Rocky Mountain Handkäse with a Melodic Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Handkäse mit Musik is transformed into a Rocky Mountain delight by incorporating local ingredients such as wild game, smoked bacon, and mushrooms. These additions enhance the dish with earthy and smoky flavors, giving it a distinct Rocky Mountain twist. We alse have the original recipe for Handkäse mit Musik, so you can check it out.

• 4 Handkäse wheels 4 Handkäse wheels
• 200g (7oz) wild game (such as venison or elk), thinly sliced 200g (7oz) wild game (such as venison or elk), thinly sliced
• 100g (3.5oz) smoked bacon, diced 100g (3.5oz) smoked bacon, diced
• 200g (7oz) mushrooms, sliced 200g (7oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 25g (total), 9g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 5g (total), 2g (sugars)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. 4.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the Handkäse wheels, wild game slices, cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, red onion slices, and chopped parsley.
5. 5.
   Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until well combined.
6. 6.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve chilled and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Handkäse — If Handkäse is not available, you can substitute it with a similar tangy cheese like Harzer or Limburger.
• Wild game — Ensure that the wild game is thinly sliced to ensure tenderness and even cooking.
• Smoked bacon — For a smokier flavor, you can use maple-smoked bacon.
• Mushrooms — Choose a variety of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
• Red onion — Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its sharpness before adding it to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dressing.
• Serve the Rocky Mountain Handkäse with a side of crusty bread or crackers to complement the flavors.
• Experiment with different types of wild game, such as bison or rabbit, to add variety to the dish.
• If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for a longer period of time.
• Allow the dish to marinate in the refrigerator overnight for even more intense flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Rocky Mountain Handkäse as an appetizer or as part of a charcuterie board. Pair it with a glass of local craft beer or a crisp white wine to enhance the flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Handkäse wheels, wild game slices, and mushrooms on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the top for an attractive presentation. Serve with a side of sliced bread or crackers.