Go Meat! Again!

It's time to talk buffalo. Buffalo meat is a great alternative to ground beef. Ounce for ounce, buffalo has less fat, fewer calories, less cholesterol than either beef or skinless chicken. And, for a 3-oz. serving, buffalo contains 3.42 mg iron compared to beef's 2.00 mg and chicken's 1.21 mg. Buffalo is richer, tastier, and because it is low-fat, almost none of it disappears or shrinks in the pan or on the grill.

Also, buffalo meat is loaded with calcium, potassium, and vitamins B6 and B12. Vitamin B12's primary functions are in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenence of a healthy nervous system. B12 is necessary for the rapid synthesis of DNA during cell division. This is especially important in tissues where cells are dividing rapidly, particularly the bone marrow tissues responsible for red blood cell formation.

Buffalo comes in a nice, clean little 1-lb. packet and is usually located near the ground beef at the grocery store. Manufacturer's of buffalo meat are aware that people looking for buffalo are usually doing so for health-conscious reasons, so almost all buffalo is certified Organic, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and is often free-range, as well. Check the packing on the meat to confirm.

Baby's Age: 8 months

Consistency: small pieces

The following recipe makes 3 large and 1 baby-sized buffalo burger.

Buffalo Burgers and Bites

1 lb. ground buffalo meat
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth

In a small bowl, combine buffalo meat and garlic powder. Form buffalo meat into three regular-sized patties and one small patty for baby; use approximately 1 ounce of meat for the baby's patty. Press the patty flat, a thickness of approximately 1/4-inch works well.

Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat, then add baby patty and pour chicken broth around patty. Allow to cook for a few minutes, then turn patty over. Break patty into smaller pieces while in the pan - this will enable you to ensure the meat is cooked through. When no pink is remaining, transfer pieces to a plate.

Wipe out skillet with a paper towel and cook the rest of the patties in a touch of olive oil or in a dry skillet. Break baby's patty into age-appropriate pieces.