Buttermilk Fried Grouse

[CaughtABuzz]

Been chirping about plucking birds and how it can affect the taste and moisture....Went back to an old recipe for a couple plucked birds I had

 

Brine: let soak for 4/5 hours.....Amounts vary as I tend to wing it -Like my bird puns;)?

1/4 cup salt to 4 cup water

Peppercorns- small hand full

Fresh Thyme- Tbsp or 2?

Bay leaves- 3/4 per bird used

Once completed Rinse under cold water and pat outside and cavity dry

 

Buttermilk Marinade:

2 cups buttermilk

1/3 cup fresh thyme, sage, oregano

1-2 Tbsp Cayenne, I lean towards 2 but dont measure

Mix together and add halved grouse- pheasant, quail, etc....To cut the birds  in half, lay on cutting board breast side down. With a kitchen scissors start in the cavity opening just right of the backbone, cut up to the opening by the neck, cut again of left side to remove the entire back bone. With a sharp chopping knife cut through the middle of the bird from the inside of the cavity to the chest.

place halved birds in marinade for 4-8 hours

 

Pour birds into colander but do not shake marinade off, use a large ziploc with 2 cups flour and place a couple halves in and shake to coat. Shake excess off and set on plate, continue until all birds are coated. I then take the halves and give them a second shake in flour to get extra crispy.

 

In cast iron skillet pour 3 cups of olive oil and slowly heat up to 325, I use a small piece of skin to test temp, oil should bubble but not pop or splash too much. Cook for 4 minutes per side, then place on paper towl to drain oil.

 

Added a beer butt grouse to complete the dinner....see past thread for recipe

 

Edited December 23, 2015 by CaughtABuzz

[Boar]

Oh my that looks awsome!! nice job!

[smurfy]

Sure does. Problem is getting enough time to go shoot dem tree chickens.

[reinhard1]

Buzz,  Great job and prep work as usual!!  I told my brother about the way you pluck the birds and he said "He What!"  Yes he plucks the grouse.  I told him to look here for himself and he was very impressed as I was.  that was something we never thought of.  good luck.

[delcecchi]

Plucking must be an old time thing.  My dad (and mom) always plucked birds of any kind.  And we ate all the edible stuff, no just taking the breast.  But that was way back in the day.  They weren't much into not using everything.   Mmmm Venison Kidney...

[lovebigbluegills]

That looks awesome! I wish there were enough grouse around, but I'll give it a whirl with some chicken breasts for now.

[perchking]

I do something very similar, but I breast mine. I agree they are fantastic 

[CaughtABuzz]

Plucking must be an old time thing.  My dad (and mom) always plucked birds of any kind.  And we ate all the edible stuff, no just taking the breast.  But that was way back in the day.  They weren't much into not using everything.   Mmmm Venison Kidney...

Sure does. Problem is getting enough time to go shoot dem tree chickens.

I think your right delcecchi....also believe it used to be more common to hangs birds to age but everyone loses their mind when they hear about poultry hanging for days. I like being able to use all of the bird. Next year I plan to save all of the hearts from my birds....have a new recipe to try

 

Smurfy- Sure is.....been a tough yr finding birds as well. Believe the trend is on the upswing and we should be seeing more birds for the next few years. If I remember correctly yrs ending in 9 are the peaks of the 10 yr cycle?

 

Good to hear I was able to impress someone Reinhard 

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone! Enjoy the holiday's and cant wait to see what gets whipped up for x-mas and new yrs meals!

[smurfy]

Plucking must be an old time thing.  My dad (and mom) always plucked birds of any kind.  And we ate all the edible stuff, no just taking the breast.  But that was way back in the day.  They weren't much into not using everything.   Mmmm Venison Kidney...

I never plucked grouse, but I agree I am adamant about using the WHOLE BIRD!!!!! now venny kidney not so much. use to keep the heart till I was told animal organs are high in cholesteral!! and since I be on meds or that.......... 

[delcecchi]

Good news smurf.  Eating food with cholesterol has no affect on blood cholesterol.

Saturated fatstill is believed to increase blood cholesterol.