Whether you are a new or seasoned hunter (or spouse of one), consider making some space on your kitchen shelf for Changing the Game. Author Craig Tomsky’s goal with this cookbook is to help lovers of wild meat prepare “game-changing” meals from start to finish.
Changing the Game Overview
The first part of the cookbook stresses the importance of coming up with a plan for your harvest and leads into Chapters 2-4, which offer detailed guidance on skinning, trimming, butchering, equipment needed, different cuts of meat and their uses, and making the most of your harvest. These sections are especially valuable to newer hunters, although those who are more experienced may still find it interesting to read through, as everyone processes their game slightly differently.
In the next two chapters, the author shares ingredients, spices, and drinks that best complement wild game. Wine pairing advice and house drink recipes are included, along with a little trivia for wine aficionados.
Chapter 7 delves into rubs, sauces, and sausage and might just be my favorite part of the book. Highlights of this section include bulk recipes for chorizo sausage, sweet and spicy rubs for barbecuing, and brine solutions for smoking. “Coffee Dawg” is one sauce recipe that I especially like paired with grilled venison . . .
Which brings us to over 40 main dish recipes in the following chapters that use both game and fowl. Italian lovers will be pleased to find an array of Italian/Sicilian recipes, such as Bolognese and Sauce Piquant; Asian food enthusiasts will enjoy the curry dishes (the Thai Wham Bam was delicious!). The author prefaces each recipe with a fun anecdote regarding the dish’s origin.
One caveat: Serving sizes are not mentioned. Users will want to review the ingredients beforehand to determine if the called-for amount is right for their family and/or guests and make changes if necessary.
Chapters 10 (side dishes) and 11 (desserts) round out the cookbook and help answer the ever present what-should-I-serve-with-this question. I do wish more chocolate was included for the desserts, but I look forward to trying the apple pie recipe this fall.
Conclusion
Experimenting with new and exciting meals in the kitchen is one of my joys, and incorporating self-harvested meat makes it even better. If this sounds like you as well, then Changing the Game just might be a great addition to your recipe book repertoire. And if not for you, then perhaps it would serve nicely as a gift for a hunter in your life.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Related article: Pros and Cons of Butchering Your Own Game