Deer Devils - Ground Venison with a Spicy Vodka Cream Sauce

Another tasty deer recipe that stemmed from a recipe that usually includes sweet Italian sausage. It's super simple, full of flavor and makes awesome leftovers. 

Meat Sauce:

1 lb. Ground Venison

1/2 cup chopped yellow onions
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup crushed fire roasted tomatoes
3 tablespoons vodka
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 to 2 tablespoons chiffonade of fresh basil leaves
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish
Sprig fresh basil, for garnish

 In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the venison and cook, stirring, until browned and all pink has disappeared, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onions, salt, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring, until thick, about 2 minutes. Add the vodka and cook until the sauce reduced by half, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the cream and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in the basil and remove from the heat.

Toss the sauce with the pasta to coat evenly and transfer to a pasta bowl for serving. Top with cheese and sprig of basil and serve immediately.

 

I prefer whole grain pasta, and in this case used spaghetti. We also caught a sale on pre-mixed salads and this one included some of our favorites... Arugula, cabbage, kale, etc. needless to say it was a light side we needed :)

Enjoy!

Deer Devils - Grilled Venison Loin with Horseradish Cream Sauce

Deer devils...self-titled name for a current challenge Matt and I are embarking on. After a hunt in Alabama over the holidays the freezer was, and is, completely packed with venison. It's a lean meet with lots of flavor that we are trying to incorporate into our diets once a week. I have personally had my fill of deer spaghetti growing up and wanted to get somewhat creative with the tenderloins and ground meat we have. This recipe was one of the first attempts...and it was amazing!

 

The Meat

1 1/2 lbs. venison loin

3 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp mixed herbs of choice (dried or fresh)

Sea salt, fresh ground pepper 

The Sauce

1 c. Plain Greek yogurt

2 tbsp. horseradish

2 tsp. fresh parsley 

1 lemon - juice & zest

Sea salt to taste

Season meat and let sit for at least an hour, if not overnight. Grill the meat, without moving it, until nicely browned, 5-7 minutes. Then rotate the venison 90° and leave it for just a minute to make grill marks. Flip the loin and cook for 5-7 minutes more, again rotating the venison if desired. You want to aim for a good, deeply charred outside but a nice and rare inside. This ought to happen after just 12 minutes total cooking. Transfer to a cutting board and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes while you make the sauce. 

Mix all sauce ingredients well. 

Thinly slice the loin against the grain, pile it onto plates or a platter, and serve with the horseradish cream sauce.

 

Chickpea & Kale salad with lemon juice, Parmesan, garlic, evoo

If You Are Going to Be Observant...

While swallowing tortilla chips and bean dip whole, reveling in carbs as I have not done for a while, I notice someone. Naturally, I cannot put my finger on this familiar face, but I keep an eye on it. My sister and I continue to chat at the table, trying to hear each other over the roar of the busy lunch crowd.
Suddenly, it comes to me. "Kristen, that is that dude." She's confused, no idea who I am talking about, and rightfully so. "The guy who text you a couple of weeks ago." I could see that she had mixed feelings, between, how funny is this, and crap, really.

During a night out with a friend, a guy (by guy I mean kid) asked for my phone number; besides looking as if he may not have hit puberty just yet, I have a ball and chain that makes me happy and I would like to keep it that way. Before giving him the "absolutely not" face that I like to use, I find myself spitting out my little sisters phone number. My friend was concerned until I told her what I did, and later, my mother also found it to her amusement. My sister only just asked me about it and I found out that she had actually received a text from him. HILARIOUS. She took it quite well.

