Scott Linden Outdoors

Home-made Limoncello, with lemon zest from Delene & Ponce's backyard

Yum. This was the start of a new tradition here at the home place. Our first annual “Shot & Caught” potluck feast celebrated 25 years in Bend, Ore. but also our friends and the mutual appreciation we have for all things outdoors. The menu was varied, reflecting our friends’ diverse passions. The company was convivial and while many were strangers to each other on arrival, they became friends by the time the last platter was rinsed for the drive home.

Among the many hand-crafted, wild-harvested dishes, some notables: olive oil harvested and pressed by my veterinarian and his wife in Italy; home-baked bread with yeast “harvested” just east of here; wild mushroom soup with ingredients found on the forest floor just west; pheasant in many permutations and the first taste of venison for many in Gary’s burger bites.

I’m reminded of a fundamental fact: before it became fashionable and the darling of the cable-TV networks, hunter-gatherers were the original locavores. Our feast reinforced the critical link between environment, food, and the stewards of both – you, me, and our friends who venture out.

This gathering was ostensibly to celebrate our arrival in town as we both began new careers. But it was so much more, and if you’ve never done something like this … DO. You will be astounded at what emerges from the dirty dishes and empty glasses. And let me know how it goes. Enjoy the feast – drooling encouraged:

Wild mushroom soup!

Venison burger bites, fruit salad with local berries, pistachios from far away

Even the salad was delectable

Pheasant wrapped cheese ... thanks Connie & Dan

The groaning board ... actually, our kitchen counter just before the serious eating began