Pork Rind Cranberry Sauce–A New Tradition
Developing a New Tradition
I’ve posted this every year and recently was asked if I was going to publish my famous cranberry sauce recipe again. Another tradition I guess!
Several years ago my hair stylist 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.”
The recipe was on my mind as I walked out of the salon, which was near a grocery store. I turned back and 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 buy those little bottles 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.
Love this story! I hear it every year and it’s still a delight. It’s very much like, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus …”
Comment by Jeff Adams | December 14, 2010
I only found your wonderful website in the last year so I have never heard this very funny story. I’m glad you went back for complete instructions! I like these personal glimpses.
I enjoyed your last post on reading books in any format. I never thought I would enjoy a Kindle, but I do and am getting them for several people this year. They won’t take the place of hardback books for me, but they have a purpose. Have a great week.
Comment by Careerist | December 14, 2010
First, thank you for the great presentation for SAN. I can honestly say I could feel myself relaxing, thinking and feeling more positive. For me that’s quite an accomplishment. Since I just heard you speak I could hear you telling this story and I laughed out loud at the punch line! Sounds like something I’d do, only I would probably not have figured it out. Thanks again for the great time. Happy holidays.
Comment by Sailor2 | December 14, 2010
[…] recipe. It’s pork rind cranberry sauce. She got it from her hair stylist. You can check here for the whole story told as only she can do, but the bottom line is that what she heard was pork […]
Pingback by Jeff Adams » I know what you mean to say, but … | December 17, 2010
Very funny story for Christmas and good web site. I am interested in the many topics you have listed and will come back often to read everything. God Bless, W.A.
Comment by Butterfly | December 18, 2010
I’ve told this story at Christmas for the last four years. My sister misunderstood and thought it had happened to me so she told people at her work that it did. I guess I stole your story but I didn’t mean to! D.
Comment by denisek | December 18, 2010
My SIL makes port wine cranberry sauce and I think I would rather have pork rinds! 🙂
Comment by Susie Snowflake | December 18, 2010