SERVES 6
The tree rat that Katniss caught, and Peeta charred on the force field was described as something not known in nature. However, it’s a safe bet that squirrel is pretty close to a tree rat.
Catching your your own squirrels might pose a problem, but you can often find them at game meat butchers or online for a fairly reasonable price. You can also try asking around among your hunting neighbors.
3 LARGE SQUIRRELS, SKINNED AND GUTTED
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE
½ CUP BUTTER
8 GARLIC CLOVES
3 SPRIGS FRESH ROSEMARY LEAVES
CREOLE SEASONING
2 ONIONS, QUARTERED
Clean squirrels thoroughly.
Burn away any fur that clings to the meat.
Rinse the meat thoroughly using several changes of water and pat dry.
Salt and pepper the squirrels liberally.
Cut squirrels into serving pieces or leave whole.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with foil. Make the foil big enough so you can fold over the top and seal.
Place the meat on the foil; rub down with butter and season with garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper and Creole seasoning.
Place onion around the squirrel on the foil.
Wrap the foil over the top and seal. Bake for 2 hours or until done.
While squirrel is cooking, pre-heat your grill.
When squirrel is done, remove it from foil and place on grill.
Grill over medium heat until the meat has grill marks. Rotate the squirrel ¼ turn and repeat.
Flip squirrel over and add grill marks to the other side.