Look around, my butcher (small independent grocer), says that they have bellies that others ordered to make cracklin's, When the folks realize that 4 bellies is more than they can do on their house stove they seem to disappear and never pick up the rest. One of those things were they know their grand pere did 'em and want to reconnect with their roots, but then they realize you have to do it outside where its hot and there are bugs its loses it allure. LOL
Oddly she said I was the first she had heard of around here, that wanted to make bacon. Course with these meatless Swift's bellies I can see why. LOL I wish I could get my bacon where Craig, Moklei, Bear get those big thick pretty meaty bellies. Unless you are going to hang 'em to smoke 'em and need the skin, I like the idea of skinless. Why? Because I bet you'd get thicker bellies. I assure you that part of my bellies could not be pre-skined. But with such a lucky break I got got, I am not really bitching. BTW the last two bellies are in the brine now.
One more thing I'll throw out. My butcher said she'd slice my bacon for free. Last batch she cryo sealed also. Was thinking of a good thank you present, she laughed and said they could take tips....LOL I was thinking maybe a fifth of Knob. Thinking I like the butcher as a friend. BTW she gave me her home number last week in case I needed something and couldn't catch her at work.
Thats my idea of a good butcher, cheapest is not always the bestest. Make a new friend.
