Episodes

  • Episode 233: Rewild Your Salad: Venison, Foraged Greens, Smoked Fish, and More

    Episode 233: Rewild Your Salad: Venison, Foraged Greens, Smoked Fish, and More
    Apr 29 2025
    Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the world of salads, moving beyond the traditional perceptions of sad lettuce and bottled dressings. They discuss the versatility of salads, the importance of foraging and seasonal ingredients, and delve into the rich history of salads from ancient times to modern culinary practices. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with salad dressings and tips for building the perfect salad, emphasizing creativity and the use of wild foods. In this conversation, Adam Berkelmans and Justin Townsend explore the art of salads, discussing creative storage solutions, the importance of dressings, and how to incorporate wild game and foraged ingredients into salads. They share tips on using fish and seafood, as well as wild edibles, and provide delicious salad recipes that highlight these elements. The discussion emphasizes experimentation and creativity in salad-making, encouraging listeners to utilize what they have on hand for unique and flavorful meals. - ⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠ - ⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠ Links: How to Make Cured Pike Roe Chicken of the Woods Caesar Salad Grilled Venison Steak Salad Dandelion Apple Pecan Salad with Dandelion Vinaigrette Sora Rail Summer Salad How to Make Bull Kelp Pickles Harvesting Nature’s Best Wild Salad Recipes Takeaways: Salads can be a celebration of season and place. Foraging for wild ingredients enhances the salad experience. Learning one plant a week can improve foraging skills. Salads have a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. The word 'salad' is derived from the Latin word for salt. Salads were once considered a side dish, now they are full meals. Caesar salad originated in Tijuana, Mexico. Making your own dressing is easy and enhances flavor. Seasoning greens with salt and pepper improves taste. Incorporating a variety of textures and flavors makes salads exciting. Meal prepping salads in jars prevents wilting and sogginess. Dairy elements like cheese and yogurt enhance salad flavors. A basic vinaigrette ratio is three parts oil to one part acid. Emulsifiers help create stable salad dressings that won't separate. Wild game can be incorporated into salads in various forms. Fish can be used in salads, whether cooked, smoked, or raw. Chapters: 00:00 The Wild Side of Salads 03:03 Current Events and Culinary Adventures 05:59 Foraging and Seasonal Eating 08:54 The Rich History of Salads 15:05 Dressing and Personal Preferences 21:01 Building the Perfect Salad 26:01 Creative Salad Storage Solutions 29:12 The Art of Salad Dressings 32:54 Incorporating Wild Game into Salads 41:51 Exploring Fish and Seafood in Salads 44:55 Utilizing Wild Edibles and Foraged Ingredients 50:11 Delicious Salad Recipes to Try Keywords: Salad, wild food, foraging, culinary history, seasonal eating, salad dressing, cooking tips, nutrition, recipes, food culture, salad, meal prep, wild game, salad dressing, foraging, fish, wild edibles, recipes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 232: Wok This Way: Stir-Fry Tips for Venison, Wild Turkey, and More

    Episode 232: Wok This Way: Stir-Fry Tips for Venison, Wild Turkey, and More
    Apr 22 2025
    Summary: In this conversation, Justin and Adam explore the art of stir frying, a quick and flavorful cooking technique with deep roots in Chinese culinary history. They discuss the essential tools, particularly the wok, and share personal experiences with stir fry, highlighting its versatility and appeal. The two delve into the history of stir fry, its evolution over time, and practical tips for mastering the technique at home, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. In this conversation, they explore the intricacies of stir-frying, covering essential techniques, ingredient choices, and creative recipes. They emphasize the importance of using high heat, the right oils, and the velveting technique to ensure tender meat. The discussion also explores the use of wild foods and various starch options like rice and noodles, culminating in practical recipes that highlight the versatility of stir-frying. - Leave a Review of the Podcast - Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices