How to make Rabbit Stew

I’ve always thought that a Dutch oven was just when you farted in bed and then pulled the sheets over your bed-mate’s head, bringing them certain torture and probable death.

Not so. Dutch ovens actually exist, and they are used in an extremely popular form of cooking in southern Utah. You can put a Dutch oven inside an actual oven, but they are traditionally put over a bed of coals, with coals placed over the lid. They are most useful for camping, if you want to haul what is essentially a cast-iron bucket.

You can make anything from turkey chili to chocolate cake in a Dutch oven. The choice for our first dish? Jack-Rabbit Stew, naturally. The meat was compliments of our friend Mitch (surprisingly, not our first offer for free rabbit meat). This recipe is from Byron’s Dutch Oven Cooking Page.

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 rabbit, about 3 pounds, cut up
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• dash pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups dry red wine
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms, sauteed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup water

PREPARATION:
Dredge rabbit pieces with 1/2 cup flour.




Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; brown rabbit pieces on all sides.



Add celery, onion, salt, pepper, bay leaf, 4 cups water, and wine; bring to the boil.



Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and simmer rabbit stew for 2 hours. Add carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms; cook for about 25 to 30 minutes longer, or until vegetables are tender. Combine 1/4 cup flour and 1/3 cup water; stir until well blended and smooth. Stir flour mixture into the broth; cook and stir until thickened.

I have to say, it was extremely delicious and tender. Rabbit is leaner than beef, pork, and chicken. Yum! Bunnies!

Bryce Canyon Pt.4

Bryce Canyon Pt. 3

Best Inland Sushi

This is the one of the most amazing buffets in Las Vegas- Makino Sushi & Seafood. Only $13.99 for lunch, you can choose from 40+ types of sushi and sashimi, plus all you can eat tempura, do-it-yourself Miso, and different types of Japanese salads and veggies. For desert- a huge spread of fresh fruit, a giant chocolate fountain, crème brule, tarts, and other interesting Japanese treats. We stumbled upon this place while outlet shopping around the holidays- I’ll take this over the strip any day!

A New Year in (Tortoise) Paradise

I’m also going on yet another business trip to Las Vegas in February- 4 days at a Tortoise symposium at Sam’s Town. That’s right: 4 days of Tortoise scientists talking about Tortoise science in a huge western-themed casino. Did I mention animatronic bears? And planned socials. Tortoise nerd socials.

Which way to the buffet??

OH! I’m moving into a new place in La Verkin, UT. Thought I lived in Podunk before? This town has fewer than 4,000 residents. I am actually receding deeper into Utah (only 30 miles deeper, there is still easy access to the world’s largest liquor store in Mesquite, NV). It's centrally located between St. George, Cedar City, and Zion National Park. It’s 3 bedrooms, has a garage, and it has a huge porch with a sweet view.

Bryce Canyon Pt.2

I have to continue with this set because this was one of the most beautiful parks that we've visited thus far. I may be better with updates soon once we move into a new place with internets. woop.