Sunday, December 4, 2011

Charcutepalooza. Nearly The End.

When Cathy and I first talked about curing meat together, it was barely more than an idea for me, a sexy idea.

I envisioned myself hanging salamis and standing in the basement, cutting off hunks of the stuff for people to sample, with the jack knife I just happened to have in the back pocket of my jeans. I imagined myself talking about mold and humidity, as if it were second nature. I envisioned a passion for meat so deep, I would give it all up to make artisanal charcuterie, which I would sell out of the back of our jeep, under-ground style, to restaurants, chefs and Brooklyn hipsters.

That never happened. I love curing meat, but not so much I want to sell it on Flatbush Avenue. I also love brining, making bacon and even tangling with sausages. I like the feel of the meat in a way I never had before, probably because I never felt so much of it, so intimately. I learned just about every kind of cut of meat can be confited, which is both weird and amazing and makes you want to try it out on anything you have lying around. I am no longer afraid of opening Michael Ruhlman's book and doing something from it, anything. It’s not my calling, but it has changed my kitchen, changed me.

But more than meat and the kitchen swagger, what made this year great was you, or really all of us together - being a part of a school that wasn't a school, the bad sausage jokes, people bickering about pink salt, the moment we made something we were quite sure we couldn't make and it came out amazing, how we stared botulism in the face and confronted our fear that we might kill a family member with our home-cured meats, how we figured out that mold is sometimes something you can just scrape off and move on from, the idea we were all in it together, not doing this alone. That was the best.

That's why you should read every single one of the posts below, because these people made something bigger than meat. And that's what we had hoped Charcutepalooza would be. Thank you for that.


Final Challenge Reminder

Just to remind you all: December 6th is the due date for the final challenge. THAT IS TOMORROW! We must have it by midnight. Please send us:

•your name, blog URL and email address
•a profile photo (jpg format)
•50 words describing your Charcutepalooza experience (not your bio, just what you learned this year)
•links to the 12 Charcutepalooza monthly challenge posts on your blog
•links to TWO of the Charcutepalooza blog posts you want to nominate for the grand prize competition

Send all of it to CharcutepaloozaATgmailDOTCOM. We will be looking for an overall knowledge and creative undertaking of the challenge, your original or adapted recipes, good writing, good photography.

This is going to be so ridiculously hard for us. We have been blown away with all the posts lately. But we are so excited to see what you've done. Thank you for playing along this year. I can't even begin to describe how I'll miss the #Charcutepalooza hashtag on my Tweetdeck.

Best Posts

1. Bite Me New England
Spanish Chorizo as food…and jewelry

2. Hounds in the kitchen
Six year old Lilly makes lardo in what may be the best food video ever.

3. One Vanilla Bean
Home-made Chorizo with a recipe for Lentejas Estofadas con Chorizo

4. Taste Food Blog
Wilted Spinach Salad with Warm Balsamic Vinaigrette, Toasted Pinenuts and Cured Pork

5. In Scott’s Kitchen
Man on a meat-curing mission….salami, bresaola, soppressata, Noix de jambon, proscuitto

6. A Cook Blog
Salami & Cheddar sandwich…totally from scratch, top to bottom

7. Eat, Drink, man, Woman, Dogs, Cat
Duck Salami

8. Naomaly
Facing Fears: This is way bigger than Chorizo

9. Vivek's Epicurean Adventure
Turning Pepperoni failure into inspiration.

10. Belm Blog
Salami, Bresaeola, Lonzino in steps, or...being unwilling to "cop to the suckage."

EXTRA: A Cook Blog
Eight amazing Thanksgiving courses using charcuterie in EVERY COURSE.


Best Photos

1. Dabblings & Whimsey



2. Snappy Service café



3. Nic Cooks



4. Eat Live Travel Write



5. Butcher's Apprentice



Stumble
Delicious
Technorati
Twitter
Facebook


47 comments:

heidi defaut - mickdefaut@gmail.com said...

I just need to tell you how much I've missed reading you.Feels like you and your wonderful family moved away.
As far as the Charcutepalooza, it has indeed been an incredible experiance. While I didn't do much of the things, I thoroughly enjoyed keeping up on the experiance of others and found it to be an amazing thing!

The Yummy Mummy said...

Thanks for saying that. I will be back for sure in the new year. I just took a little hiatus.

Thanks for hanging in!

Kim

Mardi Michels said...

Kim I have loved every minute of this and am sad it's ending. I do NOT envy you and Cathy for having to make a decision... Good luck with it and from the bottom of our hearts, thanks. (Thanks for the shoutout of my pic this month too - even my holey-unevenly cured saucisson sec...)

Naomi Lee said...

Kim, Thank you so much for including my post in the round up. I can't believe the year is already winding down. I can't say often enough how amazing this year has been and how thankful I am to you and Cathy for hosting this sausage fest ;) Its been a blast!

Janis said...

I can't think what to say. I really loved this year and feel so lucky to meet you. Love you lots and appreciate the shoutout.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the shout out Kim. Thanks too for a great year!

Lynn said...