Links: The Woks of Life Serious Eats Chinese Venison and Snowpea Stir Fry Better-than-Takeout Broccolini Venison Venison Heart Stir Fry Wild Turkey Stir Fry Wild Pork and Green Bean Stir Fry Bullhead and Ramp Fried Rice Spicy Squirrel Stir Fry Takeaways: Stir fry is a quick cooking technique that originated in China. The wok is essential for achieving the best stir fry results. Stir frying is ideal for weeknight meals and culinary improvisation. The history of stir fry dates back to ancient China during the Han Dynasty. Stir fry gained popularity in the West during the 70s and 80s due to health trends. Use oils with high smoke points like avocado or grapeseed. Keep the wok moving to achieve the best results. Cold rice is ideal for making fried rice. Velveting meat with baking soda enhances tenderness. Wild game meats work well in stir-fries. Store rice separately from stir-fry leftovers to maintain texture. Stir-fry recipes can be easily adapted with available ingredients. Leftovers can be transformed into quick and delicious stir-fry meals. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Stir Fry: A Culinary Adventure 05:22 The History of Stir Fry: From Ancient China to Modern Cuisine 16:19 Personal Experiences with Stir Fry: A Culinary Journey 22:19 Mastering the Wok: Essential Tools and Techniques 24:54 Steps to Perfect Stir Fry: Techniques and Tips 28:19 Mastering the Art of Stir-Frying 32:03 Choosing the Right Rice and Noodles 36:14 The Velveting Technique for Tender Meat 39:05 Exploring Wild Foods for Stir-Fry 46:21 Creative Stir-Fry Recipes and Leftovers Keywords: Stir fry, cooking techniques, Chinese cuisine, wok, culinary history, wild foods, cooking tips, stir fry recipes, food preparation, culinary improvisation, stir-fry, cooking techniques, wild foods, velveting, rice, noodles, recipes, high heat cooking, venison, stir-fry tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Episode 231: The Art of Venison Sausage Making - Behind the Book

    Episode 231: The Art of Venison Sausage Making - Behind the Book
    Apr 15 2025
    Summary In this episode, Justin Townsend introduces 'The Art of Innocent Sausage Making,' a comprehensive guide for turning wild game into delicious handmade sausage. He shares the inspiration behind the book, the collaborative effort with fellow enthusiasts, and the detailed content that covers everything from sausage history to recipes. The episode highlights the passion for sausage making and encourages listeners to explore their creativity in the kitchen. Links The Art of Venison Sausage Making Hardcover The Art of Venison Sausage Making Softcover Takeaways The book is a step-by-step guide for sausage making. It was created by passionate individuals with a love for food. The book addresses the nuances of wild game sausage making. It includes over 30 sausage recipes with visual ingredient charts. The authors encourage creativity and personal exploration in sausage making. Sausage making is rooted in real-world wild food experiences. The book covers essential gear and preparation techniques. Temperature control is crucial in sausage making. The authors will be present at events for book signings. The book is currently available only on their website. Keywords sausage making, wild game, venison, cooking, recipes, food history, outdoor cooking, butchering, Harvesting Nature, book launch Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Sausage Book 03:51 The Journey of Sausage Making 06:08 Exploring Sausage Recipes 08:27 Availability and Events Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 mins
  • Episode 230: Invasive Plants Are Delicious: Culinary Alchemy with Pascal Baudar

    Episode 230: Invasive Plants Are Delicious: Culinary Alchemy with Pascal Baudar
    Apr 8 2025
    Summary: In this episode, professional forager and culinary alchemist Pascal Baudard takes us on a deep dive into the world of wild foods, fermentation, and sustainable foraging. He shares his journey from a small town in Belgium to becoming a pioneer in the wild food movement in Southern California. The conversation explores the culinary possibilities of invasive species, forgotten flavors, and ancient grains, along with traditional preservation techniques and the art of mustard and bread making. Pascal also discusses wild brewing, the medicinal uses of native plants, and the environmental impact of modern agriculture. With a strong focus on sustainability, he offers