Luckily for us, the doublemint twins sit down and block the table between us, and neither of us have to feel awkward. I guess it is pretty obvious at this point that I am people  watching and informing Kristen of everything I see. I am pretty sure the people next to us can hear me talking and think I am a total tool. I honestly was having a field day being in this restaurant. The doublemint twins are wearing matching black slacks, white collared Polo's, black croakies and sunglasses, and seem to have synchronized their every movement as well. Both of them get up and sashay over to the salsa bar as if doing the waltz. We both try not to laugh aloud. Their outfits bring up another conversation about people who dress alike. Ever seen the guys walking down the street in black pants, white shirts, and black ties? They are usually on foot or with a bike. We want to know what it is they do. "I always thought they were peddling someones gospel.You know, like the people who come and knock on your door?" Kristen assures me that, no, they sell bikes. This makes us both laugh. We come to the conclusion that they are those poor kids who get sucked into marketing ads on craigslist for positions with competitive compensation and commission based opportunities with benefits. I tell her, "little did they know when it said, transportation allowance, it meant two wheels."

As I move along I notice Dr. Phil in the corner. This is, of course, the name I have given him. "You know, I really would not want to accompany a coworker to lunch if we were required to wear the same clothes. I am really glad we don't have uniforms at the office." Kristen agrees. About that time the twins food arrives and who would have guessed it, its exactly the same. Both of our eyes get big, and we exchange a look that says, "come on guys, really?? It's getting a little creepy." I continue to scan the room when a voice overhead gives a loud, whisper sort of sound, "Ladies?" It was the cue from our server that he was ready to flip the table. We ask for the check and he walks away, eighteen different plates up and down his arms. As soon as he moves from my vision I see two guys at the table to the left of me. "Wait, Kristen...apparently my peripheral is not helping me out here. I really hope they did not hear what I said." There sit two guys in matching striped shirts, that are very obviously from the same company. Way to go, Kassie. Let's try and offend everyone within listening distance.  I turn to Kristen, "Wow, if you are going to be observant, BE OBSERVANT."

What in The Heck in The World...

Ever sat back and wondered what the in the world (or in my sister's lingo, what in the heck in the world) comes next? I am currently in that place right now. It is a place of sheer terror and excitement. Some days I am hopeful and just know I am headed for big things, and then other days reality sets in and I think "Wow, this is going to take some work, am I even cut out for it?" Don't get me wrong, I am no stranger to work, and I like to get in and go at it pretty hard, but I am the type that needs well defined goals, with a clear path to get there. The trouble with that is, it is not the way life works. It's like Mrs. Frizzle on The Magic School Bus said (if anyone remembers that) "Take chances, Make mistakes, Get Messy!"

Well, while I am starting my first "career" here soon, I have this deep desire to have something of my own. The trouble is, I really love just about everything. I have worked a couple weddings that I thoroughly enjoyed and I could definitely see myself continuing. Due to my experience as a waitress and love for cooking and all things food, I have also pondered a restaurant. Over a "super mimosa" filled brunch with friends, I have actually mapped that one out. Side note: Super Mimosa = champagne, vodka, orange juice, and pom juice. So, what does one do with a head full of ideas?? Let me know when you find out. :)

My first step is to learn a bit of patience, not exactly a strength of mine. Somewhere in the back of my mind I have to hold the understanding that everything takes time. Nothing happens overnight, and Rome wasn't built in a day, that good stuff. My career will come first, because obviously it takes money to make money...and to live, so I need to invest myself in being successful, while really looking at what I enjoy and how I can make that work for me. And don't get me wrong, I am super excited to start work. I have ideas for that too, and really hope to break the mold in my position. My ultimate goal is to do something that really fulfills me. I want to wake up early (not a morning person) because I cannot wait to start my day, and because every new challenge brings me joy. My current goal now is to find my niche, and plan and organize until that clear path I need is available to me.

So that is what I will be working on in my spare time, and probably in the time that I do not have. Little personal goals, like health and fitness, fun classes, and reading. And then those major future goals will fill in the gaps,  exploring my ideas and mapping them out.

