Saturday, January 31, 2009

Ode to the Grease Jar, Or Two Days of Bacon

This is my grease jar. All kitchens should have one. I at least keep mine in the fridge. In my youth, all of the women I knew kept them on the stove where they got warm and cooled down about fifty times a day. It didn't matter. They still used the stuff and nobody died.
For those of you who don't know what a grease jar is here goes. A grease jar is an old jar you use to keep your bacon grease in. Back in the day there were actual containers that said grease on the front and had little filters inside to separate the dregs from the oil. I would presume they are no longer made. Bacon grease is like gold. It is magical. It can uplift the saddest of culinary efforts and a little goes a long way. I use it in cornbread (I know that's a whole other post) both in the mix, in the skillet and to season the skillet after use. It makes a great wilted salad dressing with a little vinegar and sugar and salt. It is great to fry eggs in and to season vegetables. It's a must for gravy although I know we're pretty much not supposed to eat gravy anymore. I never dip into my jar without thinking about my mother and my grandmother and my aunts all hoarding their bacon grease and all of the unbelievable things they made with it. It's a pleasure and honor to continue their great culinary tradition.

4 comments:

Robynn's Ravings said...

I, too, have a bacon grease jar! When I was young it was a coffee can on the stove...just like you said. Eggs are tasteless without it. I also buy true lard (not that disgusting processed stuff from the store). I learned about these fats from a book by Nina Planck called "Real Food." Excellent read on healthy eating.

Treehouse Chef said...

I should have known you had a grease jar. I too keep mine in the fridge. Yes it it Gold!!!!
I wonder if they use it at Winston's restaurant? I bet they do. I love reading your blog. It is keeping me sane during this ice storm and no electricity. Treehouse Chef

Frugal Maven said...

Robynn,

You seem like a grease jar girl. I knew I liked you! Jealous of your real lard. I'll check out the book.

Frugal Maven said...

Thanks Treehouse Chef. Wish your power would come back on. I miss your posting. Needed it to keep me sane during the storm.

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