On a chilly afternoon in mid-January, 2021, Debby and Elliott were driving down a country lane in Warren County when Debby spotted some butchered hogs hanging from racks in someone’s front yard.
We swung the car around and asked if we could take some photos. The family generously welcomed us in their home and allowed us to photograph the scene. They were so friendly and open, they invited us to come try some cracklins the next day. We were both so pleased and honored by their friendly invitation to two random strangers that just happened to drive by their property that we readily agreed to come back the next day.
The following photos were taken by Debby and Elliott on Saturday and Sunday, January 16th and 17th. We would both like to thank all involved for their extreme generosity and friendliness - it was truly an amazing experience on every level.
To begin with, here are two short videos to give you an overview of the event. The first one - “Hog Heaven” - was shot and edited by Elliott. The second - “Stirring the Scrapple” - was shot and edited by Debby.
Debby’s Photos
The innards - what chitlins are made of….
Elliott looking through the gap
The first batch of cracklins (pork rind)
Stirring the second batch of cracklins
Fishing the tongue out of the pot
Cutting up the tongue - it was delicious!
Draining the lard from the cracklins
Cooking the trimmings for the scrapple
Preparing the trimmings for grinding into what will become scrapple
Draining the lard from the cracklins before seasoning
Mixing the seasoning into the ground pork
Two ground patties prepared differently - the one on the left was seasoned after grinding, and the one on the right was seasoned before grinding (which makes a firmer, tastier patty when grilled)
Adding flour to the scrapple
Ladling the scrapple into tins (some had spilled on the ground while remove the pot from the fire)
The pot once it’s been emptied of scrapple
Tasting the scrapple
It’s all fun and games until someone steps in the scrapple….
Seasoned cracklins
Draining the trimmings for scrapple
Mixing up the scrapple
Elliott’s Photos
Clowning around….
Trying to get a grip….
Transferring the cracklins to different pot
Handshakes and high-fives….
Turning the heavy slab of meat
Giving carving instructions….
Separating the ribs
Hard work and concentration were required for this operation
The tongue
Closeup of the tongue
An enthusiastic story-teller….
Tools of the trade
Stirring the trimmings with a canoe paddle
Stirring the scrapple
Tasting the scrapple
OMG!!! My new sneakers!
Can you believe it!?!?
Seasoning the ground pork for patties and sausages
