Recipe from Outlander Kitchen – the Official Outlander Companion Cookbook.
Hands up, who else sobbed their way through the Outlander Series 2 finale yesterday on their device while their husbands were busy watching the football/tennis/Formula 1 on the telly?
Not just me, eh?
I can’t even remember why I began watching Outlander – I think I was randomly flicking through the tv shows on Amazon Prime one night after finishing Black Sails and Turn, wanting something set in the same era to watch. It wasn’t until Series 2 was released that I began watching, but I was instantly hooked on the romantic tale of WW2, time-travel, kilted Scotsmen and true love. The first half of the first series was, to me, what I imagine a Mills & Boon novel to be like (I’ve never read one, true story!), but then it got dark, really quickly.
I caught up on the episodes pretty quickly, and then had to wait one week for each new episode to be released. I have to confess, while I was bikepacking through the highlands of Scotland recently it was still there in the back of my mind that I’d have a few episodes to catch up on when I returned!
The day after I began my epic bikepacking trip the official Outlander companion cookbook was released, Outlander Kitchen, written by Canadian chef, food writer and unabashed fan of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander book series.
Featuring more than one hundred recipes, Outlander Kitchen retells Claire and Jamie’s incredible story through the flavors of the Scottish Highlands, the French Revolution, and beyond. Theresa has drawn on the events and characters contained within the pages of Gabaldon’s novels to create mouthwatering and inspiring dishes highlighting local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, but updated for today’s modern kitchens.
There are a wide range of recipes from breakfasts to appetizers, soups to preserves, meat and seafood dishes, sweets and desserts and even drinks and cocktails.
Each recipe comes with an exerpt from the original books from where it was inspired, plus a bit of historical background to really bring it to life.
For my first meal from this book I chose the venison stew with tomatoe-fruits served with Spoon Bread.
While bikepacking through the highlands of Scotland recently the weather was mostly on our side. Except for one day, one day where the heavens opened from early morning until late afternoon all the way from John o’Groats to Thurso. We were soaked to the bone, with shriveled toes and fingers like we’d spent too long in the bath.
We had intended on cycling all the way from John o’Groats to Bettyhill that day, following the north Scotland coastline (apparently it’s really picturesque if you can see the sea – we couldn’t), but after passing a rather unusual split stone on the outskirts of Melvich and pausing for a break after cresting a rather steep hill we spotted an inn with a tendril of smoke gently drifting from its chimney.
We were lured inside at the thought of getting warm and dry, and possibly a bite of food. It turns out that they had camping facilities: for only £5 we pitched our tents in the garden, grabbed a wonderful hot shower and propped our soaking wet cycling shoes next to the coal fire in the inn to dry.
Dinner was ordered. A haggis starter and the most gorgeous, succulent venison stew for a main. For this reason I chose to make venison stew from this cookery book, a recipe the publishers have very kindly given me permission to reproduce.
In 18th century Britain venison was only found on the tables of the wealthy – the lords and lairds whose land holdings were large enough to sustain a deer population. Highlanders themselves survived on boiled grains and vegetable stews up until the clearances when they were forced from their homes (we saw many an information board on our cycling travels through the highlands about these clearances) and they began to hunt in the North American forests filled with birds and game.
This recipe is a gorgeously rich, satisfying stew, and served with Spoon Bread (a favourite of George Washington) it made for a rather delicious dinner last night before I watched the Outlander series 2 finale.
I sobbed my way through the last half of the episode, and as soon as it was finished I ordered the first three Outlander series books off Amazon. I can’t wait until series 3 comes out, I need to find out what happens!
You can buy a copy of Outlander Kitchen off Amazon for £25. It’s also available in Canada for $47 and the United States for $35. For more information (as well a well stocked recipe index!) visit the Outlander Kitchen website.
Are you an Outlander fan? Let me know in the comments below!
Venison Stew with Tomatoe-Fruits
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup dried kidney beans
- 0.5 cup sundried tomatoes
- 0.25 cup plain flour
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt plus additional
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper plus additional
- 1.5 lbs venison stew meat cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil plus additional
- 4 slices bacon cut crosswise into 1/4 inch strips
- 1 large onion cut into 1/2-inch wedges
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups brown chicken or beef stock (see recipe in book)
- 1 lb beets peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 12 juniper berries
- 2 garlic cloves halved
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, cover the kidney beans with 2 inches of cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and soak for 1 hour. Drain.
