Scrapple

Scrapple
1 1/2 pounds lean ground pork or sausage*
1/2 cup finely chopped onion, optional
1 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon sage or poultry seasoning**
1 cup yellow cornmeal
4 cups1% low-fat milk
2 tablespoons butter for frying
1 cup maple syrup

In a Dutch oven or large heavy saucepan scramble fry over medium heat sausage and onion until sausage is no longer pink; drain excess fat. Add milk, salt and seasoning. Over medium low heat, scraping bottom of pan to loosen drippings, bring to a boil; slowly sprinkle/sift in cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir for 10 minutes. Rinse a standard bread loaf pan with cold water; spread and pat scrapple mixture into damp loaf pan (may slightly cool scrapple mixture and place in plastic wrap lined loaf pan). Cover and refrigerate overnight.

To serve, unmold scrapple from pan. Slice scrapple into 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick slices (thoroughly chilled or partially frozen scrapple slices easier). Butter hot griddle or fry pan, add scrapple slices (slices should not touch) and brown on both sides. Serve scrapple warm, drizzled with maple syrup, and a glass of milk and fruit for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Notes: Scrapple is short for meat scrapes. In pioneer days and even today in Pennsylvania Dutch country scrapple was/is a way to use scrapes of pork during the annual harvest. Today’s recipe is “much” easier to make, faster, healthier, and is suited to city dwellers. There are many variations – each created to suite the taste preferences of the family. This recipe is basic, experiment with your own variations. Recipe serves 6-8

*Variation in preparation: use lean pork cuts, cut in chunks, place in large pan, cover with water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and stew until meat is fork tender. Remove meat from cooking liquid and shred with a fork. Measure remaining liquid, add milk to make 1 quart liquid. Prepare scrapple following directions above.

**Variations in seasonings and ingredients, try one or more: pinch ground cloves, pinch ground nutmeg, dried thyme or marjoram, 1/2-1 cup chopped apple, chopped cooked ham etc.

For nutrition information go to www.UtahDairyCouncil.com