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Main Boards => Recipes/Grilling/ Barbecuing/Smokers => Topic started by: WINDTALKER on December 07, 2010, 10:55:00 PM

Title: Deer heart
Post by: WINDTALKER on December 07, 2010, 10:55:00 PM
Anyone got a good receipe for deer heart? Did a search here and did'nt find much. Thanks for your time
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Al Dente on December 08, 2010, 11:56:00 AM
I trim it well of all gristle, cut into strips and soak in milk.  After, I dredge in seasoned flour and fry, or you can coat in breadcrumbs and fry it up.  you can also grind it, add it to sausgae, or make a pate with it.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: agross1 on December 08, 2010, 01:46:00 PM
The only way I have had it is pickled, I don't have the recipe but it was delicious.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: mookie on December 08, 2010, 09:39:00 PM
Al Dente is right just don't over cook it.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: WINDTALKER on December 08, 2010, 09:40:00 PM
I read some where once about stuffed heart? I can't remember if it was in Trad archer or Primitive archer and I cant seem to find it. I think fried would be very similar to chiken hearts and gizzards ,yes no?
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: kuch on December 09, 2010, 04:07:00 PM
I have eaten quite a bit of heart. must clean the valves out and"gristle". I personally like it fried like AL dente and it cooks fast. My grandmother made a dish : white rice with carrots and celery then brown the heart chunks  add them to the rice a finish cooking ,,makes a "stew"  also very good. I think stuffing the heart would be fine but i would worry about overcooking then you have a stuffed "super-ball" . i like heart better than liver.  i usually cook the heart and inner loin right after the kill or soak overnight.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Horney Toad on December 10, 2010, 12:47:00 PM
It is really my favorite part of the deer. I have always just cut into flat pieces, dip in flour, and slowly pan fried. Add a little salt and pepper.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Al Dente on December 10, 2010, 12:48:00 PM
I've been interested in trying stuffed heart, but I think it would tough to be able to eliminate all of the gristle inside of it.  Then I worry about how tough it will be after roasting it.  I'd hate to waste it and be pleased.  If someone has a time tested recipe I'd give it a whirl, but until then, I'll just keep frying it.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: PP on December 10, 2010, 01:24:00 PM
I tried heart cut into small pieces and sauteed in olive oil with fresh chopped garlic , peppercorn , and a little hot sauce. Quick and easy way to cook backstrap also. Turned our good, but i think i'll try it pan fried next time.  Heart is a tasty often overlooked part of the deer.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: frank bullitt on December 10, 2010, 08:55:00 PM
My Father always pressured cooked Beef heart when we butchered! Let cool and trim.

Makes great sandwiches!
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Buckskin57 on December 14, 2010, 08:20:00 PM
boiled in water with sliced onion / cool ,slice thin for sandwich.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Dave Bulla on December 17, 2010, 02:35:00 AM
If you already did a search here, you might have seen how I do mine.  If not, here it is again...

I like heart best pickled. I trim it up, boil it in a small pot with just enough water to cover it. I add some celery, onion, salt and pepper and cook for about 3 to 4 hours keeping an eye on the water level so it doesn't drop. It'll never get "tender" but after the allotted time take it out and let cool. Slice about 1/2" thick slices. As you expose all the chambers, trim off anything that looks inedible.

Next, put a good thick slice of onion in the bottom of a pint mason jar along with some hot peppers of your choice (decide how much you think you'll need then about double it) and a pinch of oregano, some salt and pepper. Stack the slices in the jar and pour broth in to fill half way. Top off with cider vinegar. Put one more slice of onion on top. You can also add a little garlic of you want.

Put the lid on and stick it in the fridge for a good week. Try not to sample it too soon or you'll end up with it about gone by the time it's just getting good.

For me, I like a lot of good hot pepper in it so it comes out a bit like hot bologna.

p.s.

The broth will have a supper rich "beefy" flavor. It makes a great soup stock so use it or freeze it for later. Just pour through one of them wire basket strainers to get the chunks of cooked celery and stuff out of it first.