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." ~C.S. Lewis

Loss for Words

There are so many changes taking place right now that I really am not sure what to even blog about. It is like there are words in my head, but they are in the form of those crazy distorted images that are used as security measures. I have learned over the past few months how manipulative people can truly be, and in some of the least expected situations and places. Seeing things around me unravel helps me to understand my behavior at times. I know that I am totally guilty and in many of those cases, I do not even realize it. Sometimes though, I can see someones wheels turning as they talk, in that way to drag information out and not because they want to indulge in conversation. Sometimes I hear it in their voice, and see it in their actions, that they are just pining for information. Occasionally, I discover through trials of my own that people will say just about anything, to anyone, to get what they want or to avoid responsibility at all cost. Certain people can twist a situation to such proportions that it is impossible to understand where it all began and how it could ever be resolved. A labyrinth of lies is created that makes any sort of clean break impossible. And it is always too late when I realize I have pretty much been had. Sadly, sometimes I realize I have been fed lies on purpose, for many different reasons. The trouble is, separating myself from those situations. There are certain times in my life, that I have faced and have yet to face, where I will have to just bite the bullet. Parts of me wants to fight and stand up for myself, and others dealing with the same issues. Could one person really be a game changer? Much of me also says I have to keep the bigger picture in mind, stay steadfast in my goals. So, in order to get where I want to go in life, I have to sit by and let these people abuse their power and status. A multitude of inappropriate realities get swept under the rug by many parties involved, including those with the ability to improve them. Another issue I am faced with is whether or not fighting will even be worth it. Will my peace of mind be enough, or will I feel completely defeated? Going forward and addressing some issues could potentially put me right back in the hot seat. Yes, it's true, I will have to bite the bullet, no matter how undeserving at times. And if I know me, that is going to feel like defeat.

I guess it is pretty obvious that I am ranting a smidgen. There are many situations, every day, no matter how big or small, that bring these thoughts to light. Manipulation applies to so many different areas of life that can seem incredibly petty to completely monstrous. To me, the real goal is to make sure that I am not doing this, as I know I have caught myself many times.

Current Goals Update: Mission Flabuless is still underway. I had 3 days of workout last week, and will be trying out new gyms soon. By workouts I mean, quick lunch trip, home exercise, and a run. I had a little too much fun on Saturday and I am pretty sure my sweat was 100 proof yesterday. I know because of my failed attempt to hang by the pool. Way too hot for someone with a dizzy head. Sunday workout, or productivity of any sort: FAIL. Gotta do better, big reminder of why I have been making changes in the first place.

I also managed to get the position I interviewed for, and signed my first official offer last week. Thank Heavens!!! I am so looking forward to that change and what the new adventure holds. Honestly though, I am nervous and terrified because it is all going to be Greek to me.

No horseback riding yet, we had to cancel due to an injury, but as soon as I get back from the beach (woo hoo), I will be working to get that back on track. 

Still looking for a good book too. Suggestions appreciated :)

Just Call Me Wheezy

Wheezing, exactly what I spent an hour of my evening doing yesterday. Gym, check. Spin class, check. Asthma attack, check. While I managed to keep moving the entire class, I did have to move out of position three and take a seat a time or two. or three. Surprisingly enough, I really enjoyed the class. It is very refreshing being in a gym where the classes are challenging and I feel like that gazillion dollars on a trainer won't be necessary. It is going to take some time getting used to. The bikes have you "clipped in", of which I have not previously done on the mountain bike, because I am a total chicken, and so that is a little awkward. The music in that class is FANTASTIC though. I was super pumped listening to it, the only issue I have is the tendency to try and bike with the music, and while it was obviously carefully choreographed, it is not always the best idea. There were several occasions I thought I may lose a limb because I would get so off track the pedals would just pull me around unexpectedly. And there were definitely sometimes where I felt like I was working my hips more than my legs and core...soo laughed at myself a couple of times to say the least. Overall it was amazing, and the teacher really did a great job; and I learned that clip-ins would be really helpful on the mountain, if I had near the balance needed for that sort of thing. I had not originally planned to hit the gym today, birthday dinner for my Papa tonight, so a little short on time; but I considered a lunch yoga class this morning when I got to the office. To my dismay, my license and gym pass are still in Matt's wallet from signing up yesterday. So, now the question is....margarita at lunch with friend (obviously at a spot I am a regular, considering the absence of my proof of age) or eat at home with the doggies, or quite possibly based on the weather, ordering a jimmy john's unwich in? Not my best options, and not a cheat day, but definitely a break day. Luckily, tomorrow I am taking the same spin class again, only for 45 minutes this time, and then hitting some weights after, so naturally I am not feeling so much like a loser for keeping my break day as planned.

