Wild Game

Once a year my father's church has a pretty huge get together to celebrate hunting and share the bounty from the year.  In Michigan this generally means venison, but sometimes there is an opportunity to taste even more exotic game.  This year there was some wild boar, kangaroo, and rabbit added into the mix. 

The gathering is set around the idea of sharing traditions within your family, generally father to son (in some cases to daughters).  Mind you, neither my father nor myself are hunters.  But the gathering is centered on good food, so you really can't go too far wrong. 

Last year there were roughly 270 attendees.  This year the numbers jumped to well over 300.  Extra settings needed to be brought out to accomadate the sizable group.  Even though the crowd had grown by more than orginally anticipated, there was more than enough food to feed everyone. 

Aside from the animals that provided for the feast (many from right here in Michigan), there was also a good showing of other Michigan staples.  These were some of the standouts of the evening:

Venison Meatballs with wild Hen of the Woods mushrooms
Venison strip steak with Michigan blueberry sauce
Venison brisket
Wild Boar sausage
Rabbit Stew


There was also a nice selection of venison jerkies and salamies for appetizers.

There were three food lines set up, which helped keep dinner moving at a brisk pace.  There really wasn't a long wait for food. 

It was quite a bit of food, and this was only the main course. 

A special needs table, with gluten free and allergen free items was also provided. 

In the end it was a great night for food and time with friends (even if you had to make new ones).  This does make me wonder if they will have room for everyone next year, if it continues to grow as it has for the past few years.

 

 

Time for a pint...