Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Mangalitsa Ham at Costco & Coyotes
We had an interesting night Sunday. I woke up around 1:30 am and heard Angel barking her "I've got it cornered" bark. We got out of bed and threw on some sweats to go find out what was going on. Flashlight in hand, we jumped in the Kabota (boy was it cold!) and headed toward her sound. Marvin had to run up a really steep hill to get to her. She had a coyote down and was circling it. She had injured it mortally and was not going to leave it willingly. It's good to know we have our livestock protectors hard at work. We have enough trouble with the bald eagles having chicken for lunch - we don't need coyotes having them for midnight snack.
I found this ad online from Costco. These are the little fellows we are raising:
Online price $389.99
Less -$120.00
YOUR COST $269.99
If you are a connoisseur of Italian Prosciutto or Spanish Serrano ham, hold onto your seat because this ham is going to blow your taste buds away! This very limited produced ham is usually only offered in exclusive 4-star restaurants for upwards of $20 or more for a 2oz portion, but for a limited time is available to Costco members while supplies last.
A D’Artagnan exclusive in America, this Mangalica breed, Spanish Dry-Cured Ham is super premium, truly unique, and incredibly rich and delicious. The distinctively rich flavor and succulent ham naturally has abundant marbling which ensures a tender, flavorful ham that you will be proud to serve, that is if you can convince yourself to share….
Often referred to in the USA as “wooly pigs”, Mangalica pigs are an old-world breed native to the mountains of Hungary. The pigs are slow growing and they require large tracts of pasture as they are natural foragers. The cold climate of the Hungarian Steppe, is perfectly suited for the free-ranging Mangalica pigs, who are covered with a thick coat of curly hair to help protect them from the frigid elements. As with many indigenous breeds whose husbandry is less efficient, raising Mangalica fell out of favor. This breed was brought back from the brink of extinction by some renegade farmers who created a program to save it.
D’Artagnan is extremely proud of our Mangalica ham which is handcrafted in Spain by fourth-generation master charcutiers using traditional dry-curing methods that bring out its unique flavor. Our ingenious, Spanish ham producer procured these Mangalica in order to create a totally distinct ham. The average Mangalica ham is dry-cured for almost 3 years, compared to 9-12 months for similar-style hams. Because the Mangalica pigs have a high fat content, the Mangalica hams can cure longer than traditional hams, allowing a deep, rich flavor to develop while retaining proper moisture content.
D’Artagnan’s Mangalica ham is very versatile and requires no preparation except to slice thin and enjoy. Each ham weighs a minimum of 8 lbs, is nicely trimmed and ready to serve. Treat yourself and loved ones to this rare and decadent treat this holiday season!
Super premium, truly unique, and incredibly delicious
Distinctively rich flavor and succulent ham
Mangalica pigs are an old-world breed
Handcrafted in Spain by fourth-generation master charcutiers
Very versatile and requires no preparation except to slice thin and enjoy
Minimum 8 lbs
Price per pound with shipping included: $48.75
I guess those little guys of ours had better get busy and grow fast!
We have been having fun at the farm. Last year, winter slowed down a bit for us - not this year! We have been prepping the ground and planting our hay crop. Marvin is in the middle of getting the beds ready for vegetable planting. We have purchased a couple of new pieces of equipment to help make them perfect (according to my husband).
This time of year is so wonderful. As I've gotten older, I realize that the gifts are not the important part of the holidays. I focus more on spending time with those whom I have lost touch.
I've already decided on my New Year's resolution. This last year has flown by. Although I absolutely love my life on the farm, I also have 2 other part time jobs. I realize that I am missing out on "fun" things and true down time. I am resolving to plan one special day each month. I will plan an entire day without thinking about anything but enjoying the day. I will do one "mini trip" - visit Monterey or Santa Barbara or San Francisco or ??????
Hope you have a blessed week.
Christmas is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart. ~Freya Stark
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