Whole Squirrel with Carrots and Onions

Michigan cooking is strongest when the pan stays honest and the finish stays clean. This version uses Carrots and Onions and a covered braise finish so the Squirrel Whole stays central instead of getting buried under the rest of the plate.

1 1/2 to 2 pounds Squirrel Whole
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Neutral oil or rendered fat
1 to 2 cups Carrots
1 to 2 cups Onions
Optional: 1 small Thyme
2 cups stock

Trim and season the Squirrel Whole while you prep the Carrots and Onions.
Set up the pan, pot, or oven before you start cooking so the timing stays calm once the protein goes down.
Once the pot is together, cover it and give the cut enough time to soften without falling apart.
Fold in the Carrots and Onions at the right point so they support the cut instead of dissolving into the background.
Rest or hold the protein briefly, then serve while the pan juices or broth still feel connected to the plate.

Keep the seasoning clean and let the cut set the pace. Leftovers keep best when cooled quickly and packed shallow; Michigan meals built around Squirrel Whole are usually stronger on day one than after repeated reheats.