Braised Squirrel with Mushrooms & Bacon

Somehow my kitchen landed two squirrels today.  One not to waste anything, I immediately went in search of squirrel recipes.  Young squirrels are great fried like chicken but older ones need a longer and slower cook time.   Since I had one of each I decided an oven braised recipe would work best.

After a brief marinating time,  I cooked them in a dutch oven for a couple hours in red wine and broth.   Mushrooms, carrots, onions and bacon were added the last hour.  The flavor was excellent, similar to rabbit or dark meat on chicken.   Served over mashed potatoes, it made a comforting weekend dinner for us.