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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 2, 2024)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, October 2, 2024 -- SEVEN Get creative with your elk meat Two flavorful steak recipes to try By Chris Sykes Some of my best mem- ories from childhood and high school were spent up at Butch’s cabin, elk hunting around Matlock, Little Baldy, and Big Baldy Mountain in the Umatil- la National Forest. Be- ing invited to join Mark Pointer, Butch Laughlin, and Archie Ball on their hunting trips was some- thing I looked forward to every year. Along with Donnie Pointer, Dwayne Ball, Shane Laughlin, and Dan Burnside, we would head out into the moun- tains, always hopeful for a successful hunt. Archie, who everyone joked was the luckiest hunt- er of the bunch, often came away with an elk. He had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Af- terward, we’d gather back at Butch’s shop, where everyone would pitch in to cut up the elk. It was a group effort, and everyone received some elk meat to take home. I learned so much from those guys, not just about hunting, but also about the mountains and life. When I got my share of elk, I’d take it home, season it with pepper, salt, and garlic powder, then dredge it in egg, bread it with flour, and fry it in oil. It was one of the best meals I knew how to make. Later, when I lived in Pendleton, I’d invite my friends over, and we’d fry up 10 pounds of elk for a feast—it was always a good time. If you’ve cooked elk before, you know it’s a fantastic game meat—lean, flavorful, and with just the right amount of gam- iness. But if you’re ready to mix things up and try something new, I found a couple of recipes that will bring out the best in this wild game. Whether you’re looking for some- thing bold or a more refined twist, here are two elk steak recipes that will surprise you with their bright fla- vors and simple techniques: Peppercorn-Crusted Elk Steak and Herb-Crusted Elk Steaks with Marsala Mushrooms. Peppercorn-Crust- ed Elk Steak: For those who appreciate the combination of smoky flavors and peppery heat, the Peppercorn-Crusted Elk Steak is a recipe you’ll want to try. This dish is straight- forward yet flavorful, al- lowing the natural richness of the elk to shine while adding a peppery kick. Ingredients: 2 lbs elk tenderloin ½ cup crushed peppercorns 1 cup softened butter 1 tbsp minced garlic Salt and dried parsley Instructions: 1. Preheat your smok- er to 225°F. 2. Prepare a garlic butter mixture by blending the butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley. Rub this mixture generously onto the elk tenderloin. 3. Coat the steak with crushed peppercorns, en- suring an even crust. 4. Place the steak in the smoker and cook until WWW.HEPPNER.NET Submit News, Advertising & Announcements Letters To The Editor Send Us Photos Start A New Subscription ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (for me- dium-rare). This typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. 5. Once smoked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to settle. The slow smoking pro- cess ensures the elk remains tender, while the pepper- corn crust provides a burst of flavor with every bite. The simplicity of this recipe allows the rich, gamey na- ture of the elk to take center stage, enhanced by the pep- percorn and buttery garlic rub. Perfect for an outdoor grilling night or a hearty, smoky dinner indoors. Herb-Crusted Elk Steaks with Marsala Mushrooms: A Gourmet Twist If you prefer a savory, herb-infused steak paired with a rich sauce, then the Herb-Crusted Elk Steaks with Marsala Mushrooms will be your go-to. This rec- ipe combines fresh thyme with the flavors of a Mar- sala mushroom sauce for a gourmet experience. Ingredients: 4 elk sirloin steaks Salt, pepper, and fresh thyme (to taste) 1-2 bacon slices (chopped) 2 cups mushrooms 4 tbsp butter ½ cup Marsala wine Instructions: 1. Season the elk steaks with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Let them marinate for at least an hour to fully absorb the herb flavors. 2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, then set it aside. In the same pan, sauté the mush- rooms with butter until they’re golden and tender. 3. Add the Marsala wine to the mushrooms, allowing it to simmer and reduce slightly, creating a flavorful sauce. 4. In a separate pan, sear the elk steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a crispy herb crust. Once seared, transfer the steaks to the Marsala mush- room mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The Marsala wine adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the thyme and mushrooms. Combined with the lean elk meat, the result is a balanced dish that’s rich and satisfying. Why Try Elk? Elk meat is not only a flavorful alternative to traditional cuts of beef, but it’s also leaner and often considered healthier due to its lower fat content. Its distinctive flavor stands up well to strong seasonings, making it ideal for experi- menting with robust herbs, spices, and sauces. These two recipes demonstrate the versatility of elk—whether smoked with a peppery crust or paired with a Mar- sala mushroom sauce. If you’re ready to shake up your usual elk steak routine, give one (or both!) of these elk recipes a try. If you try these recipes, please let me know what you think. Reversing Diabetes Workshop 6 Session Seminar Starting Monday, October 14th 6:00 - 8:00 PM Seminars include: Food samples, recipes, support and exercise plans $45 individual/$60.00 couple Location: Heppner SDA Church Gym 560 Minor Street RSVP & for information call, 541-561-9132 WWW.HEPPNER.NET 10th Annual Oktoberfest AUCTION & DINNER - OCT 19, 2024 MONDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the American Legion Hall Or Email Social Hour starts 4:30 pm / Dinner 6 pm • Music by Frank Carlson Tri-Tip, Chicken or Lamb Dinner 541-676-9228 177 N. Main P.O. Box 337 Heppner, OR 97836 Chris@sykesrealestate.net Broker Chris Sykes 541-215-2274 New Listing $230,000 This cozy 1950s home, located in a peaceful community, offers a blend of classic charm and modern comforts. The 3-bed, 2-bath property features a finished basement with two bedrooms and a bonus room, perfect for extra space or an office. The well-maintained yard, complete with mature fruit trees, provides a relaxing outdoor space. Essential appliances, including a fridge, range, washer, and dryer, are included, making it move-in ready. Sold as-is or with conventional financing, this charming home is ready for you to make it your own! 285 W ARCADE ST Lexington MLS# 24676541 SOLD Pending 325 W. 2nd St., Ione, OR • Tickets $35 at the door Live Music • Dancing • Prizes Huge Silent and Live Auctions design and Bid on this Henry Golden Boy .22 Carbine at the Auction! We’ll also have dozens of other items ready to go home with you! www.thewooleryprojectinc.com • www.facebook.com/thewooleryprojectinc The Woolery Project, Inc. • PO Box 205, Arlington, OR 97812 • The Woolery Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) entity. Heppner Gazette-Times Sykes Printing Sykes Publishing Secluded mountain property! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to own your own mountain property. Whether you’re looking for a hunting retreat or a permanent residence, this property has it all. With approximately 9.09 acres of land and a private pond you can embrace the beauty of nature and create a life of serenity in the mountains you’ve always desired. 80844 Black Mountain Ln Heppner MLS#:23510132 541-676-9228 printing services *Mail 9.09 ACRES by Paradise Rose Chuckwagon Catering and the Krebs Ranch We also offer *Design *Print Hop on your hoss and rock on in! YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! Call graphics@rapidserve.net Print & Mailing Services This year honoring the Henry Wilkins family Heritage family 1860’s $390,000 Experience luxury living in this stunning home located in Heppner, Oregon. Built in 2016, this beautiful property boasts luxurious features such as heated bathroom floors, a central vacuum system, a water softener, and central air for ultimate comfort. Enjoy the convenience of being close to the high school, Heppner pool, baseball park, elementary school, fishing spots, and downtown, all within walking distance. With an expansive lot, this is the perfect opportunity to own your dream home in an ideal location. 480 W Morgan St Heppner MLS#: 24057570