Kim,
Thank you and Cathy for everything. It's been an amazing year - and Charcutepalooza has been a lifeline of sorts for me at different times. I'm so glad you included all of us on this journey. I'm honored to be part of the roundup.

Linda/IdahoRocks said...

Hi Kim,
I just wanted to say thank you for a terrific year of charcuterie. Like so many other participants I feel a bit sad that it's ending because I liked being challenged every month and I liked the comraderie amongst the participants. I hope you keep having those sexy ideas!
Linda (inlindadskitchen)

Anne Marie (Cuoca Ciccia) said...

I never heard about Charcutepalooza, but what a fabulous idea! I am drooling at these pictures and your lovely site.

Natalie Sztern said...

It was such a learning experience for me, especially at the start. Everyone was so attentive and dedicated in helping one another: it was a fabulous experience and it took me farther in food than I ever expected I could or would try to go.

You all deserve congratulations and what's on the agenda for 2012?

Erik said...

Kim, where are you? I miss your fantastic writing about cooking with children. Your wit and grace. Please come back to us!

The Yummy Mummy said...

Hi Unknown -

Thank you for this. :) Yes, I'll be back in some form or another. Send me your mail at kimATFosterentertainmentDOTnet and I'll make sure to keep you in touch.

And thank you again for making my day. It was exactly what I needed.

xo

Erin said...

Kim,

I miss you, too! I check in on you quite often hoping you've posted something new and also hoping that all is well. Hopefully you're taking a much deserved break.

Erin

ergobaby said...

Pardon me. Are there a number of notion with regards to ergo baby carrier? Ergo Newborn providers are designed to support your current good posture & get your force off of your current rear even though holding your current toddler as well as little one. Your Ergo capabilities shock absorbing back & stomach, is made for holding a baby inside the front as well as rear (depending on the get older & weight), & equipment are generally readily available say for example a new child put in & a new caressing (or drool) sleep pad. Contrary to various other service provider procedures (such while engagement ring slings, ergo baby wraps as well as pouches), your Ergo appeals to the two mums & parents, therefore you don't have to obtain a number of providers. It can be all to easy to readjust your band to adjust to sometimes parent or guardian. There may be a number of coloring possibilities, generally throughout basic hues.

Expecting service provider, for example the Ergo, could mean your big difference involving being at home for hours on end as well as going on the keep, gonna loved ones situations, your beach front as well as exciting spots. Moreover, holding your current toddler advances binding involving parent or guardian & toddler. ergo baby carrier sale A baby thinks your groove of your respective breathing in & hears your current pulse, & the idea presents these people your impression involving stability that they inside tummy. Analysis features mentioned that will little ones which have been maintained in a very toddler service provider snooze greater & yowl below little ones which have been certainly not maintained all-around one's body. The father along with mummy adore it a lot.

Emily said...

Just a quick message to say that you have been missed over this last year! I hope you have had a good year, and please consider blogging again :)

kim Foster said...

Hi Emily - thank you so much for writing this. Can you email me? kim @ fosterentertainment dot net? Thanks!

Anonymous said...

where are u Yummy mummy.. have always loved reading ur blog.. keep checking to see if u will ever blog again.

Kim Foster said...

Hi Anonymous -

Thank you for that message! I have a new blog and I'm happy to be back. Just working out a few kinks, so it's on the QT. Email me and I'll send you the link.

kimATfosterentertainmentDOTnet


Kim

situs poker online said...

yang kedua adalah bandar judi poker yang asli. Bandar ini harus menjadi bagian dari petarung yaitu menjadi anggota resmi dalam bandar ini. Sebab itulah yang memberi permainan judi poker dan benar-benar menyediakan apa saja yang mendukung taruhan poker itu bisa dilaksanakan dengan lancar.

Tips Temukan situs poker online

Unknown said...

cara bermain baccarat
cara daftar judi slot online
cara daftar judi bola
link alternatif sbobet 2020
link alternatif bola88 terbaru
cara daftar maxbet
cara bermain judi bola online
ultimate gaming
wm casino

Unknown said...

panduan bermain baccarat
panduan daftar judi slot
panduan bermain judi bola online
link alternatif sbobet resmi
link alternatif bola88 resmi
panduan daftar maxbet
cara bermain judi bola
agen ultimate gaming
agen wm casino
bandar ultimate gaming

Unknown said...

tips bermain baccarat
cara daftar judi slot
cara bermain judi bola online
link alternatif judi bola sbobet
link alternatif bola88 terbaru 2020
cara daftar judi bola maxbet
panduan judi bola online
daftar wm casino
agen ultimate gaming
agen wm casino

Unknown said...

panduan bermain baccarat
daftar judi game slot
panduan bermain judi bola online
link alternatif sbobet terbaru
link alternatif bola88 2020
cara daftar judi bola di maxbet
cara bermain judi bola online

Field engineer said...

hi

Field engineer said...

hi,

Infrastructure EngineerInfrastructure Engineer's roles include being responsible for designing, building, implementing and maintaining the IT infrastructure using the latest technology. An IT infrastructure engineer ensures that all IT systems that support businesses of any size operate efficiently.

hasilbola said...

https://hasilbola.live/prediksi-sepakbola/baca/5452/lazio-vs-napoli-21-desember-2020

Prediksi Bola Lazio vs Napoli 21 Desember 2020 yang akan diselenggarakan di Stadio Olimpico.

