Ssshh..it’s a pork dish..
Talk about bad timing…
Typical, the minute I put a new pork dish on the menu then the world is gripped by swine fever. I’m not trying to be funny here, it could have horrific consequences worldwide and it just goes to show how susceptible we are to mother nature. Wether or not the culling of pigs as I have heard is happening is the answer or not I do not know but what I do know is that Mexico’s tourist industry is going to be hit for six.
So how long my new dish stays on the menu remains to be seen, it’s not put too many customers off just yet but time will tell. It doesn’t seem that long ago that everyone was ordering their steaks well done through fear of BSE.
Once again I’ve returned to the belly as my cut of choice, pork fillet is boring and less adaptable than the cheaper cuts. I’ve kept it quite simple, some braised leeks, potatoes cooked in goose fat, some spiced apple puree and a couple of spoons of puy lentils cooked with vegetables, bay leaves, thyme and red wine.
The sauce is made from a simple reduction of the braising juices, no wine is used or added because it kills the natural flavours of the pork, I use a little fresh sage to finish the sauce along with a few tiny button onions. Dead easy and perfect for an alternative Sunday lunch.
Miles,
A completely uneducated point-of-view is that you needn’t worry. We didn’t start bailing overboard when Irish pork was under the spotlight recently.
If we can put things in perspective, rather than get caught up in the tabloid media panic, then essentially there are very responsible people looking out for our well-being. That is of no disrespect to those who have succumbed to swine flu throughout the world so far, but there are people who’s brief it is to look after us, and I personally have faith in them. If I do or don’t hear anything on the Defra grapevine (as is part of my job) I’ll keep you informed.
In the meantime, belly pork just does not go out of fashion. This dish is perfect! aside from the poor ex-dish-washer who has to turn those croquettes.
GDave
April 30, 2009 @ 12:11 am
GDave,
Good point, the headlines make for scary reading but then many of them are direct quotes from the World Health Organisation. Here in the UK the government are now going to issue advice on basic hygiene such as sneezing into a tissue and washng your hands afterwards. I suppose much of the problem is that many of us are at risk from those who need telling to wash their hands in the first place and not to sneeze all over someone.
More doom and gloom!
Miles
April 30, 2009 @ 7:59 am
Miles,
.
I am just going off to buy a nice loin of pork and will not be done out of it. GDave is right.
Happy chomping
Anne
April 30, 2009 @ 9:09 am
Anne,
I’d invite myself round, but it’s difficult to eat a roast dinner through this face mask.
GDave
April 30, 2009 @ 11:05 am
greedydave,
Still chuckling
Anne
PS. Not sure the roast would be big enough for you!
April 30, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
Miles,
Menu irony aside, you don’t get swine flu from eating pork. And although it’s not on my list of foods lately, pork is packed with good stuff (B vitamins galore).
Interesting, no wine in pork dishes? And potatoes cooked in goose fat — does that taste gamey? I like the idea that you use the fat. Good quality fats are so important. I’m not one of those low-fat nutritionists, although I am picky about my fats.
Melissa
April 30, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
GDave,
If you are going to be ‘feeding’ us with information… will you be requiring one of my legendary disguises?
Even if it’s in the virtual sense, you may choose from the following or indeed mix and match …. the high collar covert reporter, the false nose and moustache, the Ray Mears tropical hiker or the full geisha…. I don’t recommend the half geisha, it just confuses people 
Cid
April 30, 2009 @ 6:16 pm
Cid,
Haha! Are there no services that your soup kitchen doesn’t provide? I’m starting to get mental images of you having a ‘Mr Ben’ style changing room around the back.
It’s funny, my job has nothing to do with rural affairs but our links to Defra means I usually know about avian influenza/foot and mouth outbreaks a good 24 hours before they hit the media. Call me Deepthroat.
GDave
PS. ‘Half Geisha’ sounds like a wrestling move that Big Daddy might apply to Giant Haystacks.
April 30, 2009 @ 6:48 pm
GDave,
‘Half Geisha’ sounds like a wrestling move that Big Daddy might apply to Giant Haystacks …. it will have much the same effect especially if worn late at night in the pubs of Manchester
Miles himself refused to wear it claiming he’d look like Sean Connery in You Only Live Twice …. you can imagine the huge sigh of disappointment from women everywhere
Thank goodness for Melissa, who all by herself, has opted for a half Ray/full Jane Fonda workout ensemble … the hand woven socks and snow boarding slippers were the icing on the cake for me 
Cid
April 30, 2009 @ 8:30 pm
Cid,
I have half a mind to let you and Melissa dress me, and then run a book on how long it takes me to get beaten up on the streets of Glasgow. There’s a profit to be made somewhere.
GDave
April 30, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
GDave,
I do so love your comments… I have laughed so much tonight sat here….. and not forgetting there’s a plate full of delicious pork from Miles where this post began… what a wonderful site this is.
Goodnight all.
Cid
April 30, 2009 @ 10:30 pm
Oh my gosh, it appears I’ve missed the party. D**n this time difference!
You’re probably all asleep by now and here I am in full “Shadowcat” disguise.
GDave — Cid and I could do no better than your work socks, sandals and lego hair. You’re good to go on your own.
Next time wait for me before starting the party!
Melissa (err, I mean Shadowcat)
May 1, 2009 @ 1:25 am