February 23, 2009

Bacon Wrapped Venison Tenderloin

As with pork and beef, the tenderloin (aka filet mignon) of wild game is the most succulent and tender portion of meat. It is located under the backbone of the animal (from the rump to halfway along the back).
Did you know that the most tender cuts of meat, whether it be beef, pork or wild game is the meat that is least involved in movement of the animal? The tenderloin just lays along the spine and doesn't do much! Contrast that with the shoulder and neck muscles which do a lot of work and have a lot of movement... this is the "chuck" steak part of the animal, which is much tougher than the tenderloin.
Another interesting tidbit I have for you (which has nothing to do with four-legged animals) is that how light or dark the meat of birds are is dependent on how far they fly. Dove, geese and wild ducks are mostly dark meat because they migrate, traveling long distances. Quail, on the other hand don't migrate and search for their food on ground so the meat from quail is much lighter. Last night, as my gardener and I were eating our Bacon Wrapped Venison Tenderloin and Lemon Broccoli Risotto, and between the "Mmmm" and the "so good" comments that came from our mouths, we talked about how so many people won't even try venison. We're not picky eaters at all and we are so far from understanding why anyone wouldn't just try a new food.
We invited a co-worker and his daughter to dinner a few weeks ago. As I always do, I ask if there's anything the guest doesn't eat (due to allergies, etc.) or doesn't like. This particular guest answered, "Oh, I eat most anything." When asked then if venison would be okay, he replied "Oh, I don't think I could eat venison."
No problem - I made the innocuous chicken and rice casserole! I was going to saute zucchini to serve with the chicken, but asked first if they liked it. If they didn't I would substitute corn. The answer to "Does everybody like zucchini?" was "Well, I've eaten it before and it didn't kill me."
We had corn.

14 comments:

  1. Did you say Bacon-Wrapped? I'm so THERE! It looks delicious Karen.

    Interesting about the color variation in a bird's meat, I learn something everyday!

    Too funny about your "non-picky" guests! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh man, that looks good. I love venison myself and bacon just seals the deal. ;)

    I didn't know that about birds, that's interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the great info on tenderness and the color of birds. I didn't know! This looks real hearty and delicious! What great flavors to the Risotto.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love things cooked with bacon this way. Ive done filet mignong, and prok tenderloin like this. Ive never had venison, but your post was extrmely interesting! And your food looks wonderful, as always!

    ReplyDelete
  5. LOL! Yeah it is interesting that people will not try new things. I have tried many new and interesting foods in my life and some I loved (like tuna tartar), some not so much (blood pudding in Ireland) but how would I ever know if I didn't give it a go? Have tried venison and it just isn't my bag but...the bacon part and lemon broccoli risotto sound good so maybe chicken as a substitute & life is good :) Yum!

    ReplyDelete
  6. LOL I've had zucchini before and it didn't kill me but I have to wonder how many people really eat it on a regular basis?
    Now the Lemon Broccoli Risotto sounds delish!! I'm currently going through a crock-pot phase since it's been sooo cold out!

    ReplyDelete
  7. We have a friend that has to be married to the pickiest person alive! Seriously when they come for dinner it can't be pork at all and that's just the beginning!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Was that my other stepdaughter you had over for dinner? It's crazy -- but what a neat post. I'm with Bob on this one, the bacon seals the deal, and the risotto looks marvelous. I love it but have never made it myself. Looks like I should try it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I haven't had venison in years, but use to enjoy it immencely! I love the idea of the bacon wrap as well Karen.. I didn't know you had a gardener ;) LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Karen,
    LOVING Artisan Bread in 5! Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  11. My oldest daughter was the picky eater in the family and my youngest would eat anything. Making dinner was always interesting. Did someone say bacon? Wrapped around venison? Sounds good to me.
    I have some awards for you on my blog. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. My husband being a hunter, we have venison often, in place of beef. Many of my family members have eaten it without knowing! They're all still alive, too.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The venison fillets look awesome and even better wrapped with bacon. Excellent recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  14. That looks like a tasty meal! I have not had much luck tracking down some venison.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting... I love to read your comments!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...