Dinner with Ted Turner
Let's face it - a visit to Ted Turner's Snowcrest Ranch would not be complete without sampling some of the bison, which are raised on the ranch. Ted's chef, Karen Averitt, was happy to prepare a special meal for us, which we ate, dining al fresco with the incredibly gorgeous Montana scenery as our backdrop. I found the bison to be especially delicious - flavorful, tender, and juicy.
It's estimated that 30 million bison once roamed this country before European settlers arrived. By the late 1800's, they were nearly extinct, with fewer than 1,000 remaining in private herds and on public preserves, such as Yellowstone National Park. Ted Turner purchased his first bison in 1976 - a bull and two cows. Since that time, his herd has grown to more than 50,000 head across the various Turner ranches. Today, there are approximately 500,000 bison living in North America. Bison has gained popularity in the meat business because it is leaner and healthier than beef. It contains less fat, fewer calories, and has more protein. If you eat meat and have the opportunity, you should definitely try bison.
1 Here I am with Ted enjoying dinner.
2 Gary Nardilla grilling bison steaks at Ted Turner's ranch - he is great behind the grill!
3 Karen - Ted's chef, me, and Ted discussing logistics
4 We just can't wait for our meal of bison - hamburgers and steaks - very, very good.
5 A table al fresco - overlooking Snowcrest Ranch
6 Wonderful bison steaks and roasted red, yellow, and orange peppers
7 Yummy grilled corn
8 Beautifully grilled squash
9 It really was a very superb hamburger!
10 I'm holding a piece of delicious bread made from Kernza™, a new perennial grain that Ted is testing. By planting grains that are perennial, you cut down on plowing and the potential of creating a dust bowl.
11 These are solar heating panels - one of many environmentally sound measures practiced on Ted's properties.
12 There are many, many bird houses on the ranch to encourage more species to return.
13 Even deer are encouraged.
14 As are birds of prey
15 The local cranes are wonderful.
16 We all enjoyed this spectacular sunset over the ranch.
17 The mauve skies were breathtaking.
18 The TV crew ate dinner at the lodge.
Thanks again Martha for taking us to places and visiting people we will not have the opportunity to experience. Through your wonderful blogs you are able to tag us along. It must be a feel good moment to dine with Ted Turner in that spacious surroundings. I know you work hard at living your life to the fullest, you surround yourself with everything beautiful, I believe that results to your looking beautiful, young and healthy.
Here's to your future adventures and travels.
ND
Posted by: Nikki | September 3rd, 2009 at 1:17 am
Hi Martha,
I wanted to come back to see the rest of the adventure in Montana. The Bison meat looks like it would taste like a steak. Those are some pretty pics of you and Ted. Love the all white outfit
Ted is an interesting person to be doing all that stuff and helping all the wildlife. That's very nice to see.
michele
Posted by: michele gallagher | September 3rd, 2009 at 2:17 am
Hey Martha - Lovely pictures. You and Ted make a handsome couple!
Montana is a beautiful State - I just love the skies.
Posted by: Kathleen | September 3rd, 2009 at 2:43 am
martha,
i think with the last blog postings you've made a fan of mr turner and since i do eat meat, i will try bison on my next trip to US. although i doubt that the views from my dinner table will as spectacular as yours were!
Posted by: liisamarja | September 3rd, 2009 at 3:54 am
When we were out west, we also tried elk, which was just as tasty as bison.
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | September 3rd, 2009 at 6:45 am
You look great in Montana....maybe it's the
environment, or the company...but you are
radiant.
It looks like you had such a good time....I'm
envious.
Posted by: Vivian Price | September 3rd, 2009 at 8:24 am
.
Very proud of this day for you!
.
Posted by: http://andyjspencer.blogspot.com/ | September 3rd, 2009 at 8:28 am
Hi Martha...I watch your show every day faithfully and was so excited about your new contest....something with the cooking school??Could you please give me the sight so I can enter...I especially loved the segment today about the carnivirous plants and the beautiful hanging baskets you made...Wow...Annette
Posted by: Annette Locke | September 3rd, 2009 at 10:21 am
SO very beautiful . . .The table setting al fresco overlooking the ranch was reminded me of a cover of a MSL magazine! I am so happy for you that you are able to enjoy ALL THE FRUITS OF YOUR HARD LABOR. . .You are definitely Blessed. . .
Enjoy your weekend AND each day YOU bring me such happiness reading your blogs. . .I feel like we are friends!!
Nina
Posted by: nina zeumer | September 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
A wonderful way to dine! Simple food, good company and such a spectacular setting.
Posted by: sherey | September 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 am
Never seen you looking better, Martha...just glowingingly healthy.
Posted by: jackie lamothe | September 3rd, 2009 at 11:45 am
-- I agree with all comments. Your complexion & clothes complement Nature. You & Ted look at home on the range. Thank you for green tips & reuse ideas. --
Posted by: Mina I. | September 3rd, 2009 at 11:47 am
hi Martha,
I just got in one of the mast amazing antique wicker sets that I've ever seen. thought you might like to see it: http://pasternakantiques.blogspot.com/2009/08/wicker-set.html
Jeremiah Pasternak
Rockland, ME
Posted by: Jeremiah Pasternak | September 3rd, 2009 at 11:58 am
Hi Martha,
steak or bison which would you prefer on the menu? Will love to try it one day.
