Ya gotta love ice fishing in California. First of all that it exists, second that you can fish through 2 feet of ice wearing a T-shirt, third that you can catch gorgeous rainbow trout. And when you do, you should treat them simply – with brown butter, parsley and lemon.
Cooking Basics
How to Butterfly a Fish
Butterflying, also known as splitting or kiting a fish, is a basic skill you will want to know, especially when dealing with smaller fish. It keeps the fish whole but largely debones it. The technique is ideal for either quick pan frying or for stuffing the fish, in this case a trout.
Wild Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce has been part of the American holiday tradition for more than two centuries. It is a perfect accompaniment to roast turkey or venison, pork, wild boar or bear. And while this is a pretty classic recipe, it is made with real wild cranberries from New England.
Wiener Schnitzel
Wiener schnitzel goes by many names, but whatever you call it, this is a bedrock recipe you need to know as a cook, whether you work with wild game or not. It’s quick comfort food that can be made with an array of meats, ranging from pheasant and wild boar to veal, pork or chicken.
Venison with Cumberland Sauce
If there is one sauce you need to know as a wild game cook, it is Cumberland sauce. Savory, rich and a little sweet, it is a classic sauce for venison, duck, goose or any dark game meat. Learn this sauce by heart and you’ll never go wrong.
Poached Turkey Breast with Gravy
If you’re having a quiet Thanksgiving, maybe just the two of you, you don’t need a whole turkey. Instead, gently poach the turkey breast and serve it with a rich gravy made from turkey wings. And while I used wild turkey, any ole’ gobbler will work.
How to Smoke Salmon
There are a lot of ways to smoke salmon, but this is the method I’ve perfected over the years. Making perfect smoked salmon requires a little attention, and a lot of time. Here’s how to do it.
Perfect Seared Fish
Searing fish perfectly is a skill any cook should have, especially if you catch your own fish. I’ve been cooking fish this way for close to 30 years, both professionally and at home. Here’s how to sear a fish, step by step.