practical advice for incorporating wild ingredients into everyday cooking and inspires a renewed appreciation for working with nature. - Leave a Review of the Podcast - Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices Guest: Urban Outdoor Skills Pascal Baudar Instagram Wildcrafted Fermentation Takeaways: Pascal's journey into foraging began with his grandmother's teachings. Food preservation techniques are crucial for utilizing wild foods. Invasive species can be culinary treasures rather than nuisances. Rediscovering forgotten flavors can enhance modern cuisine. Sustainable foraging practices benefit both the environment and local communities. Learning about wild food can start with just one plant a week. Dandelion is a common and nutritious wild edible. Local resources are often overlooked in modern food systems. Food waste can include native plants. Mustard can be made from unique local ingredients. Pascal creates a unique smoky beer using wild oats and barley. Traditional brewing involves boiling plants and adding sugar for fermentation. Medicinal properties can be infused into beers using various herbs. The possibilities in brewing are endless and exciting. Sustainability in cuisine is crucial for environmental health. Foraging native plants can enhance culinary experiences. Pascal's upcoming book will focus on edible grains and seeds. Exploring wild foods can inspire creativity in cooking and brewing. Chapters: 00:00 Exploring the Wild Pantry 02:58 Pascal's Journey into Foraging 06:13 The Art of Food Preservation 08:59 Invasive Species and Culinary Opportunities 11:51 Rediscovering Forgotten Flavors 15:02 Sustainable Foraging Practices 17:54 Getting Started with Foraging 20:58 Incorporating Invasive Plants into Cooking 35:36 Exploring Fermentation and Gourmet Flavors 39:10 Innovative Uses of Local Ingredients 42:46 The Art of Mustard Making 46:10 Rediscovering Ancient Grains and Seeds 51:24 Insights from Bog Bodies and Ancient Diets 56:07 The Journey of Wild Brewing and Bread Making 01:01:59 Crafting Wild Beers: A Journey into Fermentation 01:10:39 The Art of Traditional Brewing: Techniques and Ingredients 01:20:24 Philosophy of Foraging: Sustainability and Environmental Impact 01:23:40 The Future of Wildcrafted Cuisine: Knowledge and Innovation Keywords: Foraging, fermentation, wild food, culinary alchemy, sustainable cooking, invasive species, food preservation, wild crafting, edible plants, wild pantry, fermentation, gourmet food, wild ingredients, ancient grains, local flavors, sustainable cooking, food waste, wild beer, fermentation, traditional brewing, sustainability, foraging, herbal wine, environmental impact, wildcrafted cuisine, native plants, culinary innovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Episode 229: Bird Dogs, Big Bucks & Classic Perspectives with Project Upland’s AJ DeRosa

    Episode 229: Bird Dogs, Big Bucks & Classic Perspectives with Project Upland’s AJ DeRosa
    Apr 1 2025
    Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans discuss the evolving landscape of hunting in North America, focusing on the rise of food-focused hunters and urban deer hunting. They are joined by AJ DeRosa, who shares his insights on urban deer hunting, the importance of food in hunting culture, and the unique culinary experiences that come with wild game. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in modern hunting, conservation policies, and the stories that connect hunters and non-hunters alike. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various topics related to hunting, cooking, and conservation. They discuss the value of bear meat and fat, innovative cooking techniques using indigenous ingredients, and the underappreciated culinary potential of octopus. The conversation transitions into the origins and growth of Project Upland, emphasizing its authenticity and commitment to ethical hunting practices. The speakers also address the challenges facing hunting and conservation today, including the need for a more responsible approach to wildlife management and the importance of acknowledging the impact of lead in hunting. In this conversation, AJ discusses the evolving landscape of hunting, emphasizing the need for the community to embrace scientific truths and adapt to changing practices. He highlights the curiosity of younger hunters, the challenges of recruitment through the R3 program, and the integral role of food in hunting culture. AJ also delves into the political aspects of conservation, arguing that the narrative surrounding hunting has been skewed by partisan politics. He advocates for diplomacy and collaboration among hunters and conservationists to ensure the future of hunting rights and wildlife management. - Leave a Review of the Podcast - Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices The Art of Venison Sausage Making Guest: AJ DeRosa Instagram Project Upland Instagram Project Upland Website Takeaways: Wild food is reshaping the way we think about hunting. Grouse hunting offers a unique culinary experience compared to big game hunting. Learning to handle wild game properly is essential for quality cooking. Diversity in wild game offers a rich culinary experience. Bear fat is highly valued for its culinary uses. Innovative cooking can elevate traditional ingredients. Octopus is an underappreciated delicacy that deserves more attention. Project Upland originated from a desire to spend more time hunting. Younger hunters are more curious and engaged with ecological issues. The narrative around hunting needs to be reframed. Community engagement is crucial for the future of hunting. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Wild Food and Hunting Culture 05:31 AJ DeRosa: Background and Urban Deer Hunting 09:31 The Evolution of Hunting Techniques 22:11 The Role of Food in Hunting 28:43 Culinary Experiences with Wild Game 29:10 The Value of Bear Meat and Fat 31:05 Innovative Cooking with Indigenous Ingredients 33:05 Exploring the Culinary Potential of Octopus 33:59 The Birth of Project Upland 38:54 The Authenticity of Project Upland 44:59 The Ethics of Hunting and Conservation 51:59 The Future of Hunting and Conservation Challenges 55:32 Embracing Change in Hunting Practices 58:11 The New Generation of Hunters 01:00:19 R3 Recruitment and Its Challenges 01:04:26 The Role of Food in Hunting Culture 01:07:03 Politics, Conservation, and Public Perception 01:12:39 The Class War in Hunting Rights 01:15:45 Building Bridges: Diplomacy in Conservation 01:20:34 The Future of Hunting and Food Culture Keywords: Wild food, hunting culture, urban deer hunting, conservation policy, food-focused hunters, hunting techniques, culinary experiences, wildlife, food culture, hunting, conservation, food culture, recruitment, public perception, politics, wildlife management, new generation hunters, R3 program, community engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Episode 228: Wild Wild Stew

    Episode 228: Wild Wild Stew
    Mar 25 2025
    Summary: Justin and Adam explore the art and history of stew, discussing its definition, historical significance, and cultural variations. They compare stews and soups, highlighting the evolution of stew-making and the importance of indigenous recipes. The conversation delves into ingredient choices, cooking techniques, and the role of umami in flavor enhancement. They emphasize the comfort of stew, the significance of selecting the right cuts of meat, and the versatility of wild game. Various cooking methods, including crock-pots, ovens, and open-fire cooking, are discussed, along with practical tips and recipes for creating delicious stews. - Leave a Review of the Podcast - Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices Recipes: Venison Shank Sagamité African Wild Hog Stew – Potjiekos Venison Heart Stew Rabbit, Deer, Pumpkin Beer Stew Lebanese Goose and Potato Stew Coconut Fish Stew Turkish Venison Meatball Stew Creamy Venison Meatball & Gnocci Stew Jalapeño Whitetail Stew Lobster Mushroom Obe Ata Stew Sudanese Rijla – Purslane, Lamb, and Lentil Stew How to Make Brown Venison Stock Homemade Lobster Stock Basic Dashi Stock Takeaways: Stews have a higher solid to liquid ratio than soups. Cultural variations of stews exist worldwide, including chili and curry. The first recorded recipe for stew dates back 4,000 years. Indigenous peoples have unique methods of making stews. Modern stews evolved from historical recipes in Europe. Stews are popular among hunters for their ability to tenderize tough meats. Irish stew became prominent during the potato famine. Stews can be enjoyed year-round, not just in cold months. Personal preferences for serving stews vary between bowls and plates. Stew sandwiches are a delicious way to repurpose leftovers. Stew is a comfort food that pairs well with buttered bread. Choosing the right cut of meat is crucial for a good stew. Searing meat enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction. Add vegetables at different stages for optimal texture. Homemade stock is preferred for richer flavor. Umami ingredients can elevate the taste of stew. Cooking in the oven provides even heat distribution. Wild game adds unique flavors to stews. Stews improve in flavor when left overnight. Experimenting with ingredients can lead to delicious results. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Wild Game Stews 03:03 Understanding Stews vs. Soups 06:04 Cultural Variations of Stews 08:49 Historical Roots of Stews 11:49 Indigenous Stews and Their Significance 14:51 Evolution of Stews Through Time 18:08 Modern Stews and Their Popularity 20:58 Personal Preferences and Cooking Techniques 24:00 The Comfort of Stew and Personal Preferences 27:00 Choosing the Right Ingredients for Stew 29:57 The Importance of Searing and Thickening 33:09 Adding Vegetables and Flavor Enhancers 35:58 The Role of Liquids and Stocks in Stew 39:05 Umami and Flavor Complexity in Stews 41:47 Cooking Techniques: Oven vs. Crock-Pot vs. Fire 44:59 Wild Game and Unique Ingredients for Stew 48:03 Final Thoughts and Recipes for Delicious Stews Keywords: Wild game, stews, soups, cooking techniques, cultural history, indigenous recipes, food history, culinary traditions, stew recipes, hunting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 227: Nicole Qualtieri on Hunting, Wild Food, and Breaking Cultural Meat Taboos

    Episode 227: Nicole Qualtieri on Hunting, Wild Food, and Breaking Cultural Meat Taboos
    Mar 18 2025
    Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend welcomes Nicole Qualtieri, an award-winning outdoor writer, to discuss her journey into the world of hunting, outdoor writing, and the culinary arts. They explore the importance of wild food, the influence of her upbringing, and the creation of her Substack, The Western, which aims to provide a fresh perspective on outdoor culture and food. The conversation highlights the intersection of personal experiences, food, and the outdoors, emphasizing the need for authentic storytelling in the hunting community. She reflects on the soul of writing and the need for deeper connections in the narratives surrounding hunting and food culture. The discussion also explores unconventional food sources, the complexities of eating wild game, and the inherent violence in hunting, leading to a deeper understanding of sarcophagy and zoophagy. In this conversation, Nicole Qualtieri, Adam, and Justin Townsend explore the complexities of food identity, the ethics of hunting, and the cultural taboos surrounding various meats. They discuss the issues of seafood mislabelling, the concepts of sarcophagy and zoophagy, and the importance of storytelling in connecting people to their food sources. The conversation also touches on the role of hunting in conservation and the need for better public engagement in discussions about food and hunting practices. - Leave a Review of the Podcast - Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices Guest: The Incredible Edible Animal Hierarchy The Westrn Instagram Takeaways: The Wild Kitchen series aims to explore the versatility of wild game and foraged foods. Nicole Qualtieri's background includes a unique childhood experience that shaped her love for the outdoors. The Western was born out of a desire to share authentic stories about hunting and food culture. Nicole emphasizes the importance of community and sharing in the hunting world. Her journey into hunting was sparked by a transformative experience in the wilderness. The focus is on long-form storytelling that resonates with readers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of narrative in outdoor writing. Exploring the discomfort in storytelling can lead to more authentic narratives. Seafood mislabelling is a significant issue. Many people have unknowingly eaten mislabeled fish. Hunting connects us to our food in a meaningful way. Cultural taboos influence our food choices significantly. The ethics of eating horses raises important questions. Conservation efforts can be supported through a food-centric approach. