The ideal Christmas Day includes presents under the tree, fun in the snow and home cooking. You can take your holiday meals to the next level by preparing some of your hard-earned harvests for your loved ones. Take some inspiration from our wild game smorgasbord and impress your family with meals made possible by your expert marksmanship!
Venison Egg Bake
Stir up a hearty breakfast to fuel maximum present opening capabilities! This venison egg bake features ground wild game, roasted chiles and Mexican spices to really wake you up. Top with avocado, salsa or hot sauce for the perfect no-fuss breakfast casserole. The author roasts whole green chiles, but a canned version works just as well when you’re in a rush to see what Santa left under the tree. No need to ask everyone how they like their eggs, because they only come one way today—baked and spicy!
Image by Elise Bauer from Simply Recipes
Mushroom Rabbit Stew
This no-waste stew allows you to use your entire rabbit (including the secret ingredient: a crème fraiche-liver mixture). Herbs, wine, garlic, butter and mushrooms come together to complement the rich rabbit in a delectable stew that will make your house smell amazing. After a day of sledding and snow ball fights, this mushroom rabbit stew is sure to warm everyone up. It’s also the perfect light lunch to tide everyone over until the main event: Christmas dinner.
Barbecue Bourbon Venison Meatballs
No holiday dinner is complete without appetizers. Luckily, these can be frozen in advance, so all you have to do on Christmas day is dump into a crockpot and serve with toothpicks. Whether you’re using elk, antelope or deer, these wild game hors d'oeuvre are sure to impress. Everyone can snack on these deliciously festive barbecue bourbon meatballs until dinner is served. Plus, if the bourbon is already open … may as well make a pre-dinner toast!
Image by ChrisAndAmy from Food52
Roast Wild Boar
The showstopper for your main event: a classic roast with a wild twist, wild boar that is. Fragrant herbs, roasted vegetables and mouthwatering wild pork are sure to satisfy your family on a cold winter’s night. Gather around the table for a tender wild boar roast dinner to end the perfect day with the perfect meal. With your sides and main dish all piled into the roasting pan together, you’ll get to spend more time with family and less time slaving away in the kitchen.