- Soak the sun-dried tomatoes in 1 cup boiling water for 1 hour. Drain, reserving the soaking liquid. Chop the tomatoes roughly.
- Move a rack to the bottom rung and heat the oven to 325 F/ 160 C.
- Mix together the flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pat the venison dry with paper towels, then dredge the pieces in the flour to coat on all sides.
- In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, heath the oil over medium-high flame. In batches, brown the venison on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Rest the browned meat on a plate and repeat with the remaining venison, using additional oil if required.
- When the last batch of venison is gone from the pan, reduce the heat to medium and fry the bacon pieces until golden brown. Add the bacon pieces to the venison and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the pan.
- Add the onions to the pan and cook until slightly softened, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan, 3 to 5 minutes. Deglaze with the red wine and boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the stock, tomato soaking liquid, venison, bacon, beans, tomatoes and beets. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid boil.
- Meanwhile, make a bouquet garni. Wrap the bay leaves, rosemary, juniper berries and garlic in a square of cheesecloth and tie with string, or enclose the items in a large tea ball.
- When the stew is boiling, poke the bouquet garni under the surface and cover the pot. Cook in the oven until the meat, beans and beets are tender, about 90 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with Spoon Bread (recipe in the book). Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Notes
OUTLANDER KITCHEN GIVEAWAY
Penguin Random House have kindly offered a copy of Outlander Kitchen as a giveaway prize for one of my UK readers. To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter entry form below!
HOW TO ENTER
For your chance to win a copy of Outlander Kitchen: the official Outlander companion cookbook enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Come back and tweet about the giveaway every day for more chances to win!
TERMS & CONDITIONS
This giveaway is open to UK entries only. Entrants must be age 18 or over. The winners will need to respond within 30 days of being contacted; failure to do this may result in another winner being selected.
The prize is offered and provided by Penguin Random House. The prize is to win a copy of Outlander Kitchen: the official Outlander companion cookbook. There is no cash alternative and the prize is not transferable.
There is no entry fee and no purchase is necessary to enter this giveaway. The promoter (Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary) reserves the right to cancel or amend the giveaway and these terms and conditions without notice.
Entry into our giveaways will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
If you need some help using Rafflecopter, here’s a quick clip to show you how. Rafflecopter will pick the winners at random from all the entries received. I will be verifying entries and any automated entries or those who have claimed they have made the mandatory blog post comment and really haven’t will be disqualified. It’s mandatory! Please make sure your comment is eight words or longer or Google views it as spam. >>>>> All entries with comments fewer than the mandatory 8 words will be disqualified. <<<<<
Closing date is midnight (that’s 00:00 hours, 12 am on Sunday night/Monday morning) on Monday 25 July 2016 (GMT) and the winner will be announced shortly afterwards.
Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary received a complimentary copy of Outlander Kitchen for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are our own. This is not a paid post. Recipe excerpted from Outlander Kitchen by Theresa Carle-Sanders. Copyright © 2016 by Theresa Carle-Sanders. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
Christy says
Just stumbled upon this recipe, what a fantastic autumn stew. Bookmarked and I’ll be making it as soon as the local butchers has fresh venison in. Shouldn’t be long!
Jamie Millard says
i like a bit of game – venison is a personal favourite, sounds like a great book
Natalie Crossan says
Haven’t seen but heard great things xxx
Susan Naylor says
I don’t know Outlander at all but the cook book looks great.
Emma says
I’ve not seen it but have heard it is good
Kate Phillips says
Sorry to say I’ve never watched it (yet) but the cookbook looks great and I now feel curious.
EJ Dunn says
I haven’t actually watched it yet, but it is on my ‘to watch’ list as i have a few friends who love it!
Elzbieta Znyk says
I have never see it, but hope I will soon!
Jill Fairbanks says
I haven’t seen it but I am definitely going to look out for it now as your recipes sound lovely
Amelia Stephenson says
that dress!!
Allan Fullarton says
Looks great, but never tried.
Gem Cook says
I’ve not watched Outlander yet, but it’s been highly recommended to me. We have just got Amazon Prime so I’m hoping to start watching it next week.
What a fantastic prize.
I’d love to win.
Thanks for the chance.
