Exploring Exotic Wild Game Cuisine with Rikki Folger

In this episode of the The Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler welcomes special guest Rikki Folger, who shares her experiences and insights as a lodge manager and chef at Budges Wilderness Lodge in Denver. They discuss Rikki’s role in reservations and client needs while also ensuring top-notch meals for guests. The conversation highlights Rikki’s involvement with outdoor organizations like POMA and Harvesting Nature, her culinary journey from enrolling in culinary school to working in prestigious restaurants, and managing various wild game events including catering for the Blood Origins documentary screening. Rikki dives into unique dishes such as mountain lion sliders and bear sausage jambalaya. Additionally, Rikki provides valuable cooking tips, emphasizes the importance of quality kitchen tools, and shares her perspectives on wild game cooking. The episode wraps up with Rikki expressing enthusiasm for hearty autumn and winter dishes, including a favorite, cassoulet.

Find more of Rikki at https://www.instagram.com/wild_and_foraged_/

POMA: https://professionaloutdoormedia.org/

Watch Blood Origins Lionheart: https://youtu.be/K09aGFZTJJg?si=oPF-22G60Ap-tX8G

AI generated ‘Chapters’

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:54 Rikki’s Current Adventures

01:42 Professional Outdoor Media Association

02:26 Harvesting Nature Events

04:01 Notable Meals of the Week

08:05 Dandelion Jam and Clotted Cream

16:22 Blood Origins Documentary

21:41 Exploring Cooking Techniques for Mountain Lion

22:27 Braised Mountain Lion Recipe

22:53 Event Highlights and Meeting Robbie

25:09 Career Journey and Culinary Background

28:47 Tips for Aspiring Chefs

32:52 Essential Kitchen Tools and Ingredients

34:22 Maintaining and Using Cast Iron Cookware

36:17 Future Plans and Cookbook Aspirations

43:15 Parting Thoughts and Favorite Stews

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Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto