Few things rival the thrill of a flushing rooster pheasant on a frosty prairie morning. Though introduced, pheasants have firmly established themselves across Alberta’s farmlands and grasslands, offering some of the most exciting and rewarding upland hunting anywhere in Canada.

These birds aren’t just fun to chase, but a gourmet prize for your table. With white breast meat and tender, light-coloured thighs, pheasant is incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

Want a recipe that does justice to the birds you bring home? Try smoking your pheasant to produce a moist, flavour-packed result that can be transformed into a gourmet cheese ball. Make it your own by customizing with different cheeses, nuts, or a hint of heat from jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups smoked pheasant meat (See Smoked Pheasant Snacks)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 large pitted green olives
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries or blueberries (optional)
• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions:

1. Combine the pheasant, cheddar cheese, olives, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is evenly and finely chopped.
2. Add the softened cream cheese in chunks. Process until well combined. The mixture will be stiff, so using room temperature cream cheese will help prevent the food processor from working too hard. Add the garlic, chives, and dried cranberries, and pulse lightly to combine. Do not chop the final ingredients.
3. Scoop the pheasant mixture out of the food processor bowl and onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use your hands and the plastic wrap to form the mixture into a ball shape.
4. Spread the toasted almonds on a cutting board or plate and roll the cheese ball into the almonds, pressing down slightly to ensure they adhere to the cheese ball.
5. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.