks. This “red cooking stock” has several Chinese spices, as well as a touch of rock sugar and sherry to create a salty-sweet-spicy braising liquid for slow braised venison shanks. Make a double batch of the red cooking stock and freeze half to use for whatever … [Read more...]

“Braised” the step by step instructions for making the toughest cuts mouthwatering tender!

On any animals, the legs, shanks, and shoulders have the worst reputation for being tough, stringy, chewy, full of tendons and basically, only thought of as usable for grind or the soup pot.  But when cooked properly, these cuts can be transformed into a flavorful showstopper!  My favorite way is to use a low and slow method of OVEN BRAISING these cuts.  The work is minimal, and … [Read more...]