Deerhunters Scrapple Recipes

SCRAPPLE

Steps:

• Set the pig's head in a large kettle and cover it with water. Bring this to a boil and skim off all the scum that floats to the surface. When this is done, add the carrots, onion, bay leaves, juniper and black peppercorns. Simmer this, adding more water if the level drops below the pig's head, until the meat wants to fall off the bone, about 3 hours.
• Carefully remove the pig's head and pick off all the meat and random bits. I toss the eyes and the palate, which aren't very tasty. Chop everything up very fine, and combine with the spice mix in a bowl.
• Strain your pig broth and pour about 10 cups into a large pot. Bring this to a simmer and add the cornmeal and buckwheat flour, stirring constantly so you don't get lumps. Add salt to taste. Cook this, stirring often, about 30 minutes.
• Add the chopped pig bits in with the mush and stir well to combine. If you happen to be using the unflavored gelatin, now is when you would add it. Let this all cook for 10 minutes or so.
• Pour this into loaf pans, or a terrine pan. While not strictly necessary, it will make the scrapple easier to remove if you line the pan with plastic wrap first. Pack it in well. Let it cool to room temperature uncovered, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before slicing and frying.

DEERHUNTER'S SCRAPPLE

Steps:

• Bring broth to a rapid boil and slowly add cornmeal. Stir constantly until mixture returns to a full boil. Add salt, reduce heat. Cover and cook slowly for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Fry chopped deer liver, heart, and onions in butter, stirring frequently, until meat is an even color (5 to 7 minutes). Stir into cornmeal, pour mixture into a shallow baking pan and chill until it becomes firm.
• Slice scrapple into 1/4-inch slices, roll in flour, and fry in butter until both sides are golden brown. Serves 4.