How much meat do you loose taking just the breast?

[farrier!]

Neither my daughter or I like dealing with bones as we eat. Someone mentioned they just use the breast on the quail or some other small bird. Will we loose a lot? I have no problem feeding the skinned remains as raw food to the dogs but we want to have enough to enjoy too.

 

[kingbee]

You will not lose much but there is some meat to be had.. I skin mine then I cut the wings ,feet off and discard, this leave you with the legs and body (gutted of course). Wash and cook.

We marinade in "Dales" or "Moores" sauce for 3 to 4 hours, wrap in bacon, place on a very hot grill and cook bout 30 minutes or so.Check on em frequently and turn em.
If the quail is not light pink near the bones it's over cooked,legs should pull off easy.

Sorry they are finger foods so pick em up and eat/pull the meat off the breast and enjoy.Also the legs are very good..

Have fun.

 

[thebirdfarm]

I would try eating one whole and see if the leg meat is something you desire or not, because for me the legs are the best part of the birds. I don't think I would even raise them if I was only eating the breast. But try it for yourself.

 

[becky3086]

I agree. They are so small to begin with, seems a shame to waste any, plus I just don't think they would taste as good without the skin and bones.

 

[d73]

I keep the whole bird legs and wings. Not much different then eating frogs legs. I do skin mine, just makes cleaning easier.

 

[Goldlaced_Girl]

yup, just de-wing de-foot and BAM throw 'em on the grill and enjoy! I just kinda pull it apart (they are usually REALLY tender) or if I'm feeling dainty, I just kinda rip it up with two forks

does that make me sound uncivilized?