All Natural Fats means Lard is making a Comeback!

During the last few weeks, I have noticed that in many articles I read, lard seems to be making a comeback, and in a huge way. When I think of lard, I envision a little grandma in the kitchen frying up dinner in a cast iron skillet.  Not necessarily lard out of a tub, but leftover bacon grease that then is used as a frying agent.  As I reflect on this image, the generation that survived some of the worst times in or history seemed to have a magical ingredient that helped them live a long life.  They worked hard every day, and ate foods that were rich, but unprocessed.   Biscuits were made with flour, lard and buttermilk, not Bisquick.  Breakfast was a sit down meal, not a bar consumed in the car.  For all the advances we have made in the last century, we might need to look back and find out what they were doing right.

Heritage breeds of pork have been making a resurgence, simply for the lard.  Farmer's markets have vendors selling lard in tubs.  I personally don't know that I have ever purchased a tub of lard, until yesterday.  I have been on a mission to eliminate all processed foods and ingredients from our diet.  I wanted to make a recipe that called for both shortening and butter.  I know there is a reason for this, more than just to eliminate butter.  The shortening gives the cake a tender crumb.  I refuse to use shortening, but thought I might see what lard will do.  It is a test after all.  I know that in many other cultures, lard is still a staple.  Tortillas made with lard are delightful. I understand pie crust made with lard is super flaky.  Grandma loved lard, so to get back to flavorful food, maybe lard is the key that we have tried to eliminate.

I am curious what you think.  Would you use lard instead of shortening?  I know that to find unhydrogenated lard, you either have to buy it from a local pork producer, or at a Mexican grocery.  Let me know what you think, and your opinions.  I am curious to hear what you have to say about this one.

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah