RD's Rugged Recipes
Hey, gang... I don't want anyone to think I'm trying to come across as some veteran chef who was trained in France or at The Culinary Institute of America, because I'm not and I wasn't. But, I'm a kick-ass home cook and some of my stuff is pretty damn good! No-one has ever barfed on my floor after a meal, I can tell you that much!!
I don't have a fancy-ass food stylist either and none of these pictures were touched up. In fact, I take all the pictures myself in my own kitchen, with just a shitty little digital camera because I wanted this whole thing to be realistic and believable. I cook all food before we send the recipes or pictures out. I live alone, so every time I cook one of these dishes, I have to eat it... No wonder I'm getting so friggin' fat!
One thing to keep in mind is that I really don't use actual "recipes" when I'm cooking. I rarely measure anything, accept for when I'm baking something like bread or if I'm making pizza dough. You must measure when you bake!
I had to come up with measurements, etc, for this site, otherwise it would look pretty lame if I said, "Well, about a handful of this or that," or, "Just throw in some dry oregano." My point is that when you make any of these dishes, sure, measure most thngs to start off with. But,don't worry too much about precise measurements. Just "go by feel," as they say, and taste as you go. You'll learn alot this way too.
One of my favourite TV chefs is Michael Smith from PEI, Canada. He has several Food Network shows including "Chef at Home" and his slogan is "cooking without a recipe." I totally agree...
RD cooking over an open fire in his yard
RECIPES
Spicy Grilled Venison Rib Steaks - Venison is great any way you cook it, but sometimes a little heat is a nice change.
Cream of (you pick it) Soup - This a rich and creamy soup that's easy to make. It's also a good way to use up some veggies that are "getting there."
Rack of Lamb - If you sometimes find venison a little strong, try lamb... you'll LOVE it!
Venison Meatballs and Sauce - A great way to use up ground venison or moose.
Pork Tenderloin with Apples - Pork is SO damn good! And, you even get to crank out the rum for this one!
Salmon Cakes with Honey, Lemon and Dill Sauce - Everyone loves grilled salmon and these cakes are just as awesome!
RD's Classic Fish & Chips - An absolute classic and favourite of any Rugged Dude or Dudette!
Blueberry - Chocolate Sauce - Something a little different for your red meats and venison. Works well on pork too!
Bannock - A staple of campfire cooking in Canada, bannock is hearty, tasty and yes - seriously rugged!
Rugged Dude Pizza - A home made "Ma and Pa" type pizza for the meat lover in every Rugged Dude!
RD's Rugged Banana Bread - I guess banana bread is rugged if you eat it in the duck blind... or in the treestand.
Breaded Pheasant with Avocado Butter - Absolutley delicious! It's also good as a cold dip for vegetables or warmed up and eaten with chicken fingers or batter-fried shrimp.
Creamy Turkey Rolls with Basil Pesto - This is one of my happiest moments... when I'm about to eat one of these babies! Easy to make and really, really good!!
Sweet Carrots with Tarragon - Carrots are already sweet, but try this recipe and they'll be "Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!"