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Wild Kitchen Series 03:07 Personal Updates and Outdoor Adventures 06:01 Introducing Nicole Qualtieri and Her Background 08:54 Nicole's Journey into Outdoor Writing and Hunting 12:12 The Influence of Food and Cooking in Nicole's Life 15:03 The Birth of The Western and Its Mission 31:42 Building a Collaborative Writing Community 34:33 The Shift Towards Long-Form Storytelling 39:24 The Importance of Soul in Writing 45:12 Exploring Unconventional Food Sources 52:47 The Complexity of Eating Wild Game 01:01:17 Understanding the Violence of Hunting 01:06:24 Defining Sarcophagy and Zoophagy 01:09:00 The Truth Behind Seafood Mislabelling 01:11:58 Understanding Sarcophagy and Zoophagy 01:14:56 The Connection Between Hunting and Food Identity 01:17:59 Engaging the Public in Hunting Conversations 01:21:05 Cultural Taboos and Food Choices 01:25:11 The Role of Storytelling in Food and Hunting 01:29:51 Exploring the Ethics of Eating Horses 01:34:01 The Future of Food and Conservation Keywords: Wild kitchen, outdoor writing, hunting, wild food, Nicole Qualtieri, MeatEater, food culture, outdoor adventures, cooking, conservation, hunting, storytelling, long-form writing, food culture, wild game, sarcophagy, zoophagy, collaboration, narrative journalism, seafood mislabelling, hunting, food identity, cultural taboos, storytelling, ethics of eating, conservation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Episode 226: How to Brine, Corn, and Cure Wild Game, Fish, and Foragables

    Episode 226: How to Brine, Corn, and Cure Wild Game, Fish, and Foragables
    Mar 11 2025
    Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam explore the ancient art of brining, discussing its science, history, and practical applications in cooking. They delve into the benefits of brining for various meats, especially wild game, and share tips on how to effectively brine and corn meats. The conversation also touches on the historical significance of brining, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to modern culinary practices, and highlights the resurgence of brining in contemporary cooking, including its role in fermentation and foraging. In this conversation, Adam and Justin delve into the intricacies of brining and corning meats, exploring various techniques, flavor profiles, and safety considerations. They discuss the importance of using different liquids and aromatics in brines, the significance of salt percentages, and the differences between brining and corning. The conversation also highlights creative ways to use corned meats in recipes, encouraging listeners to experiment with their culinary creations. - Leave a Review of the Podcast - Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices Recipes: Corned Venison Hash Breakfast Burritos Venison and Wild Leek Hash Wood Fired Goose Breast Pastrami Margherita Pizza Triple Cheese Canada Goose Pastrami Sandwich Venison Pastrami Ancho and Chipotle Chile Smoked Venison Sausage Takeaways: Brining enhances flavor, tenderness, and preservation of meats. The process of brining involves a salt and water solution. Osmosis is key to the brining process, affecting protein structure. Different types of salt can yield different brining results. Brining times vary based on the type of meat or fish. Curing salts help inhibit bacterial growth during the brining process. Historical brining practices were essential for food preservation. Corned beef became popular in Ireland due to low salt taxes. Pastrami and Montreal smoked meat evolved from corned beef recipes. Brining can also be applied to foraged ingredients and fermentation. You can flavor brines with various aromatics like ginger and garlic. Different meats require different brining percentages for optimal results. Ham and other meats can also be cured and used creatively. Chapters: 00:00 The Art of Brining: Introduction 01:48 Brining Techniques and Tips 04:27 Understanding Brining: Science and Process 12:17 The Importance of Brining for Game Meat 15:44 Historical Perspectives on Brining 25:11 Brining Wild Foods and Foraged Ingredients 28:47 Exploring Flavorful Brines 31:39 Understanding Brine Percentages 34:57 The Art of Corning Meat 39:10 Curing vs. Corning: Key Differences 43:39 Creative Uses for Corned Meat 55:05 Experimenting with Brining Techniques Keywords: Brining, corning, preservation, flavor enhancement, cooking techniques, wild game, food history, fermentation, culinary tips, cooking methods, brining, corning, meat preservation, flavoring, cooking techniques, food safety, curing salts, recipes, culinary experimentation, wild game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
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