Pig Parts

I've never been a big fan of meat, but I've always eaten it. Sometimes I love to eat a big steak with a potato, and other times meat just repulses me. It's a strange phenomenon, I know, but that's me. For me to eat it, everything has to be perfect...no fat, no blood, no ligaments. Call me finicky.

The Galicians do not waste any part of the pig. They eat or use everything. Around this time of year, Carnaval, the big meal is "Cocido". Which is pretty much like pork, potatoes, chick peas and collards all thrown into a pot. The only strange thing about it is that the "pork" not only consists of what I refer to as "meat", but it also contains...well...ears, snout and feet.

This year I ventured out. My friend Montse was sitting next to me at a huge dinner last night where Cocido was served, and I noticed her munching on an ear. I of course had a nice small piece of "meat" on my plate. I was feeling brave, so I asked Montse to give me a small bite of...ear.

It had good flavor. Really good, actually. The only problem was the texture...gelatinous fat and crunchy cartilage.

It's not something I'd buy in the store and prepare on Sunday, but if I were ever served pig ear in someone's house, well...I'd eat it, why not...it wasn't too bad.

Maybe next year I'll suck on a pig snout or even nibble a toe...who knows!!