It's a Trophy

Deer down and it's a trophy!  No horns, it's a doe but what makes it a trophy is the rifle that was used.  My dad's guns were given to my brothers before he passed.  I was given my mom's rings.  This week my brother Jerry's son was showing my grandson the rifles given to his dad.  The rifle would be my grandson's great grandfathers.  As luck would have it Dana let Kent take it hunting this morning and yes, he shot a doe with it.  No scope, just open sites.  When Kent came in the house with the rifle he said, here is your dad's rifle.  I could have spit tears, it is old and it looks just like I remember seeing it and to think my grandson treats it with such pride.  Seeing Kent stand there holding that rifle was worth so much to me.  That picture will forever be etched in my memories.  His lucky day to be able so say he shot a deer with his great granddad's rifle.  My lucky day to witness that look on his face. 

A special guy with the special rifle!

I pointed to the deer's front quarters and said, "this looks like pastrami to me."  Hoping that we get a few cuts of venison done up my favorite way, pastrami.  Some will probably not like seeing a dead deer but the meat never goes to waste around our family.  The meat is so lean and tender, especially if it is not an old one.  There have been a few killed in my lifetime that we couldn't eat.  They were either too old or they had hung in the Mountain Laurel.  Mountain Laurel is beautiful to look at but it sure makes for a strong bad tasting venison. 

Where you live is it standard to have Friday night Fish Fries?  It is in our area and they must be Icelandic Haddock, anything else just doesn't fit the bill.  We took our grandson and nephew out for a Friday Fish Fry today in Coudersport at Kaytees.  They are delicious, big servings and yes Icelandic.  The guys fish was so big it hung over the platter on both sides.  I had the fish and chips but opted for their homemade macaroni and cheese on the side.  It was good, just the way I like it with a good white cheddar taste.  I never make it because Dick prefers the boxed Kraft mac and cheese.  Ewe,  I just can't eat it.  Kinda nice when the college "young bucks" want to hang with us.  They are quite entertaining and make us laugh.  Although Dick had them laughing too.  I think they are a little shocked over the old folks stories.  Dick's always seem to grow in detail the more he tells his stories.

Monday is Potter County National Holiday.  The first day of rifle season for deer.  The camps are filling up already in Clara.  Two more days until the Hunter's Supper.  Change of menu, going to brine a turkey and roast it with Cajun seasoning, roast beef, pickled venison heart and Soppressata salami and cheese, twice baked potatoes, a salad, pickled eggs and whatever else I can decide on. Tomorrow the bird will go in the brine for 24 hours.  This is the fun meal for me.  Listening to the chatter of strategies for opening morning and old stories.  I never get bored listening to them. 

If you bought a cookbook here is the Steamed Cherry Pudding, recipe on page 53.  The amount of milk was omitted, please write in 3/4 cup of milk.  This is a great dessert.  I bought the canned sour cherries at Aldis.  They are in a glass jar and terrific.  The Germans sure know good food!

Steamed Cherry Pudding, more like a very moist cake.

Of course warm with cold whipped cream!

Next blog will have some tips for the knitters.  I have been knitting socks and just learned a new trick for changing colors, have to "pass it on"  so much easier the new way!