Grilled Venison Tenderloin (Backstrap)

This is a great recipe for backstrap. I found it on another cooking site and decided that it needed to be shared with the Zaar. It takes about 5 hours of marinading time. These also work well as an appetizer.

• Ready In: 5 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 16-20 pcs

Ingredients

• 2  lbs  venison tenderloins, cut into 2 inch chunks (backstrap)
• 1  quart apple cider
• 1 1⁄2 lbs  thick sliced bacon
• 2 (12 ounce) bottles barbecue sauce, your choice

Directions

1. Place chunks of venison into a shallow baking dish, and pour enough apple cider in to cover them. Cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
2. Remove, and pat dry. Discard apple cider, and return venison to the dish. Pour barbecue sauce over the chunks, cover, and refrigerate for 2 to 3 more hours.
3. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Charcoal is best, but if you must, use gas. Remove meat from the refrigerator, and let stand for 30 minutes, or until no longer chilled. Wrap each chunk of venison in a slice of bacon, and secure with toothpicks.
4. Brush the grill grate with olive oil when hot, and place venison pieces on the grill so they are not touching. The bacon will kick up some flames, so be ready. Grill, turning occasionally, until the bacon becomes slightly burnt, 15 to 20 minutes. The slower, the better. Dig in, and prepare to want more!