The Way to a Man's Heart is Through His Stomach.....

Hunter... There's just something about that name.  It means camo..... ruggedness..... stealth.  It means hard work, athleticism and the smell of the Great Outdoors.  One thing I've learned over the years from my mom is EVERY man likes home-cooked meals... and what better way to make your man happy than to cook up the deer or elk he just harvested during hunting season?!  I have made this recipe for different folks; city kids, cowboys... you name it-  I'm pretty sure their heart goes pitter pat with every bite ;)

Crock-Pot Pepper Steak

Serves: 6-8       Prep Time: 15 minutes           Cooking Time: 10 to 11 hours

For a great meal, serve over rice or noodles with cornbread and a salad!

• 2 lbs. venison steak (deer or elk)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (approx.)
• 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) tomatoes, undrained
• 2 green bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 6 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• salt and pepper

Cut steak into strips and dredge with flour.  In medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.  Brown venison strips in small batches, transferring to slow cooker as they are browned.  In small bowl, combine tomatoes, peppers, onion, mushrooms, soy sauce, molasses, and salt and pepper to taste.  Mix well.  Pour mixture over venison.  Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour, then reduce heat to LOW and cook for 9 to 10 hours longer.

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Which came first?  Do cowboys and country kids love ranch dressing because it's called "ranch dressing"?  Or did the name arise from the fact that cowboys and country kids love it?  lol  This homemade version of the classic salad dressing is oh-so-good.......

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 cup real mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk, depemding or how thick you want the dressing
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sprinkle the salt over the garlic.  With a fork, mash the garlic and salt together to make a paste.  The finer the better, as the garlic is very strong in the finished dressing.  All all the dressing ingredients to a bowl.  Stir together gently, adjusting the seasonings as needed.  Make the ranch dressing all yours - add in more of what you like.  Chill the dressing for at least 2 hours before serving.  Thin with milk if needed. 

I thought that I would include a couple of great recipes for your taste buds to try out.  With all this talk of hunting season right around the corner... my mouth starts to water when I think of all the wonderful meals that will be made!! ENJOY!