Michael Vialpando

Aug 28, 2024 | themeateater.com | Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley |Lukas Leaf |Michael Vialpando |Danielle Prewett

Although cacciatore is most often prepared with chicken today, it’s an apt recipe for rabbit. After all, “cacciatore” does mean “hunter” in Italian. This tomato-based stew is delicious over polenta, rice, or couscous. You might see other cacciatore recipes that include the addition of olives and/or mushrooms. You can certainly add these ingredients if you like, but I prefer a simple tomato gravy.

May 20, 2024 | themeateater.com | Danielle Prewett |Wade Truong |Michael Vialpando

Duration 6 hours Serves 6 Chef’s notes The legs of a wild turkey are often treated poorly in the kitchen, or worse, left in the field! This hearty spin on tortilla soup is a great way to turn those tougher cuts into succulent, tender meat. This recipe makes a decent-sized batch that can be enjoyed right away with cilantro and tortilla chips or frozen to eat on a chilly evening later in the year.

Jan 22, 2024 | themeateater.com | Maggie Hudlow |Michael Vialpando |Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley |Lukas Leaf

The patty melt is my perfect iteration of a burger. To begin with, buttered and griddled rye has far more gusto than your standard burger bun. Caramelized onions meld swimmingly with melted cheese. And a thin, flavorful, bacon grease-cooked burger patty (or two or three) really brings it home. My favorite diner order is made even better at home with ground elk or deer from the freezer.

Dec 6, 2023 | themeateater.com | Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley |Michael Vialpando |Rick Matney |Lukas Leaf

This is an easy, hearty winter dish, one that’s tasty with any white meat birds you might have in the fridge. Pheasant is my favorite, but this casserole will also go well with partridge, quail, or ruffed grouse. If you’re one to serve wild game during the holidays, make this casserole in the days following if you have any meat still lingering in the fridge. This recipe can be served as a main dish or as a side. If you don’t have leftover meat, seared or poached pheasant breasts will work.

Sep 22, 2023 | themeateater.com | Wade Truong |Michael Vialpando

Bear grease is a versatile fat—you can use it for everything from sauteés to confits, and apparently, you can also forecast the weather with it. In addition to its savory and meteorological applications, it makes a mean batch of brownies. Bear grease is somewhat liquid at room temperature, so it can be used as a 1:1 substitute for recipes that normally call for vegetable oil or melted butter.