Dalam pertemuan kedua tim di Liga Italia kali ini. Akan di Jadwal Bola Malam Ini pada hari Minggu, 21 Desember 2020 pada pukul 02:45 WIB.

hasilbola.live akan membagikan bonus bonus bagi taruhan bola secara gratis pasang yang hanya ada di Agen Bolavita Terpercaya

hasilbola said...

https://hasilbola.live/prediksi-sepakbola/baca/5451/atalanta-vs-as-roma-21-desember-2020

Prediksi Bola Atalanta vs AS Roma 21 Desember 2020 yang akan diselenggarakan langsung di Gewiss Stadium.

Dalam pertemuan kedua tim di Liga Italia kali ini. Akan di Jadwal Bola Malam Ini pada hari Minggu, 21 Desember 2020 pada pukul 00:00 WIB.

Untuk Bergabung dengan Prediksi Bola kami langsung saja Daftar Judi Bola Terpercaya dengan situs resmi kami yaitu hasilbola.live

indhumathi said...

thanks for sharing the useful information with us please update further information
if you required any information regarding TAX & GSTR please visit

GST Registration in chennai
GST Training in chennai

globalgroundinc12 said...

Get the best luxury car service in Atlanta at affordable price. If you want to spend your time with your beloved or girlfriend at any place then need a limo, car service to visit then you can hire best transportation service. For more details you can contact us.Atlanta airport ground transportation

saudi_events_catering said...

thanks for sharing the information.

corporate event planners Tabuk

catering riyadh

catering jeddah

VIP Event Setups Dammam


Rian said...

Pertanian adalah istilah luas untuk segala sesuatu yang digunakan untuk bercocok tanam dan memelihara hewan, untuk menyediakan makanan dan bahan yang dapat digunakan dan dinikmati orang. cek juga cara budidaya ikan gurame di kolam tanah dan yukusaha Bertani yang meliputi bercocok tanam dan beternak merupakan salah satu bagian dari pertanian yang juga termasuk ilmu tumbuhan.

Chris Albert said...


Managed Fiber services
Well-managed fiber services are like the backbone of your business, and at ExterNetworks, we take our fiber services very seriously.

kinglalisah said...

Every student to needs professional and helpful assignment writing service with reasonable price but this was not be sure that every student requirements are fulfil but this problem solved now because GoAssignmentHelp.com.au is here to help for your assignment. We are proud to be known as one of the most affordable and reliable assignments help service providers in all over World. We have successfully helped thousands of students in their college coursework writing, essay writing, thesis writing and Assignment Help Adelaide. GoAssignmentHelp.com.au is available for assistance round the clock and, online customer can hire our writers at any point in time. Our experts will refer tons of samples and do maximum research before starting to write. So don’t waste your time, If you need help any type assignment then you call to us and we also offer countless deals and discounts that allow students to receive online Assignment Help Perth at a affordable cost.

jeewangarg said...

Looking For Best SEO Services in Delhi? We are Google Certified Partner. Call Best SEO
Company in Delhi @ 9350809090 to see our case studies for SEO Services.

Exotic Luxury Camps said...

Best desert safari camps in Jaisalmer, set up by exotic luxury camps is a treat for 1 night stay with royal welcome, desert jeep safari, folk dances, camel ride, local delicacies and a lot more fun for a perfect getaway.

ross pearl said...


Your blog gave us significant data to work with. Each and each tip of your post are amazing. You're the best for sharing. Continue to blog

ij.start.cannon

www.office.com/setup

www.norton.com/setup

Unknown said...

MaxiMove LTD are a family run removal company offering home removals and same-day collection and delivery services at a competitive price. It's our goal to listen to our customers and put their requirements first and to provide you with an efficient, reliable and personalised service ensuring your moving day runs smoothly.
Rubbish clear and St Helens

Unknown said...

Thank you so much
Διανυχτερευον φαρμακείο λεμεσος
Pharmacy on duty limassol

Online advertisement said...

With 1000s of satisfied and happy clients, creativeON delivers one of the best WordPress hosting services in Pakistan since 2001.

wordpress hosting pakistan

Ryan Axel said...

Thanks for the generous tips.
Why does she ignore me if she likes me

Jack said...

New research from Reed Exhibitions shows rising approval ratings for virtual events. While there is growing consensus that digital solutions are here to stay virtual event, survey results suggest that they will enhance rather than supplant live events. rest in peace, happy anniversary quotes, coffee puns, feel better soon and happy saturday

Mark said...

Best bundle internet and phone in Canada by Gemstelecom

Mark said...

best muslim singles site

Anonymous said...

One of the best website to watch online & download free movies site is
Themoviesflix pro

gsmoversandpackers said...

Thanks for sharing this article with us, it is really helpful and interesting
Ac Installation Service Rawalpindi

Bilal said...

Beauty Fashion Palace

Bilal said...

Dip Powder Nails