Girl Hunter
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When I was a little girl, one day I came home from kindergarten after learning about the pilgrims and asked my dad if I could join him on the hunt for our Thanksgiving turkey that year. I vaguely remember a friendly chuckle and an explanation that the hunt would only require a short drive and a shopping cart. It seemed a normal conclusion on my part since camouflage and guns were a regular part of the landscape in our neck of the woods.
Over time I came to understand that what was once a way to procure food, deter damage to fields and crops, or even as protection, had grown into more of a sport for many. It was good to see some using the game for culinary purposes and even donating large amounts of meat to local food banks, but what I watched play out on the sides of the highways, more oft than not, were the big boys, with their camo-clad big toys flexing their testosterone for claim to a mount to proudly display over their fireplace.
Many years later when my son was kindergarten age, he asked if he could go deer hunting. I told him that if he wanted to hunt, he should be ready and willing to eat what he killed, because it wasn’t a game. He thought for a minute and then replied, “Can we go chicken hunting?” Yeah, we laughed, but I felt that the harvest should be used for more than just a good story to tell others about. But to be honest, the game that I had tasted up to that point was less than palatable.
So when I learned my friend, chef and author, Georgia Pellegrini was a hunter I was intrigued.
Someone with the culinary know-how to take food from field and stream, to the plate with flavor?
And a girl?
With mascara?
What a most perfect combination.
And now, Georgia has a new book called Girl Hunter, full of stories from some of her hunting outings. I was locked in, from start to finish. So was my husband. Georgia has a splendid way with words, and makes you feel like you’re sitting right next to her freezing your tookus off in a duck blind. She shares her thoughts from the field, along with recipes, and how to prepare a variety of game, all the while, weaving throughout the book the relationship between food and our responsibility regarding it.
“I will know while I eat. I will know how it all went down. And I still think that is better. Because it makes me a more conscious chef, a more careful hunter, and a more awake human being.”
I get it.
Totally.
And while there will be no chicken hunting in these parts, I am hoping to one day (sooner than later) hunt my own turkey for our Thanksgiving table with no grocery carts involved.
Meet the Girl Hunter herself, Georgia Pellegrini in this video…
Video created by Todd Porter and Diane Cu of White on Rice Couple.
Kinda makes you wanna grab a shotgun and a skillet, and get to cooking huh?
Girl Hunter would make a perfect gift, and not just for the hunters in your life. It’s certainly is on my gift giving list this year. I think you’ll enjoy it too. For availability, be sure to check your local bookseller or order online.
Merry Christmas y’all! xoxoxoxo
Amy, I’m completely mad over this book! So glad you introduced us to Georgia! The video is the uber cool modern day female equivalent of the Malboro Man (but with a healthy habit)! She does the Sisterhood proud. Will be giving this book to a number of girlfriends as well as men friends. Thanks for a great post.
Thanks so much Amy. It means so much to me coming from you. And I’m so, so grateful that we’ve become friends. xxx
I have to say……….Georgia has given me a new way to think about my food, hunting and eating game! My husband thanks her too!!
From that video, she needs a tv show! Diane and Todd did an awesome job.
Totally does! I loved the book myself – read it in 2 days! Especially as I have shared some of the same experience (not nearly as extensively). I am so excited to be making a big batch of stew from the book (the elk stew it’s called, venison in my case, cause that’s what we shoot). Nice mention, Amy.
@Amy @ A Little Nosh: I do believe she’s got a TV show coming! Not sure about details though.
I heard about this last week. How awesome! I love it when women do something against the grain. Shows how adaptable we are. Way to go, Georgia!
I totally love Georgia’s book and completely agree she needs a show soon!
*Chicken hunting* LOVE IT!! Your son is a hoot. What a lovely write up about such a loverly young lady.
The book sounds so different which is always interesting. My husband was a deer hunter for years and we ate the venison which was good but I don’t think I could every shoot a deer. Regardless I think I will get the book for someone I know will enjoy it. Thanks.
Love the trailer! Thanks for sharing. Food Heros was one of my all time favorite foodie reads, can’t wait to get my paws on this one!
I’ve been hearing of this book, but hadn’t taken the time to look it up. Thanks for the video and the review. I come from a family of hunters and this is something I would love to read. I need some fresh venison recipes, too!
“chicken hunting!” Love it! I think my son would like t go chocolate hunting. 😉
I loved Georgia’s book, too. Did not grow up in a hunting family, but her book made me *think* so much more about where my food is coming from. It was like a hunter’s version of the movie Food Inc. Really opened my eyes…and was a beautiful read. And I’m all about girl hunters who wear mascara! Yay, Georgia!
I’ve been reading nothing but great things about ‘Girl Hunter’. Hopefully it shows up in my stocking. 😉
Great post! I got her book about a month or so ago that they sent and I love it. My hubby hunts a lot, venison mainly. But I can’t wait to try some of the recipes in the book!
I grew up with hunting all around me – I’ve had my own deer, pheasant, and fishing licenses, and used to shoot trap. It’s wonderful to see beautiful Georgia so proud of her skills and expertise in this area. Can’t wait to see her book for myself!!
this book is on my Christmas lit. And it better be under the tree or else, I am gonna be doin’ some shopping the day after. Can’t wait to read it all!
I have fallen in love with this book! I grew up seeing the kill from dad’s hunt and for some reason that caused me to view hunting negatively as a child. As an adult I came to see hunting in a broader light and didn’t mind it at all, but I’ve still had issues eating venison. Georgia makes me want to throw of my lingering childhood preconceptions and venture down a path that I have always secretly longed for.
AWESOME!! Such lovely photos of MIss. G and your memories are a fun read. I had such a blast with you and the other Girl Hunters a few weeks ago. Dang are you great with the gun or what!
A wonderful review and I have to agree that being responsible for the food on our tables (when we can) makes us better people overall. At least we are more “awake” as Georgia puts it. As for me, the wild turkey was on the table and Pheasants to follow! Thanks for the review.