Posted by: carol | September 3rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Great pictures again Martha! Everything is so beautiful overlooking the ranch. Wow, that sunset is something else!
**
I checked out the link you provided above and have to say the contest Ted had was pretty cute - Ted's Burger FANatic contest. The winners received a Prius and I think a supply of bison burgers. I think I'd like to try one of those since I just happen to be a burger fanatic and will try just about any burger!
**
This afternoon I hope to purchase Body+Soul magazine with you and Alexis on the cover as well as your Halloween Special issue for 2009. I’ve already made 5 of the treat boxes using a template on this site and have several more to go. I think they’re really cute! Here’s a picture - http://www.twitpic.com/gberb Trish
Posted by: Trish | September 3rd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
My Martha, you've done it again! - captured Nature in all her glory! What a feast for the eyes AND soul, right along with, yes, the colorful grilled foodfeast - what glorious vegetables(in addition to Mother Nature!) to accompany that gorgeous bison! (I admit that it's lunchtime for me as I write today...)
~
As others have commented, Martha, you are looking GOOD, my friend! I think it is befitting that you and Alexis are on Body & Soul magazine's next cover, as you yourself obviously are practicing what you've been preaching/teaching to us! You have never looked BETTER!
~
I am excited for the upcoming 'MARTHA' season to begin and to see juuust what you have in store for us. Thanks for taking us along on your summer outings - Montana, especially... You know, too? (this occurred to me, this very moment)...thank you for sacrificing YOUR personal life and personal privacy for us, so that we can be-in-the-know about all-things-Martha... I trulyTRULY feel as if you are my friend, and we're acquaintances!
~
Thank you for that opportunity!
=^..^=
~
"A gardener, asked for the secret of his success, replied: 'Trowel and error.' "--Anonymous
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | September 3rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Oh Martha, what an interesting topic you have. Of course when confusion arises such as Carol asking "steak or bison" I can see you have more years of teaching to go.
We are of the persuasion all meat has to be adorned with New Mexico green chile and if that is gone there has to be red chile sauce. Mr. Turner should have had some delivered via his N.M. ranch.
Posted by: Margie | September 3rd, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hi Martha, Thanks for letting us join you, Ted and the others during your delicious looking dinner out there in The Big Sky Country. All of the food looked absolutely delicious. Yum! I have never eaten Bison, but after viewing this blog I'm ready to try some. Your photos showing more of his fabulous ranch, including the wildlife, the solar panels and the beautiful sunset are absolutely stunning. What is the kernza grain? It sounds like it would be good for the environment. Thanks for this wonderful trip. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | September 3rd, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Martha I would love to know more about the grain that made your rolls. How does it taste? Is it more like wheat or something different. Is is a complex grain like whole wheat? Thanks for sharing your wonderful vacation pictures.
Posted by: Nancy Winters | September 3rd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Beautiful photos! You two look great together!!
Posted by: Karen | September 3rd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Interesting blog...I'm anxious to try bison. The U.S. is lucky to have a forward thinker like Ted Turner to lead the way in regard to food and energy. Thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: Sue Fawcett | September 3rd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Martha you look so beautiful , what a wonderful time you must have had . thanks for sharing,I will be trying bison. BL
Posted by: Betty-Lou Swanson | September 3rd, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Thanks Martha, it was a great trip.
Rusty
Posted by: Rusty Matter | September 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 pm
martha...
you live such an inspirational life! thank you.
xoxoxo
Posted by: kimberlee paige hanson | September 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Ok you convinced me.... We received a gift card to his Ted's restaurant in CT and still have not been, I am going next weekend!!!
Posted by: Kristen Anderson | September 4th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Bison looks delicious! As a connoisseur of venison, I have rarely ventured out, especially since there are so many amazing recipes that I use. Unfortunately, there are no wild bison to hunt here in Texas. We have wild hogs and whitetail deer in abundance! We hunt for our venison, dress it and package it...this way we know where it has been, from field to plate. Guess we are a bit old-fashioned...we even have 5 kids. We are going to document our hunt this year from field to plate, I'll send you a link when we are done. (Oh, we have 11 beehives too!) Thanks for sharing! Montana is breathtaking!
Posted by: Jennifer Tidmore-Dempsey | September 4th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Martha, you look great in Montana - very relaxed, and just HAPPY! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jayne | September 5th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Montana will ever be in my heart.
What a great couple you two make...
Wasn't all that long ago when I met a man in Miles City, Montana and made much.
Many memories and black diamond earings linger.
Posted by: ann | September 7th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I have eaten Bison and it is wonderful. My son, Wayne brought bison hamburgers to his own birthday party. Martha, you would enjoy talking with my son. He has been to every state with his Grandparents when he was a child in a motor home. He has been to every historial site you can think of. I'm pretty sure he has been to Montana. The Big Sky country. Enjoyed all your pictures.
Posted by: Rose Bain of Dunnellon | September 7th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
who took that picture of the retarded looking crew at the lodge?
Posted by: gary nardilla | September 9th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
I would like to know more about Kernza Wheat.
Your show about Ted Turner was great.
Posted by: David Potter | October 5th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Can this wheat be used as fuel?
Posted by: David Potter | October 5th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Martha, I know that you enjoyed Karen's cooking, I have been lucky enough to have tasted her unique recipies. Montana is one of the most beautiful places. Thanks to Ted Turner for his efforts.
Posted by: nanci heinmiller | October 7th, 2009 at 10:50 am