Pork Rind Cranberry Sauce And Other Traditions
Developing a New Tradition
Several years ago my hair stylist (OK, it was really just the woman who cuts my hair…but hair stylist sounds better) and I were talking about traditional recipes for holiday dinners. She said: “I always made traditional cranberry sauce until I found a recipe that sounded really weird but good, and tried it on my family. They loved it and never guessed what was in it!”
I asked her what it was and she said, “It’s Pork Rind Cranberry Sauce. And, before you say you wouldn’t like it, let me tell you it’s different but really delicious.”
I was somewhat incredulous and asked about the recipe. She said, “You cook cranberry sauce just like always. Then, you add pork rinds, stir, and let it set until it cools. It gives it a different taste, but nothing you can quite identify. My kids absolutely loved it.”
I asked if it gave it a different texture and she said no, that the pork rinds mix right in and don’t change the cranberry sauce texture at all. She made me promise I would try it some time, even though it didn’t sound like something I would like. I said I would try it, but would probably make the regular kind too. She said, “You wait, people will eat more of this kind.”
I had already walked out of the beauty shop, but the recipe was on my mind and I turned back and interrupted her while she was cutting someone else’s hair. I asked her how much of the pork rinds she put in the sauce. She said, “Not a lot, just enough for flavor. About a fourth cup for a regular recipe, but you can adjust that to taste. I just buy those little bottles of port wine at the liquor store.”
That was the first time I heard her clearly–and also the first time I realized the recipe she gave me was not for Pork Rind Cranberry Sauce, but for Port Wine Cranberry Sauce. Big difference.
Now you see why I stick to traditional recipes.
OH TINA!! I laughed so hard I almost choked on a bagel! This is hilarious! Did you tell your hair dresser what you thought? How funny!!!
I’m going to visit my folks for Christmas and tomorrow is my last workday until December 29th. So, Merry Christmas!
Comment by denisek | December 20, 2008
Tina says: No, Denise, I never told her how I misunderstood. I just smiled and staggered out the door, grateful I hadn’t made the recipe the way I thought it was supposed to be!
Have fun with your family. And thanks for being so good about reading and commenting. I appreciate it! 🙂
Comment by TLR | December 20, 2008
I agree with Denise. I came to the punch line and all but snorted RED wine out my nose! This is one of the funniest things I have heard all week, maybe longer. I suggest you post this recipe on the Internet someplace under the name “Redneck Cranberry Sauce.” I promise you that someone will try this and think it’s great! After all, pork rinds are big stuff in Redneck country. Ever been to a truck stop? (Don’t answer that). I’ll bet George W. would love this!
Comment by Jeff Adams | December 20, 2008
Tina says: Pastor Jeff, I rarely hang out at truck stops anymore. (Age took care of what religion couldn’t!) Yes, I’ll bet George W. would like this. 🙂
Comment by TLR | December 20, 2008
A friend of mine forwarded me this link and said you had a delicious sounding recipe I should try for my Christmas dinner. When I first saw it I thought, Whaaaaaaat? Thanks for the smile. This is a good website, with good balance and color. Teresa D.
Comment by T.D. | December 21, 2008
Tina says: Thank you Teresa, for the comment and the compliment. I sent you an email as well.
I’m proud of the overall look of the website. Now I’m working on getting a shopping cart of some kind. It’s always something!
Comment by TLR | December 21, 2008
My sister was in one of your classes last month or sometime recently, in Colorado Springs, at a government purchasing conference. She said you were a great speaker and were really funny, and I can see why she thought that. This is a very funny post! I like pork rinds dipped in ranch dressing, but when they get soggy they’re not so good. Happy Holidays!
Comment by Stacey L. | December 22, 2008
I was only going to wish you Merry Christmas, then I saw what you had posted about pork rind cranberry sauce. And you teach communication skills, right? ROFL
Let me know if you write a cookbook, I can give you my recipe for Pork Rind Cheese Balls.
Lady, you worry me sometimes! But Merry Christmas anyway. Wiseacre
Comment by Wiseacre | December 22, 2008
Tina says: Stacey, thank you for the comment and compliment from your sister. That was a great group. I sent you an email.
Wiseacre, I don’t need any more pork rind recipes. Thank you very, very much for your thoughtfulness, anyway. (And Merry Christmas to you, too.)
Comment by TLR | December 22, 2008