Weekly goal of horseback riding lessons has been scheduled for success. I start next Wednesday, with my Mom. Have to say I feel a bit like a child taking lessons of any sort, that aren't artsy anyway; those appear to be "in." Why not give it a shot though? I have always wanted to and I definitely deserve it. Truthfully, I am like a kid waiting for Santa, super excited. 

So....I am looking for a new book to read now that I have finished my previous one, I Don't Know How She Does It. I was able to relate to that particular book on so many levels, it was almost like I was learning from someone else's mistakes. Freakishly like me. But if anyone has suggestions let me know, I was thinking of maybe a good book on politics, since I just finished reading for entertainment. I already have my classic that I fall back on for a good chapter or two, Vanity Fair, loving that one. 

Side note: my sister just brought reese's minis into my office...Cheat day??

The First Monday of the Rest of My Life

Yesterday (Monday, May 7, 2012) was an interesting day for me. It was the first day in years that I was not going to class, either day or night, or online for that matter. It was the first day of the first week, where I really could plan to do what I wanted. So, I am looking to set some goals now that I have some free time. Small daily goals, weekly goals, and since I still have a class for July, getting a degree in the mail by December. I am currently searching for a great career; although it will be my first one, I have no intentions on settling.

Luckily, yesterday I hit my goal of just making it to the gym. For those of you that know me, you have heard my vomit sound at the thought of running. LOATHE running. I can barely run a mile without stopping, actually I am not even at the mile mark, but I am very close. The goal was 3 miles, I set the bar high so that I would disappoint myself for quitting at the 1 mile mark that I am already so close to, quitting at something so NOT fun is very tempting you know. I managed 2.5, not steady, but managed and was not completely worn out, but starving at that point. You know I am a fatty when I let the thought of food stop me with half a mile to go. Hunger wasn't the only reason though, I'd really had enough. I probably could have hit some weights and been fine, but the burn in my chest I had been trying to ignore, finally took my breath and I decided I was finished with the running portion of my workout. My motivation is not where it should be so, I called it a night two planks later. The plans tonight are to try a new gym with a friend and do a spin class. The likelihood of making it an entire hour is more than slim to none. I have already asked my friend to get bikes at the back of the room so that I don't have to give out in front of everyone. There are currently chills all over my spine at the thought of my legs burning 3 minutes in and me wanting to quit. I can do a steady push, for a short period, but that sprinting, super-pedaling stuff is sooo not for me. My thighs get so tight and burn in a way that they feel too heavy to even move. I know this because it is the feeling I get when Matt tries to push me to get up a hill on our mountain bikes. Unfortunately, I will not be able to shout obscenities in this class, as I do at him, bless his heart. I think from now on I will include little goals and updates in the blog just for motivation and as a way for me to be held accountable for the things I said I would do. I hear it works, so why not. I have three weeks to get bikini ready, so this is going to be necessary. Mission Impossible: Fitness Challenge.

Another goal I have currently in mind is to take horseback riding lessons. I really have always wanted to and now I have time...the thought and value of time has suddenly clicked with me. Having time to do what interests me really seems unreal, and like a huge privilege, and it is a privilege, I can't kid myself on that one. Now if it would stop long enough to take a vacation, that I don't have to skip getting paid for, I would be in much better shape. That is something I am also super thankful for and cannot wait to experience. A full week vacation. Have not had one in like two years and I am soo excited to unwind...or that is what I hope to do anyway.

What this all boils down to is that, I am actually going to have time for me, and I am excited. This is my first week, and while I have not gotten out of the bed any earlier (shame, shame I know), I have managed to hit the gym, write a new post, grocery shop with my Love, finish a book and cook a healthy meal. ( I LOVE grocery shopping with Matt, kinda silly, but true) Now the goal is to figure out how to post pictures to this blog of mine and write about more interesting stuff. Cheers!