With the recent scandal over beef scarcely out of the news for months, why not try some game instead? Lower in fat and cholesterol; sourced from healthy free-range animals; subtler in flavour; and readily available � there's never been a better time to widen your palate and try some game.
What are the best types of game?
Game is generally caught by the season. Have a look at the Forman and Field website to see what game is readily available to you.
In August, the main types of game available in the U.K. are as follows:
- Game birds including the red grouse and ptarmigan. Young grouse are usually cut in half and roasted. Older birds are better suited to being casseroled or used to make pate.
- The common snipe. You could roast the snipe, which is a small wading bird. Or you could try out snipe souvaroff which is snipe stuffed with foie gras and truffles seasoned with brandy and served with a giblet and Madeira sauce. There are numerous delicious game recipes available at the British Association for Shooting & Conservation website.
- For ground game, the mountain hare is available in Scotland. A fully grown hare will feed up to eight people. They're not always sold between 1st March and 31st July, so August is a great time to try some.
- Wild boar, which are available all year round.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92146798@N00/5263440844/
Well-loved game recipes
Check with your family what their favourite game is and try out one of the following dishes:
- Game pie is a firm favourite and allows you to try a mixture of different game meats such as venison, pheasant, rabbit and squirrel. Make it with a shortcrust pastry base and a puff pastry topping.
- Wild boar casserole is a simple and delicious dish. Once it's prepared you can let it slow cook and have more time to spend with your guests.
- For something a bit spicier, try game cooked in an Indian wok, served with pumpkin pickle. Find this and other great game recipes on the BBC Food website.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/34070383@N06/5987113436/
Hosting the perfect dinner party
The perfect dinner party is a mixture of great food and good company. The following tips should help your dinner party to go off without a hitch:
- It's never a good idea to cook a dish for the first time for guests. You could always cook a mini or trial version of the dish just to make sure it's good before serving it to your nearest and dearest.
- Set the table the night before and also carry out any other kitchen preparation that can be done in advance. That way you'll have the minimum amount of work to do on the day of the party.
- If you're not confident about choosing wine to go with your dishes then ask for advice at your local wine store. They will be happy to help you select the wines that will best compliment your menu.
- Leave yourself some time to get changed, put some music on and sit down for five minutes before your guests arrive. Remember that your guests are the most important thing, with the food a close second.
Smoked game
Smoking meats is known to enhance the flavour, making them a delicacy in many cultures. Smoking is an ancient method of preparing red meat and fish which preserves the meat for long periods of time. Why don't you treat your family to some of the delicious smoked game available?
Top of page
Previous page