Ep 1. Shoulder Shank Pie

Wild Game Masterclass with Mike Robinson season 1 episode 1, "Shoulder Shank Pie," is an exciting introduction to the world of wild game cooking. Hosted by British chef and game expert Mike Robinson, this episode covers the basics of breaking down a deer shoulder and using the shank to create a delicious pie.

The episode begins with an introduction to Mike Robinson and his credentials as a chef and game master. He explains his passion for wild food and his belief that it is not only more sustainable than farmed meat, but also tastier and healthier. He then introduces the deer that he will be working with in this episode, a fallow deer that he has harvested himself.

Next, Robinson goes through the process of breaking down the deer shoulder, explaining each step as he goes. He emphasizes the importance of using a sharp knife and working carefully to avoid wasting any meat. He also points out the different cuts of meat that can be obtained from the shoulder, including the shank, which he will be using in the shoulder shank pie recipe.

Once the shoulder has been broken down, Robinson moves on to making the pie filling. He starts by browning the meat in a hot pan with some oil and flour, which creates a roux that will thicken the filling. He then adds onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the pan, along with some garlic and herbs for flavor. He explains the importance of seasoning the meat properly and tasting it frequently to make sure it is seasoned to taste.

With the filling prepared, Robinson moves on to making the pie crust. He uses a simple shortcrust pastry recipe, combining flour, butter, and water to make a dough. He rolls the dough out and lines a pie dish with it, then adds the filling and covers it with another layer of pastry. He brushes the top with egg wash to give it a golden brown color and pops it in the oven to bake.

While the pie is baking, Robinson shares some tips for cooking wild game, including the importance of not overcooking the meat and using liquid to keep it moist. He also talks about the many health benefits of wild game, such as its high protein content and low fat and cholesterol levels.

Finally, the pie is ready and Robinson takes it out of the oven to cool. He slices into it to reveal the tender chunks of meat and hearty vegetables inside. He declares it a success and encourages viewers to give wild game cooking a try for themselves.

Overall, Wild Game Masterclass with Mike Robinson season 1 episode 1, "Shoulder Shank Pie," is a fascinating and informative introduction to the world of wild game cooking. Robinson's expertise and enthusiasm are infectious, and his recipe for shoulder shank pie is sure to inspire viewers to try their hand at cooking with wild game.