high... on the hog

Ever wonder where that phrase "living high on the hog" comes from? Me too, but from what I understand it refers to a long, long time ago... no, not in a galaxy far, far away. I'm talking back when the nobility would get to pick and choose what meats from an animal they wanted to eat. Anyone else, servants, peasants, whomever, were left with whatever scraps were left over. Imagine, being given the scraps and learning to develop new ways to make it not only edible, but delicious.

Take, for instance, many of my favorite dishes. Sure, I like filet mignon as much as the next guy... but 6 days out of 7 if you gave me the choice between braised short ribs of beef or filet, I'd go for the short ribs. Or the ox tail. Or the pork belly. Good goddamn, the pork belly! I've said it before and I'll say it again, pork is a gateway drug. I'm rambling. See? Just the thought of pork has me wanting pork! Mmmmmpork!

Ahem. Back to the short ribs. My thought is that almost anyone can take really good ingredients or cuts of meat and cook it. Maybe not well, but let's face it. It'll still be filet. Or loin. Or NY strip. Or [insert your favorite, drool-inducing cut of meat here]. Taking the off cuts or the parts that no one wants, and turning them into something wonderful... that takes some serious skill. I'm not talking offal here, so don't get scared (even if it is offal good!), but I was wandering through my local grocery store and came across ox tail right next to the t-bone steaks! So... I bought some. And took it home. And braised it for 5 hours. And, you know what? That $4 pack of oxtails turned out to be one of the greatest things I've ever eaten in my life.

So I challenge you, dear reader. Next time you're out and about at the market, look around a little. Talk to your butcher. Get some short ribs. Or ox tail. Cut them into 2" pieces. Flour, sear, deglaze, braise. I promise you will not be disappointed. And you'll gain a little more respect for your food... and that's always a good thing.

Braised short ribs of delicious. I mean beef.