Is it Pancetta?

[SmokyMose]

Finally got around to cutting the Pancetta I've had in a CMAi bag for 9 weeks.
Does it look right? It tastes good cooked and I'm thinking it's a nice now and then alternative to my regular bacon. I used the recipe from Ruhlman's & Polcyn's book instead of the one that came with the kit.

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• SmokyMose
• Dec 6, 2016

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• SmokyMose
• Dec 6, 2016

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• SmokyMose
• Dec 6, 2016

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• SmokyMose
• Dec 6, 2016

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• SmokyMose
• Dec 6, 2016

It never did lose 30 percent weight but I think it was because of all the fat.
There's enough to last for a while....
Comments welcome!
Dan

 

[whistech]

Looks great and I'm sure it is delicious!     Congratulations

 

[myownidaho]

Looks good! I've used that recipe before with great success.

 

[SmokinAl]

It sure looks good from here!

Al

 

[crankybuzzard]

That came out great Mose!

I'd sure fry up a slice or 7!

 

[atomicsmoke]

Looks great ....lots of meat on it.

What did you have in mind to do with it when you started? Use as you would use bacon?

Although Rhulman doesn't present it as such pancetta is a dry cured meat, that was originally meant to be enjoyed as cold cut. Nothing wrong with cooking it but I don't see why putting so much effort then fry it. I agree, with so much fat raw pancetta is an acquired taste.

 

[SmokyMose]

Looks great ....lots of meat on it.

What did you have in mind to do with it when you started? Use as you would use bacon?

Although Rhulman doesn't present it as such pancetta is a dry cured meat, that was originally meant to be enjoyed as cold cut. Nothing wrong with cooking it but I don't see why putting so much effort then fry it. I agree, with so much fat raw pancetta is an acquired taste.

Actually, I wasn't sure, atomic. I'd never had it but it really looked great and sounded like fun. I assumed with the dry cure it would be like a cold cut. I tried one and basically it tastes like raw bacon, but chewy like cappicola. I wasn't impressed, but it might be better in a dish of some kind. Just heating it up in the microwave made a big difference in the fat taste.

I like fat, though, so I could probably acquire a taste for it. I didn't like beer the first time I tasted it, either ;-)

 

[atomicsmoke]

Many people who love cold cuts don't care for pancetta. When I slice some on a charcuterie board, there is some left guaranteed, while all the others cuts are gone.

 

[myownidaho]

I don't use pancetta in it's raw form. It may be cured but it's still a texture I don't care for. I do find it more versatile than bacon as a cooked ingredient though.

 

[johnnie walker]

SmokeyMose, that pancetta looks great! 

I haven't made any yet, but i will soon!