Iris W says
I have never seen Outlander but it looks like something I will like, just catching up with all GOT and then I think I will watch this.
Jim Milligan says
I’ve not seen it, but will try and look out for it.
Karen Howden says
I love this series, am a little behind have some still to watch. I just love the signature tune “over the sea to skye”
My favourite bit is when the Highlander Connor is rescued from the prison
Helen says
I love historical dramas and would definately watch this if it was on free view.
carol boffey says
Not heard of it but it looks great
Andrew Hindley says
I have never seen Outlander but the book looks great, I will add it to my must watch list
Julie Camm says
I’ve never heard of the Outlander books, but the recipe book looks fantastic, and I would take it with me when I spend two weeks in a cottage in the Scottish Highlands in September…. I have loads of time to cook there and it looks perfect
jo liddement says
I am a huge fan of Outlander and the final episode of season two had me in tears when Claire said goodbye to Jamie at the memorial stone on the battlefield.Can’t wait for series 3!!!
leanne weir says
I’ve not seen the outlander yet. I am waiting for a binge day!
Tracey S Anderson says
I have to admit i haven’t seen Outlander although the cookbook looks amazing so i will have to make a point of listing it as a must see X x
Sheri Darby says
I never watched it, or read it. Your recipe looks so delicious
Jane says
Never seem Outlander but this type of food makes be very, very happy indeed. Will be taking a look at it.
Jess Powell (Babi a Fi) says
I love the sound of the cook book but I wasn’t a big fan of the actual Outlander books; I haven’t seen any of the series yet!
Laura Nice says
Ive never seen it before but the book looks great!
Katie Skeoch says
Haven’t watched it yet! But I am Scottish so the recipes would be great to add to my own family cookbook!
Lauren Old says
I’ve got the book and the DVD but haven’t watched yet! Hoping to soon though
Allan Wilson says
I’ve never seen it yet but it is on my list to watch.
Emily Hutchinson says
I’ve never heard of it but I’ll be looking for it now!
Lindsay McPhee says
I’ve read most of the books and just started Season 2 but hands down the wedding night scene was The Best. It was hot, funny and sentimental and it’s refreshing to see sex scenes on TV that are all about the female gaze, rather than male. Also, that dress. Amazing.
Julie Anne Barker says
I’ve never watched Outlander but the cookbook looks great :}
Julie Anne Barker says
I’ve never watched Outlander but the cookbook looks great
Lisa Wilkinson says
I haven’t read the books or seen the TV programme but it’s the type of genre I do enjoy
Kim Styles says
I have never seen it -but heard good things- however the cook book looks great and I collect cookery books!
Rebecca Howells (@PeanutHog) says
I’ve never seen it so must try it. The cook book looks really good though!
Caroline H says
Yes! I loved the books but don’t have Prime so haven’t seen the series – but the DVD boxsets are out so that’s definitely on my present list!
Rachel Butterworth says
I have been dying to see the series, but haven’t had the time yet. I’ve heard really good things though.
carole n says
i’m new to Outlander but would love the opportunity to learn more
kellyjo walters says
to be honest nope I’ve not heard of it but I just been looking at all the pics on IG so I’m gonna try and find on line to watch …
Kate Knight says
I’ve never watch it but it looks good!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I really need to start watching this show, you always make it sound so exciting! I love that there’s a cookbook to go with it 🙂
Tanya says
I hadn’t heard of Outlander before, I was the one watching the football. I tried Venison for the first time last year and it was delicious so I’ll definitely be putting this in the dishes to try pile
Charlotte says
I am not a fan of venison but my husband loves it! Will tell him about this. x
Tanya Brannan says
I have never seen this series but this meal looks amazing!! I have already printed it off to try soon as it just looks so good. Thanks for sharing
Solange says
I’ve never watched Outlander but the cookbook looks really great.
WhatLauraLoves says
Ooh this looks absolutely delicious, so homely and definitely something I’d enjoy xxx
Emma Lewis says
I’m outlander obsessed according to my hubby, he’s started called me Sassenach! Having had my head buried in the books for years I persuaded him to watch the series and we both loved it. Such a shame the weather wasn’t kinder to you, the recipe looks great!
Esther says
This makes me even more hungry than I am right now. I would really love to get this book and I hope I win it 🙂
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs says
Oh my days, I’m so hungry after reading this 🙂
Your photos are lovely and make it look very inviting!
