Girl Hunter by Georgia Pellegrini

Not too long ago, I was contacted by someone from Georgia Pellegrini's staff, about a new book titled Girl Hunter: Revolutionizing the Way We Eat, One Hunt at a Time. Basically they would provide a rough (not final) copy of the book and a recipe or two that I could share with my readers. Knowing many other bloggers, and as word has spread, I have a feeling that you'll be seeing numerous reviews around the blogosphere this week.

First of all, Georgia Pellegrini wasn't raised hunting, in fact her background and life had little to no preparation on the steps she would take to become a huntress. As the story goes, several events in her life intrigued her enough to start the journey on what would eventually make her a "Girl Hunter" and an author.

Coming from an agricultural community and hunting my entire life, this book is interesting, to say the least.. and there are several parts of her journey and reflections that spoke to my heart. Other parts, well... if nothing else, I would encourage you to read it for yourself. Not only would it make a wonderful Christmas present for friends and family, it's also a book that gives you several considerations for reflecting on your own journey as a hunter or huntress.

Meanwhile, as prompted several times by her Marketing Manager, here's a recipe from her book that sounds absolutely delish!! Enjoy!!

Buttermilk Fried Rabbit
Serves 4

1 young cottontail rabbit, cut into serving pieces
2 cups buttermilk
1 medium-size onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried tarragon, or 1 teaspoon each of your three favorite dried herbs
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon cayenne
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper
2 to 3 cups grape seed or vegetable oil

1) Soak the rabbit overnight in the buttermilk, along with the onion, garlic, herbs, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of the cayenne.

2) Drain in colander, leaving some herbs on the rabbit. In a large resealable plastic bag or in a large bowl, mix the flour with the garlic and onion powder and remaining 2 teaspoons of cayenne, as well as a pinch of salt and pepper. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until a pinch of flour starts to sizzle when dropped in the hot oil, but not so hot as for the oil to be smoking.

3) Place the rabbit pieces in the bag with the flour mixture and shake until thoroughly coated. Do this in small batches, dredging just enough rabbit to fit in the pan at one time.

4) Add the rabbit to the skillet and fry on one side for about 10 minutes, until golden brown, then use tongs to turn the pieces over and fry for another 10 minutes, again until golden brown. Be careful to keep the oil hot enough to fry the rabbit, but not so much that it burns.

5) Remove the rabbit from the skillet and place it on a wire rack over paper towels. Season immediately with salt and pepper to taste, to help preserve the crispiness for the table. This is good served immediately or also good cold for lunch the next day.