--------------------
Dave
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Sheepshooter on December 19, 2010, 03:55:00 PM
My mom used to make it stuffed and it is the only way I like it. I don't have the recipe but maybe I'll ask her today and post later.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Sheepshooter on December 20, 2010, 10:03:00 PM
Talked to my mom yesterday. She said that you could stuff it whole or cut the heart so that you get one flat piece and then put your favorite stuffing on it and roll it up securing it with some type of skewer. My mom prefers the rolled method. There are some stringy pieces in the heart that need to be removed before stuffing. Once you have it secured roll it in flour and brown it in a fry pan. Put it in a roasting pan and add a little liquid in the bottom, cover and roast at 350 for 1 1/2-2 hours. She said that there are lots of recipes for stuffing and she just uses the same one as she uses for turkey.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Al Dente on December 21, 2010, 10:22:00 AM
Thanks, now I just need a heart!!!!
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: KSCATTRAPR on December 21, 2010, 05:48:00 PM
I like to boil it with some swamp fire. Let it cool then refridgerate it. I then cut it into strips and put it on a sandwich with mustard and cheese.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: amicus on December 27, 2010, 04:07:00 PM
I just had some the other day. I cut mine into strips took off all the white stringy stuff and fat. Fried in a pan with some onions and garlic and served with some brown rice. It was very good.

Gilbert
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Thunderhorn25 on March 06, 2011, 03:51:00 PM
I love heart of any animal. For big game hearts I trim all the white stiff off and soak in salt water for a night. Then I put some liquid in a pot, could use wine, beer apple cider, bullion etc. and roast on 375...don't overcook it you want it medium rare, tender. They ways I liketo eat it are sliced when out of the oven with mashed potatoes and gravy and some other veggies and a glass of red wine. Put gravy on the heart too, it'll be like roast beef. Then next way and maybe my favorite is the leftover, after cooled is to make heart sandwhiches. Slice heart thin and layer nicely on an oinio bun or beer bread, cheese, lettuce tomato, mayo, mustard or my favorite, raspberry honey mustard...just right for after a long moring hunt
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Llamma1 on March 27, 2011, 01:19:00 PM
I like to trim all the white stuff off.Then I soak it in salt water over night.Then I grill it on low with salt pepper and garlic to a nice medium rare,don't want to over cook it in my opinion that ruins the heart.Cook just like you would a tri tip roast.Pull let sit for 15-20 minutes cut into strips and serve with favorite sides.One of my favorites.Works good with all large game.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: bucksbuouy on April 03, 2011, 12:46:00 PM
my local game commission advises against eating deer heart and liver because of heart worms or mercury or something. I do eat beef heart, spanish style ceviche. Un cooked, just marinaded in lemon juice, tossed with salad and cheese  :)
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: celticfisherman on May 12, 2011, 11:06:00 PM
Never had deer heart but I've eaten deer liver.

Had fresh beef heart for the first time last year on a hunt in Neb. Loved it. Next deer I get will definitely be cut up a little more than used to.

BTW- When you hear "Commission" and "recommends" in the same sentence just translate to "Comrade" and "regulate"
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: awishanew on May 15, 2011, 04:41:00 PM
I have never had roast deer heart but many times had roast Moose heart. I trim all the insides and most of the fat around the top. We just stuff it with turkey stuffing and roast it at 350 deg. Just before it is done add bacon strips over top and cook with the lid off. The final bit of cooking we put the top element on for a bit. Can't wait till next year.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: TREESLEEPER on July 26, 2011, 03:07:00 PM
I like to slice it, fry it and put it on a biscuit!
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Dave Bulla on November 13, 2011, 12:20:00 AM
Just pickled the heart from my son's first deer and took some pictures along the way.  Will try to put them up tomorrow.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Dave Bulla on November 14, 2011, 03:58:00 AM
Okay, just got my pic's uploaded.  Unfortunately, I was not wearing my reading glasses when I took them and didn't realize that several of them are blurry.  The flash was in auto and didn't flash so I guess the shutter speed was slowed a little.  I must have been moving a bit.

So, here is the heart cooked and cleaned.  It was cooked for about 4 hours with onion, two bay leaves, celery, salt and pepper.  Sliced in about 1/2" to 3/4" thick slices then chunked.
 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/DaveBulla/pickleddeerheart001.jpg)

Quart jar with slice of onion and some thin sliced Serrano pepper in the bottom.
 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/DaveBulla/pickleddeerheart002.jpg)

This was a pretty big heart and almost filled the jar.  There is another slab of onion and more peppers on top.  I've added vinegar to about 1/3 full.
 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/DaveBulla/pickleddeerheart006.jpg)

Next, I'll top off with broth.
 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/DaveBulla/pickleddeerheart008.jpg)

