Click on image for someone’s personal account of a visit to Punxsutawney

Groundhog Day — Recipe for Groundhog. Yum!

Today is Groundhog Day. Popularized by the town of Punxsutawney, PA, the self proclaimed “weather capitol” of the world and the home of a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil.

In a nearby locale called Gobblers Knob and at about 7:30 in the morn, Phil pops out of a specially prepared burrow made into groundhog amphitheatre (dubbed the Groundhog Bowl) and says “Scokakaplee” which is some sort of groundhog greeting. He says a few words, in groundhog-ese, to the mayor, checks his shadow and then tries to escape.

If he sees his shadow, it means another six weeks of winter, otherwise it’s an early spring. After the 3000 reporters and onlookers get their fill of Phil, the Chamber of Commerce unceremoniously grabs Phil and carts the little critter back to the groundhog Zoo where he stays year-round with his cousin Barney.

Groundhog day was derived from the old German practice of watching the hibernation habits of certain animals to determine how to plan this years crop planting. The practice was brought over to Pennsylvania in the 1800’s and has somehow evolved into an annual event epitomized by Phil. The locals are irked by the imitators around the country.

Groundhog day may not be without merit. Back in 1987 when I first published this recipe I asked then KPIX weatherman, Joel Bartlett about the celebration. “I’m a big believer in watching animals to determine the weather,” he told me. “Recently we’ve seen seagulls make counterclockwise circles; common loons are observed in high flying flocks; roaches and centipedes are moving into abandoned houses and cows hoofs are breaking off earlier than expected. These are all signs of upcoming nasty weather and an extended winter. I’m betting Phil sees his shadow.”

That was then, this is now. Since then the whole scene was made all the more popular by the hilarious concept movie, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murry.

I’ve given this mock holiday some thought and perhaps we should celebrate groundhog day with a cozy meal of braised, roasted or deep-fat fried groundhog. According the cookbook, UNMENTIONABLE CUISINE, (Univ. or Virginia Press, 1979) many Indian tribes made a meal out of groundhog. Any recipe you have for rabbit or squirrel will work for groundhog, according to the book. Here’s my favorite recipe, specially adapted for Punxsutawney Phil. I hope the Chamber of Commerce will freely distribute this commemorative recipe at the celebration next year.

Punxsutawney Raviolis
Capture, kill, skin and debone several groundhogs. (Remember, as with any dead rodent, wear gloves when handling and skinning.) Pass the meat through the fine blade of a meat grinder. Saute it in bacon fat and garlic. Never undercook rodent meat. Add a cup of chopped cooked spinach or watercress. Salt and pepper and use the mixture as a filling for raviolis. Makes about 72 raviolis. Serve with your favorite homemade spaghetti sauce.

This meal is particularly tasty when you have to endure six more weeks of winter.

related links:
Official Site
Groundhog Song (slow load, dreadful tune)
Lesson plan for home schoolers