Recipe-- Guernsey Squirrel and Dumplings

Hearty country recipes like Bean Jar are the standard traditional fare featured on the island of Guernsey.  Prior to the Guernsey squirrel's protected status, Squirrel and Dumplings was served nearly as often as Bean Jar.  Due to the lack of available squirrel meat, the tradition lives on, but is now substituted with hare or chicken.

SQUIRREL Dumplings
From:

    This is an excellent way to cook old squirrels which are too tough for frying.

        * 2 dressed squirrels, 2 to 2½ lbs
        * 2½ cups water
        * 1½ tsp salt
        * Dash of black pepper
        * 2 tbsp
        * Parsley
        * Dumpling Recipe 

       1. Wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth and pick off any hair .
       2. Remove any shot
       3. Then wash well inside and out with warm water
       4. Cut into serving pieces
       5. Put squirrel into a kettle, add water and salt
       6. heat to boiling, then reduce heat
       7. cover tightly and simmer until very tender, from 2 to 3 hrs the time depending on age of animal
       8. The meat should be almost ready to fall from the bones
       9. Add pepper and butter
      10. Increase the heat until liquid boils
      11. Lay the rolled dumplings over the top of squirrel, cover tightly and cook for 12 to 15 minutes

          Do not lift cover during cooking