venison-ideas appreciated.

[Nocturnalbill]

My sergeant at work cleaned out his freezer, and as I'm the officer known for cooking, I ended up with around 40 pounds of venison. Most of it, I have no problems figuring out, but I have two approx. 5-6 pound bone-in venison hams. Any ideas on best ideas for usage? I've considered using it like leg of lamb, but the lack of fat worries me. Any chowhounders out there have much experience with this cut? All help is appreciated.

[katecm]

You'd have to break the ham down, but last year I made velveted venison strips with a cognac cream sauce that were well received. Otherwise, I agree with the idea of breaking it down into several roasts, though I;d do more of a braise than a roast. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how the whole venison ham would turn out if it was roasted whole.

[boyzoma]

I agree with breaking it down. Venison is all I cooked for years. Slow cook a roast in a dutch oven or electric skillet until tender. Makes great roasts, jerky is fantastic as stated above. Love back-strap steaks, etc. The biggest thing with venison is how it was taken care of as to whether it has any "gamey" taste to it.

[Cherylptw]

I was "gifted" last winter with two hams...I still have nearly a whole one in my freezer. I cut a couple of roasts out of one and also made ground venison for meatballs (added beef fat) and made chili which was superb. I made stock from the bone. Pretty much anything you can make with beef, you can use venison but you may have to add fat & moisture.

[Veggo]

Make a big batch of venison chili (no beans) from one of the hams. Great football game fare, and it freezes well.

[porker]

Some might say its a waste of venison, but I love venison jerky and its low fat content is an asset here.
I cut into strips about 1.5-2" wide and as thin as possible (1/8") and marinate overnight in soy, black pepper, and crushed chili. Next day I pierce them with a toothpick and suspend them on the oven wrack. Set the oven to its lowest (120F or so), block the oven open with a towel and wait 12 hours or so.
Fantastic snack that goes fast (note: even better with moose).