I use a strainer to catch the onion and celery.
 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/DaveBulla/pickleddeerheart009.jpg)

Some pickling spice blend.  No idea what all is in it but for sure some corriander and mustard seed.  Never added this before but figured I'd try it.
 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/DaveBulla/pickleddeerheart010.jpg)

Also added some basil and oregano.
 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/DaveBulla/pickleddeerheart012.jpg)
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Dave Bulla on November 14, 2011, 03:59:00 AM
Next some Mexican peppers called "chile tepin" or "chil'tepin" for a little more heat.
 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/DaveBulla/pickleddeerheart013.jpg)

After a little shake, it looks like this.
 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/DaveBulla/pickleddeerheart011.jpg)

This will need to sit in the fridge for about a week.  Usually I start to sample it long before the week is up.  The best flavor takes at least a week to happen though.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Bent Rig on November 17, 2011, 09:28:00 PM
... Just wonderin if anyone ever pressure canned a heart with all the pickling spice an such - I would imagine it would tenderize it better than boiling it and it would keep until opened .
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: kuch on November 18, 2011, 04:22:00 PM
Have you cracked the jar yet Dave ? I would have a hard time also waiting a week. I usually cook the heart a day or two after....may soak in salt water overnight.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Duncan on December 01, 2011, 08:49:00 PM
I've prepared it similar to liver and onions. But I also like it with bell peppers and onions.

Clean as suggested above and soak however you like overnight usually draws out the blood.
Slice in 1/2" strips.
Saute an onion and some fresh garlic in bacon fat or olive oil if your watching your fat. Salt, pepper to taste and a dash or two of Worchestershire sauce and/or red wine. When the onions are translucent add the heart and simmer, stirring occasionally. Don't over cook as mentioned above and don't add too much liquid as you want the liquids to reduce and thicken. You may need to reduce it some before adding the heart to the mix so it doe not over cook. Serve with rice.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Kenkel on December 09, 2011, 01:00:00 PM
I will try most anything and did actually try this pickled heart.   It was pretty darn good and I was very skeptical to say the least.  Goes well with Tabasco sauce and crackers.  My wife thought I was crazy and was very happy to see it gone from the refrigerator!
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: americanhunter7 on December 16, 2011, 01:31:00 AM
Kenkel I think your wife and mine would get along great. I did the pickled heart for me and my hunting buddy. My wife was less than pleased with the pickled deer heart in the fridge. I had to move mine to the downstairs fridge, (aka the beerfrigerator), in the man cave. No problems since....probably because the jar is now empty. I'll have to try it next time with tabasco and crackers sounds good. The pickled heart from Mr. Bulla is an excellent way to prepare it, as well as some of the other posts. Keep the recipes coming folks.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Trad 4 life on December 20, 2011, 03:09:00 PM
i'v made mine a few different ways but i always seem to eat the heart the next morning after the kill,
i like to cut it into 1/4 inch think slices and pan fry with eggs and onion,
put that all on a roll or bagle with some hot sauce and alittle ketchup mmmmmm
or make some beacon then fry the heart in the beacon greese  BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS!
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Bill Turner on December 22, 2011, 05:13:00 PM
I like it sauteed in butter and onions. Clean the vents and soak the heart in salt water or milk for an hour or two. Slice thin. Melt butter in pan; throw in onion and quick fry. When onions are starting to soften add thin slices of heart. Don't over cook. I usually eat mine right out of the pan with salt and pepper. Especially good immediately following the kill. Enjoy.
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: JockC on December 27, 2011, 11:05:00 AM
Dave, you are the pickled heart master.  So, here's a question: how long will an open jar last if the meat is all in the brine (just found one that the kids had moved back to the bowels of the fridge)?  I lost about 30 lbs once to some bad pickled heart, but...well...I had left it out, and it got put in a cupboard.  I figured the house was cold, so it must be fine.  The color change of the meat sticking out of the brine should have tipped me off!
Title: Re: Deer heart
Post by: Dave Bulla on December 27, 2011, 12:32:00 PM
Jock, I've been pretty good about rationing the batch I made from the heart of my boys deer and still have some in our fridge.  He killed the deer on November 5th so it's getting close to two month old and it's still good.  At least, I've eaten some just a few days ago and I'm still here:)  It has never been out of the fridge longer than it took to get a few pieces out and it went back in the fridge.