Thanks for sharing this recipe x
Nikki Eaves says
Really hoping to get this book as a birthday present (I’ve dropped enough hints!) Love Outlander and used to read the books with my Granddad (a proud Fraser) they are a real family tradition xxx
Maliha Iftekhar says
What a fantastic recipe! I admit I have never had venison. I must try this 🙂 As for Outlander, yes I am an ardent fan of the books (am on book 3, purchased all 8) and of the show. I think the television series has done a masterful adaptation of the source material, from capturing the wild beauty of Scotland, to the intricate details of costume and language. The casting is superb! My favorite moment from the show has to be in the season 2 finale… The heartbreaking dance like sequence when Jamie sends Claire back through the stones. It was so beautifully acted, the longing and grief palpable. I was weeping. A close second is the wedding, both in the book and the show. Thank you for sharing your passion! Take care.
Richard Eldred Hawes says
I must admit that I have not seen the series but from your article it seems that I have missed something I would have enjoyed watching
Kira C says
Honestly, I haven’t really watched outlander and not heard much about it! You seem to really like it though so I’ll have to check it out! Sounds like my kind of program! That stew sounds delicious!
Laura @dearbearandbeany says
This looks like a great dish for the winter, we love a stew!
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
Honestly this just looks and sounds so AMAZING! I wonder if it would taste good with beef – I don’t have venison in! H x
Joanne Hutchings says
I’ve never seen Outlander so can’t say I’m a fan, but my mother in law is and she’s also a keen cook so this book would make a great gift for her.
Sassy says
Oh well I want this sounds absolutely delicious! I don’t watch outlander, but clearly I can see you’re very enthusiastic about it 🙂 xxx
Talya says
Wow that looks incredible! I think I must have been living under a rock as not heard of the series or book. Where have I been?
Jen Schofield says
Never seen it but looks really good. Would love to try some recipes.
Kate @ Babaganosh.org says
This cookbook sounds like it is full of awesome hearty recipes. I love love love stew but have never thought to use venison! I will have to try this as we still have some venison leftover in our freezer that was given to us by a friend. I am sure venison will give this stew an awesome gamey flavor.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
This looks so comforting. I do love venison, but never tried it in a stew before.
Linda Hobbis says
Whilst I love Haggis, I couldn’t face eating venison… sorry! That’s probably really hypocritical I know.
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
I’ve never heard of that show- but the cookbook looks interesting! What a great soup idea for cold dreary days
Catherine says
I just got into this series and the books. I love it! This cookbook sounds like so much fun and the stew looks delicious. xo, Catherine
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic says
It looks like a wonderful cookbook and delicious recipe
Diana says
Sounds like a wonderful cookbook! I review a lot of cookbooks on my blog and I’m building a lovely library Haha
Claire says
I love venison and this sounds like a delicious recipe 🙂 I have to try it!
laura stewart says
i havent seen any but the book looks good x
Rachel says
Oh wow, now this looks just absolutely wonderful, ive never tried Venison in a stew x
Laura H says
I find it strange that there’s an Outlander cook book! This dish really yummy and warming and what great cuts of meat!
Dean of Little Steps says
That looks like a winter-warmer and looks absolutely delicious. Also love your white pot 🙂
Jo Carroll says
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to watch Outlander on TV as it was on Amazon Prime and sadly goes beyond my current budget but will hopefully catch it on DVD…it sounds great.
Rebecca U says
this looks so good! I haven’t seen the series but I think it would my right up my street! #triedtested
Helen at CAsa Costello says
Wow your venison stew looks amazing. I bet the bacon gives it an added extra. Looks just the perfect comforting dish for after a long trek.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I really enjoy venison, as it’s such a rich meat. I am glad to see more venison recipes being featured on blogs too.
Heather Haigh says
I’ve never seen Outlander – I barely watch any TV I’m afraid but the Venison stew with tomatoe-fruits sounds delicious.
Bronwyn Marcus says
Wow, my husband is the chef in the family and he would love this book,looks amazing
Catherine says
I’ve never seen Outlander but that stew looks delicious. I’m wondering if you could also do it with beef.
#triedtested
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
I’ve never had venison before. That stew does look nice!
