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Tag soup

"Tag soup" is a humorous and creative way to repurpose a leftover deer tag (the official hunting license tag) when a hunter doesn’t harvest an animal during the season. While it’s not a traditional recipe, the idea is to turn the tag into a fun, edible "soup" or snack—often by incorporating it into a dish where it becomes a playful or symbolic ingredient. Here’s a lighthearted and safe way to do it:

"Tag Soup" Recipe

(A symbolic and edible way to celebrate a missed opportunity!)

Ingredients:

  • 1 unused deer tag (cleaned and sanitized—see notes below)
  • 1 cup of your favorite broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef)
  • 1 cup of pasta or noodles (e.g., fettuccine, ramen, or egg noodles)
  • ½ cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, peas, or corn)
  • ¼ cup of protein (optional: diced chicken, tofu, or beans)
  • 1 tsp of butter or oil
  • Salt, pepper, and herbs (to taste)
  • A splash of wine or beer (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • A pinch of humor (essential!)

Instructions:

  1. Sanitize the Tag:
  2. Thoroughly wash the deer tag with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt or residue.
  3. Rinse and sanitize it with rubbing alcohol or boiling water for 1–2 minutes to ensure it’s safe to handle.

  4. Note: The tag is not meant to be eaten—it’s a symbolic or decorative addition. Do not ingest metal or plastic parts!

  5. Prepare the Broth:

  6. In a pot, heat the butter or oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  7. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Add the protein (if using) and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

  8. Optional: Add a splash of wine or beer for extra flavor.

  9. Cook the Pasta:

  10. Boil the pasta or noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  11. Assemble the "Soup":

  12. Combine the cooked pasta, broth mixture, and vegetables in a bowl.
  13. Symbolically place the sanitized deer tag on top of the soup (e.g., as a "ladle" or decorative element). You can also use it to stir the soup dramatically for fun.
  14. Serve immediately with a side of good-natured laughter and stories from the hunting season!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair with a cold drink and hunting tales.
  • For extra fun, take a photo of the "tag soup" and share it with fellow hunters.
  • If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also make a "Tag Sandwich" by placing the tag between two slices of bread (after sanitizing it, of course!).

Safety Reminder:

  • The deer tag is not edible. This recipe is purely symbolic and for entertainment purposes. Always handle tags carefully to avoid injury or contamination.