Penny For Your Thoughts
By: Nancy Whitaker
Hunting and eating animals were the only way the pioneers had to get fresh meat to feed their families. Our forefathers were happy if they could go out and shoot a bear, buffalo, opossum, deer, rabbit or anything that moved and cook it up for supper. I have never been hunting, but I don’t think I could shoot any living animal.
While people have always loved the sport of hunting , I personally, am glad I am not a pioneer lady that had to cook, de-fur and de-feather their main course. However, my Grandpa used to go out hunting on Thanksgiving Day, using a huge slingshot. I remember him shooting a rabbit and grandma cooking it. Today, though, I would think of the Easter Bunny or Bambi if I had to partake of rabbit or a deer.
Squirrels are very prevalent around the area and it appears they have taken up residence in local towns and villages. I have always enjoyed watching squirrels as they work so hard gathering food for the winter and making their nests in spring.. At one time I had a new porch swing with cushions on it and the squirrels made themselves at home and chewed up my swing pillows for their home. I was shocked the little critters did that and I realized that even though squirrels are fun to watch, they can be annoying.
Also there was another time, a squirrel got up in the electrical wires across from my house. The electric power went off and after calling the power company, they discovered a squirrel had chewed into the live wires.
The repair man fixed the wires and came down from his ladder holding what appeared to be a poor unfortunate squirrel. Yes it was fried. I cried, but supposedly that happens quite frequently.
Recently I heard that the British folks were now enjoying eating squirrels. I don’t know if they were just introduced to the fare or if they just had an abundance of the rodent.
Rachel Thomas of Britain staged a squirrel burger cooking contest challenge at the Forest Showcase Food and Drink Festival in southwest England. “Squirrels make a ‘good food source’ and should be served up as a way of controlling the population,” said Thomas.
Those competing in the squirrel burger contest had 1/4 of a pound of minced up gray squirrel meat in which to concoct a super winning burger. It also took a lot of imagination to make a burger that not only tasted good but was appealing to the eye.
The first place squirrel burger was one called “Cajun Melt.” The second place winner was, “Chicken of the Tree Surprise.” According to reports there was plenty of squirrel burgers to go around and the Brits absolutely loved them. Some described the taste as a combination of chicken and rabbit.
“If you eat meat, why not squirrel? Lambs, rabbits, they’re all cute animals so we don’t see what the fuss is all about,” Thomas said.
“They are, we think, a good food source. We decided, let’s get a bit of education out there, it’s about time they were managed properly.”
“A spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said: “Our shops are brimming with healthy and delicious grains, pasta, beans, rice, nuts, fruits, almond milks and soya puddings. Eat those foods instead of our animals”
Introduced from North America from 1876 to 1929, grey squirrels are now thought to outnumber England’s native reds by 66 to one.
Do you know how many ways you can cook squirrel? There are recipes for squirrel casseroles, tacos, soup, gravies and sauces. There are baked squirrel recipes and cooking directions for making crockpot squirrel, barbecued squirrel, squirrel and noodles and squirrel pot pie.
We have all probably heard the song by Ray Stevens called, “The Mississippi
Squirrel Revival” The song tells the story of a squirrel that was brought to church. I can only imagine the havoc that squirrel created as he chased those church goers around and over the pews.
As I look outside my window I am watching squirrels as they busy themselves with nest building and making a family.
Let me say this, ” Squirrels are safe around my house as I sure don’t want to eat one or use his tail for a Davy Crockett hat!
Have you ever cooked squirrel, ate squirrel, or hunted for squirrel? Let me know and I’ll give you a Penny for your thoughts.
