Goose + Pork = Beef

People are often surprised when they find out that Ian hunts Canada Geese.  Goose hunts are the best - both eerily beautiful and exhilarating.

A photo from this morning's goose hunt.

Goose hunting also provides an excellent source of wild caught protein.  Tonight, for instance, we had goose-pork burgers on homemade brioche buns.  They were topped with fresh garden lettuce, homemade zucchini relish and our candied jalapenos.  They tasted pretty darn close to a really delicious beef burger.  We also had fresh cut french fries made from our own potatoes.  

It was a truly wonderful and satisfying meal, made possible by our family's hunter and provider.  And I would be remiss if I did not thank the geese for providing lean, healthy meat for our family.

Recipe: Gael Glen Farm's Brioche Hamburger Buns (inspired by: https://www.theclevercarrot.com/)

INGREDIENTS
1 c. warm water
3 tablespoons warm milk
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs
3 cups bread flour
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
poppy seeds

INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk together the warm water, milk, yeast and sugar. Then, beat 1 egg.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flours, salt and butter. Using the paddle attachment, mix the ingredients until the butter is the size of crumbs.

Switch the attachment to the dough hook. Stir in yeast mixture and beaten egg. Run the mixer on Speed 2 until a dough forms, about 5 minutes.

Cover bowl and let the dough rise until it has doubled is size, about 3 hours.

Divide the dough into equal pieces and shape into balls.  Transfer to your baking sheet, placing them a few inches inches apart. Cover and rest for 1-2 hours, or until puffy and slightly risen.

Beat the remaining egg. When the buns are finished with the 2nd rise, gently brush each one with egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds.

Preheat oven to 400 F. and place a skillet or metal baking dish on the oven floor. Before the dough goes in, add about 1/2 cup of water to the pan to create steam. This will help keep the bread nice and moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.