On a cottontail, you just squeeze the innards down toward the tail, like a tube of toothpaste. Then, swing it like a whip toward the ground, and everything inside blows out. Step on the remaining point of attachment, and pull. A 2lb rabbit becomes less than 1lb.
They sure are nice against the kidneys when it's 0 degrees out. You can feel them radiate through your gamebag.
A rabbit should be skinned, washed, de-shotted, and then cut into 6 pieces. 2 rear legs, the back can be cut in half, then the front shoulders/legs. Some soak them in salt water overnight.
Pat dry w/ a papper towel.
Now, set up a pot with a couple onions, and a carrot or two. Add 2 qts salted water, and bring to a simmer. Par boil the rabbits for half an hour or so. Soft, not rolling boil. Till when poked with a fork the fork goes in. Longer won't hurt them.
Dry, and pan fry with seasoned flour or your favorite chicken recipe.
Hassenpfeffer takes about a week to make. But it is sooo good.
