I have not done much research on this but it was my impression that a lot of the buffalo served up in grocers is either beefalo or buffalo raised in confined areas (note: some confined areas are much better than others – even a rotational grass-only system uses fences) and on grain. Sounds from your post that I may be wrong about this?

No matter, I see you on Twitter. In case you miss an @reply sent your way, I recommend that you follow @curlybill (www.wildideabuffalo.com). Have not visited nor tasted the meat, but these folks sure seem to have a pretty perfect thing going here, all the way down to field dressing. Wow!

Thanks MM!I am glad to be back in action! I really need to read In Defense of Food soon!

Thanks Tracy! I love homemade salsa! It is always the best!

Thanks so much Laurie! I am glad to be back and things are getting back to normal!

I know Elly – that is the word for it – scary. Especially, when like you, I felt I was quite knowledgeable about food. Try buffalo! I love it!

Hey City Girl! Yes, the cast iron skillet is pretty much the only one I ever use anymore! Nope, I got my mole seasoning from the same place I got the green chili powder (see the above comments).

Thanks Alex!

Thanks Maggie! Yes, when I lived in New England, I was right near a Whole Foods and I used to love getting different cuts as well. But here, there is nothing but dogs and ground!

It totally is, Natalie! But I am glad to have found a healthy alternative!

Hey Foodycat! ” proclaiming “100% grain fed” like it was a badge of quality” – I feel the same way – those kinds of quotes annoy me so much! I like venison for the same reasons as well!

You said it, Sam!

I agree Gilli – it is important to educate ourselves as much as possible on these issues – it is our life and health afterall!

Hi Hollee, I know what you mean about getting these things off your chest. I feel like that too sometimes. I am sorry to hear that all of this food stuff has affected so much of your life. It is really hard. I know how you feel, because I used to feel the same way. But I guess for myself, I was able to find a balance, which I am so thankful for. You have to do what feels best for you. I wish you all the luck in the world.

I have to say I totally agree.

I have commented on the Omnivore’s Dilemma several times in my blog. I also did a three part “going green” piece just so I could get on my soap box and off again. One of those “I just have to get this off my chest” sort of things.

Long story shorter, we became vegetarians because of Jeff’s cholesterol. I asked him to give me a month, he did, and he dropped 20 pounds and his lab work came down. We like to consider ourselves “granola crunchers” – so we were all about managing his blood work without the help of medication wherever possible. We were thrilled that we were able to do so, and have been happy (mostly) vegetarians ever since.

Now, the ethical choices came a bit later. I, like you, realized how poorly animals have been treated. As a logical math teacher, I’m all about the food chain perspective. Then I found some research online that suggested that we might not be “omnivores” as is commonly accepted in our culture. I found that information suggestive, but not conclusive. It was enough to make me think that backing away from it most of the time was actually better for our bodies. As I became more educated in the meat and dairy industry, it just made me sadder and sadder. From the aforementioned food-chain philosophy, I am totally cool with people eating meat. I am NOT cool with an animal being mistreated in the process. I just don’t understand why people can’t treat the animal with the respect it deserves – it did give its life to nourish us.

We rarely eat meat. It’s generally only when served to us. I do buy wild salmon (have some in the freezer) – as that is a pretty low impact flesh. Publix just had Sockeye on sale so I carefully froze it and I’m hoping that it will be okay. We’ve enjoyed buffalo too, but we’ve found that meat just sits heavy on our gut. Jeff will get chicken burritos at Chipotle because (to him) the beans just don’t taste as good.

I’ve found myself becoming so fanatical and emotional about this topic that it does interfere with my family life. My mom and dad were all excited to take me to the county fair – and all I could do was cry over these poor cows chained up to a fence…for what? To be paraded around a ring. Sick, I tell you. However, it was better than then 1 foot by 1 foot cages the chickens were in.

Anyhow – I just had to tell you that I totally understood! I may have to make it up to the St. Augustine Farmer’s market to try that grass-fed organic beef!

I had a big change in thinking when I read The Good Fat Cookbook by Fran Mcullough.
If you haven’t read it please do.
Also just watched Jamie Oliver’s TV show on poultry and eggs which was an eye opener about battery hens.
Cheers

I haven’t had a chance to eat buffalo (except as a pate) but we have venison in our diet for the same reasons.

On a ‘happier’ note, your skirt steak looks great!

http://justcookit.blogspot.com/2008/08/tag-youre-it.html