Jessica says
I love the vension innovation here. Never heard the book but its cover is just interestingly yummy. 🙂
Phil Darling says
I haven’t seen it yet – but if its as good as it looks – I’m going to love it
Liz Mays says
This sounds really nice and comforting. I’m sure I’d love it! Outlander Kitchen would be fun to work though.
LaaLaa says
Can’t say I’ve seen Outlander. Being a non meat eater it’s not exactly up my alley but I like how thorough your post is x
Sarah says
I love Outlander! The finale was amazing, so amazing I need to go rewatch it! Will keep this spoiler free though 🙂
Sarah says
I have heard about the series, but I’ve never actually watched it.
This recipe looks nice, just a shame I don’t eat venison
Sarah Bailey says
What an interesting sounding cookbook – not sure I have ever tried Venison myself. x
Anosa says
Not heard of the book before but I am loving the look of this venison stew and I want to try it again.
Ana De- Jesus says
Its amazing to see how different venison is now, it is becoming more mainstream than it was when it was the prime meat of the wealthy.
fashion-mommy says
I’ve never heard of the series or the book, but Venison stew is a real favourite of mine.
Rachel Ray says
I’m a fan of the books and the series – I love it when Claire shocks all he men by swearing.
A says
For me, the best thing about Outlander is the chance to see familiar places in Scotland in a new light; it’s a reminder not to take this beautiful country for granted.
S Bufton says
I hadn’t heard of the series but the book looks fantastic, it makes me want to watch the series.
sarah rees says
haven’t seen it but this looks fab
laura banks says
i haven’t actually heard of it before but the recipes look fab
Michelle Ferguson says
I’ve never heard of the series before today but the cook book looks fab
fozia Akhtar says
This looks delicious I’ve not had venison for some time
Matthew P says
ive never watched Outlander but your cookbook looks great :-))
Claire says
This looks scrummy – I love a bit of venison!
katie w says
I have just got into Outlander, up to the wedding at the moment in the first season, love Jamie and Claire getting to know each other.
iain maciver says
I love venison, this book would be perfect
Susan Smith says
Sorry i have never looked at an Outlander Book, but looking at the recipe above, i will make a point of looking
Carly Taylor says
I am the biggest Outlander fan going, have read all 9 books and am totally in love with Jamie and Clare in the TV show, great casting!
My favourite book is still the first one as I love all things Scottish (men in kilts mainly) and the Wedding episode has to be my favourite still after 2 seasons of watching on Tv.
Joanna says
This looks delicious I’ve not had venison in awhile.
samantha rickelton says
I love venison but haven’t really cooked with it other than as a steak – I love this idea of putting it in a nice warming stew x
Joy B says
I’ve never read the books or watched Outlander on TV but my best friend loves it and I know she would love the cook book too.
Nick Lloyd says
Have heard great things about the cookbook, would love to win one
liz ferguson says
It is new to me, but it is right up my street, so I will be a fan xx
Milly Youngman says
I’ve never actually seen Outlander! But, this stew looks INCREDIBLE and definitely want to have a go at cooking it up myself!
Amanda says
I love the Outlander series but I think I would love this cookbook even more! 🙂
Stacey Carnell says
I’ve not watched yet but will keep an eye out! Love the cookbook <3
Tracey C says
Huge fan of the books for many years. The cookbook is added to my ‘must get’ list!
Kerry Locke says
Judging by the awesome recipes … I might have to watch Outlander!
Amy says
This looks a really interesting cookbook. Loved both the Outlander series
Kerry Kilmister says
I read the book a while back and completely fell in love with the story and the brilliant descriptions of the Highlands. I haven’t yet watched the programme, though I keep meaning to. Life is just so hectic with 3 kiddies.
Tracy Ruane says
Would love to win this looks like some interesting recipes!
Diane Aitken says
Would love to win this
Sarah Mackay says
My favourite moment has been seeing the outfits whilst they were in paris
Leanne says
My sister & mum are big Outlander fans, so won’t be surprised to see a cookbook! I’ve just started watching on their recommendation☺
Suzanne says
The herb and pumpkin seed oatcakes are lovely. Looking forward to using up my allotment produce using interesting recipes.
Laura says
I haven’t watched any of it but i really should because I love costume dramas
Tracy Nixon says
To be honest, I have not heard of Outlander before. Your recipe sounds lovely though thank you!
Tracey Peach says
I’ve never seen Outlander but the Venison Stew with Tomatoe-Fruits is right up my street 🙂