Trade Kettle

[Mike Suri]

Hello Just a question on brass trade kettles.
If I were to leave my folding skillet ay home, with an Eastern Longhunter persona, only bringing a trade kettle on a foot trek, would I still bring bacon and corn meal? I know of boiled bacon, (not my favorite) or what type meat would be best?
Hogs and Hominey have always been my stand by.
Thanks

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Yes, boiled bacon is one option. Remember though that bacon was considered a special meat, right up there with ham, while salt pork or salt beef was more common, and you really have to boil it twice to eat either. "Hog and Hominy" was probably more boiled salt pork than bacon. You can simulate it by making some yourself, OR get a dry cured Virginia ham, cut off a hunk, and carry that instead of bacon. (Boil it once, dump the water, boil it again.)

Jerked beef or venison is another option. You could also make some salt-venison.

Finally, you could go without meat at all, which would also be correct. Rock-a-hominy from parched corn with some maple sugar was often all that was carried.

LD

 

[hobowonkanobe]

I carry both dried beef and salt pork. these guys carry those and more. prices aren't too bad either
http://turkeyfootllc.com/driededibles.html

 

[zimmerstutzen]

There is an Amish guy nearby that makes applewood smoked dried beef and sells it either sliced or in slabs. I have taken a small slab with me. It requires no refrigeration for a a weekend trek, but don't pack it in plastic or it will mold. Just wrapped in cloth and it keeps well for three or four days.

I raise my own beef and have been tempted to try curing some myself, but never found a proper recipe. (I do cure my own ham)

 

[BillinOregon]

Zimmerstutzen, that applewood-smoked beef sounds delicious.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

thanks for the link.