Game & Pork Picadillo & Cilantro Sour Cream

 I never thought I would be cooking with wild game meat... not even a pheasant. I never thought I would be asking for an upright freezer for Christmas in anticipation of the elk my husband will be bringing home in a few weeks. I never thought it could taste this good...

2 lb. elk or antelope roast*
1 lb. pork loin (or two thick chops)*
2 T. brown sugar
1 1/2 T. dried onion flakes, or one med. onion, chopped
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. smoked paprika (regular paprika may be used, but try the smoked, aye aye aye)
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1 14 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes (or regular)
1 4 oz. can diced green chiles

Place all ingredients, in order, in crockpot. Cook on low heat, 7 hours, or on high for 5 hours.
When meet tears apart easily, remove to plate and pull apart with two forks. Add back to juices and stir. Meat will absorb most of the juices.
Serve with warm TORTILLAS, CABBAGE SALAD or lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, and CILANTRO SOUR CREAM.

*May also use 1/2 game, 1/2 beef, OR just beef and pork as desired for a total of three lbs. of meat.

CILANTRO SOUR CREAM

1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. salsa verde (I use Herdez brand)
1 T. fresh cilantro, minced OR
2 T. dried cilantro

Combine ingredients in small bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cream Sauce

A mild, creamy white sauce adaptable to creamed soups and casseroles. Delicious.

6 T. butter
1/2 c. flour
4 c. milk
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. pepper

In medium saucepan, melt butter over MED-HI heat. When butter starts to bubble, whisk in flour. Keep stirring, creating a paste, for 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in milk. Stir constantly until thick and creamy. Add salt, sugar, and pepper. Remove from heat.

Peach Salsa

Sweet, spicy confetti on a chip! For a yummy standard salsa, just omit the peach!

2 tomatoes, diced
1 peach, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 T. sweet onion, finely diced
1 T. fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
1 T. anaheim or jalapeno chile, seeded and finely diced
1/4 t. salt
squeeze of lime or lemon juice

Prepare tomatoes, peach, peppers, cilantro, and onion. Blend gently in a small bowl. Stir in salt and lime. Serve with chips, over chicken, fish, or pork, on tacos, etc.

BBQ Sauce

This zippy sauce is sweet, tangy, and full-bodied. The chipotle chile adds smoky heat. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

2/3 c. ketchup
4 T. cider vinegar
2 T. molasses
1 T. mustard
1 T. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. onion powder
*1/4-1/2 tsp. chipotle chile powder

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a small glass bowl. Baste on grilled or broiled chicken or pork, steaks, burgers, or use as condiment and dipping sauce, or on BBQ chicken pizzas.