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Head Cheese

By: Don 
"This is a very old recipe handed down in my family through the years. It is almost always made around Christmas. As far as I know, I am the only one left in the family who knows how to make it. It is very time consuming, so be prepared to spend the better part of a day to make it."

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 4.4 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (3)

Prep Time:
5 Hrs
Cook Time:
1 Hr
Ready In:
14 Hrs

Servings  (Help)

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Original Recipe Yield 5 loaves
 

Ingredients

  • 6 fresh ham hocks
  • 2 pounds veal shank
  • salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. Place pork hocks, veal shank and salt in large kettle. Cover entirely with water. Bring to full boil then reduce heat to slow simmer. Cook until fork penetrates meat easily. Periodically rearrange meat so it doesn't stick to bottom of kettle. Skim off scum which forms on top of water. Keep adding boiling water to keep meat covered until done.
  2. When meat is done, place on large cookie sheet for cooling. Strain remaining water into another kettle to remove any small bones and other matter; set aside strained water. Place meat on tray and cool. Remove all fat and bones. Dice remaining meat, skin and soft gristle. Add diced meat to strained water. Bring to full boil and reduce to very slow simmer. Add salt to taste at this time. Periodically test mixture to see if it sets by pouring a small amount in a bowl and putting in freezer. Mixture is set when it is the consistency of jello. Add vinegar and nutmeg and remove from heat.
  3. Ladle into bread pans making sure to distribute meat evenly. Fill pans no more than 3/4 full. Leave at room temperature until cool then refrigerate overnight. Next day, unmold onto plastic wrap and double wrap in foil. refrigerate until ready to use. To serve, remove any fat from top of loaves and cut into chunks. Some prefer more vinegar and salt added at this time.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 302 | Total Fat: 23.4g | Cholesterol: 84mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.4 star rating.
Reviewed on May 17, 2008 by slick   view full review
Looking forward to making this. In response to a previous reviewer, who memtioned that it...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.4 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 29, 2005 by LGarza   view full review
I tried this recipe and it worked out. Tried others and never set. My mother used to make it...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.4 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 16, 2010 by Ken Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
Very good receipe! I was not sure it would gell propoerly, but it set fine. My issue was...

 

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