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Saving a Squirrel by Eating One
The New York Times ^ | January 6, 2009 | MARLENA SPIELER

Posted on 01/08/2009 1:19:30 PM PST by presidio9

RARE roast beef splashed with meaty jus, pork enrobed in luscious crackling fat, perhaps a juicy, plump chicken ... these are feasts that come to mind when one thinks of quintessential British food. Lately, however, a new meat is gracing the British table: squirrel.

Gamekeepers like David Wiggins, and others in England, hunt more gray squirrels to save the reds. Though squirrel has appeared occasionally in British cookery, history doesn’t deem it a dining favorite. Even during World War II and the period of austerity that followed, the Ministry of Food valiantly promoted the joys of squirrel soup and pie. British carnivores replied, “No, thank you.”

These days, however, in farmers’ markets, butcher shops, village pubs and elegant restaurants, squirrel is selling as fast as gamekeepers and hunters can bring it in.

“Part of the interest is curiosity and novelty,” said Barry Shaw of Shaw Meats, who sells squirrel meat at the Wirral Farmers Market near Liverpool. “It’s a great conversation starter for dinner parties.”

While some have difficulty with the cuteness versus deliciousness ratio — that adorable little face, those itty-bitty claws — many feel that eating squirrel is a way to do something good for the environment while enjoying a unique gastronomical experience.

With literally millions of squirrels rampaging throughout England, Scotland and Wales at any given time, squirrels need to be controlled by culls. This means that hunters, gamekeepers, trappers and the Forestry Commission (the British equivalent of forest rangers) provide a regular supply of the meat to British butchers, restaurants, pâté and pasty makers and so forth.

The situation is more than simply a matter of having too many squirrels. In fact, there is a war raging in Squirreltown:

(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...


TOPICS: Extended News; Miscellaneous; United Kingdom
KEYWORDS: food; game; squirrels; wildlife
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1 posted on 01/08/2009 1:19:32 PM PST by presidio9
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To: presidio9

Eddie stopped eating squirrels when his doctor told him they had too much cholesterol.


2 posted on 01/08/2009 1:20:47 PM PST by henkster (When I was young I was told anyone could be President. Now I believe it.)
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To: presidio9

In before ‘they taste like chicken.’


3 posted on 01/08/2009 1:22:11 PM PST by dfwgator (I hate Illinois Marxists)
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To: presidio9
squirrel is selling as fast as gamekeepers and hunters can bring it in.

Are these "hunters" employees of the queen? Mere serfs can't be allowed any weapons capable of taking down a squirrel.

4 posted on 01/08/2009 1:24:01 PM PST by KarlInOhio (On 9/11 Israel mourned with us while the Palestinians danced in the streets. Who should we support?)
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To: presidio9

Did Mike Huckabee sponsor this thread? *LOL*


5 posted on 01/08/2009 1:24:19 PM PST by IMissPresidentReagan (My mom thinks I need religion, I think I need a shower and something to eat.)
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To: presidio9

One of my favorite recipe videos, “Squirrel Melt”...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RlK0Xd4c2c


6 posted on 01/08/2009 1:24:42 PM PST by Bean Counter (Stout Hearts.....)
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To: KarlInOhio

Brits allow generous usage of the .22LR rifle and you can buy a suppressor IN STORES, WITHOUT GOOBERMINT APPROVAL.


7 posted on 01/08/2009 1:25:06 PM PST by SJSAMPLE
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To: presidio9

Now here is an article worthy of the NY Times. The pros and cons of rodent eating.


8 posted on 01/08/2009 1:26:26 PM PST by Oldpuppymax (AGENDA OF THE LEFT EXPOSED)
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To: presidio9
My Grandpa, rest his soul, and I used to go squirrel hunting together.
Squirrel brains and scrambled eggs. MMMMmmmmmmmmmm
9 posted on 01/08/2009 1:26:29 PM PST by Just another Joe (Warning: FReeping can be addictive and helpful to your mental health)
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To: dfwgator

They don’t taste like chicken, but they do have a great flavor just broiled with a little salt and pepper! My older brother used to shoot them in the head, to avoid harming the meat with a lead bullet.


10 posted on 01/08/2009 1:26:51 PM PST by MHGinTN (Believing they cannot be deceived, they cannot be convinced when they are deceived.)
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To: IMissPresidentReagan

Mikee is leavin money on the table!<p.He could be over in “Jolly Olde” sellin Uncle Mike’s Squirrell Cooker/Popcorn Popper!


11 posted on 01/08/2009 1:27:35 PM PST by Cheapskate (Play loud and carry BIG sticks!)
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To: SJSAMPLE
You really don't need a suppressor. What you need to do is get two guns, or at least a gun and something that might look like one to a squirrel. You go into a heavily hunted forest ~ make sure the squirrels see you there. They'll run and hide lest they be frightened by the firing.

Take your fake gun and lean it up against a tree that you know the squirrels can see.

Walk back up the trail, then return to the same area by a different path perpendicular to where the squirrels are.

Start picking them off while they are staring at the fake gun.

You can probably pick up half a dozen to a dozen in one short session that way.

Do a quick cleaning in the forest before leaving lest the meat be contaminated by the guts.

Time to eat up~

12 posted on 01/08/2009 1:31:20 PM PST by muawiyah
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To: dfwgator

13 posted on 01/08/2009 1:31:34 PM PST by Puppage (You may disagree with what I have to say, but I shall defend to your death my right to say it)
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To: presidio9

I’ve heard similar recommendations made for beavers.


14 posted on 01/08/2009 1:32:36 PM PST by 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten
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To: presidio9

4 Squirrels, cut up
2 T. butter
¼ cup olive oil
salt and pepper
2 cloves garlic crushed
½ tsp. Rosemary
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1 T chopped parsley
2 cups sliced mushrooms

Saute squirrel in butter and oil until lightly browned. Add salt and pepper to taste, garlic, rosemary, wine and broth, simmer until nearly done, turning often. Add parsley and mushrooms. Cook five minutes. Serves four.


15 posted on 01/08/2009 1:42:59 PM PST by AmericanHunter
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To: IMissPresidentReagan

Beat me by THAT much...

16 posted on 01/08/2009 1:47:36 PM PST by Old Sarge (For the first time in my life, I am ashamed to be an American)
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To: presidio9

17 posted on 01/08/2009 1:49:37 PM PST by Red Badger (I was sad because I had no shoes to throw, until I met a reporter who had no feet.....)
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To: SquirrelKing

Don’t vacation in the UK.


18 posted on 01/08/2009 1:49:58 PM PST by Tijeras_Slim
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To: 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten

19 posted on 01/08/2009 1:50:21 PM PST by Red Badger (I was sad because I had no shoes to throw, until I met a reporter who had no feet.....)
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To: presidio9

20 posted on 01/08/2009 1:54:31 PM PST by absolootezer0 (thank God for Chicago: makes Detroit look wholesome by comparison.)
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