On November 9th, National Scrapple Day acknowledges the creation of America's first pork-based food. For those unacquainted with scrapple, it's typically a mixture of pork scraps, trimmings, cornmeal, wheat flour, and spices like sage, thyme, savory, and black pepper.

History

• Origins: Scrapple has its origins in the 17th and 18th centuries with the Pennsylvania Dutch, who were German immigrants in the American colonies. They brought with them a tradition of making "pon haus" or "panhas," which is a similar dish. Scrapple was created as a way to use every part of the pig, ensuring that nothing went to waste.
• Growth: Over time, scrapple became a staple in the Mid-Atlantic region, especially in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. National Scrapple Day was established to celebrate this culinary tradition and to promote awareness of its historical roots and cultural importance.

Significance

National Scrapple Day holds significant importance for several reasons:

1. Culinary Tradition: It celebrates a unique and historic American dish that reflects the resourcefulness and culinary creativity of early settlers.
2. Cultural Heritage: It honors the Pennsylvania Dutch and their contributions to American cuisine and culture.
3. Nostalgia: It provides an opportunity for people to enjoy a beloved regional dish and to share family traditions and recipes.

How to Make Scrapple

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into chunks
• 1/2 pound pork liver, cut into chunks (optional)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:
   • In a large pot, combine the pork shoulder, pork liver (if using), onion, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the meat is tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
2. Strain and Chop:
   • Remove the meat from the pot and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth and set it aside. Finely chop or grind the meat using a food processor.
3. Prepare the Cornmeal Mixture:
   • Return the broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the chopped meat back to the pot, along with salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is very thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
5. Form the Loaf:
   • Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan and let it cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until firm, preferably overnight.
6. Slice and Fry:
   • Slice the scrapple into 1/2-inch thick slices. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the slices until they are crispy and golden brown on both sides.

Ways to Celebrate

1. Cook and Enjoy Scrapple:

   • Homemade Scrapple: Try making scrapple at home using a traditional recipe. Enjoy it for breakfast, served with eggs and toast.
   • Store-Bought Scrapple: If you’re not up for making it from scratch, buy scrapple from a local butcher or grocery store and cook it at home.

2. Visit a Local Diner:

   • Regional Specialties: Visit a diner or restaurant known for serving authentic scrapple. Enjoy it as part of a hearty breakfast or brunch.
   • Food Festivals: Attend local food festivals or events that feature scrapple as a specialty dish.

3. Share and Learn:

   • Family Traditions: Share your family’s scrapple recipe and traditions with friends and family. Cook together and enjoy a meal while reminiscing about past generations.
   • Cultural Exploration: Learn about the history and cultural significance of scrapple and the Pennsylvania Dutch community.

4. Experiment with Recipes:

   • Modern Twists: Experiment with modern twists on traditional scrapple recipes. Try adding different spices, using alternative grains, or incorporating vegetables.
   • Creative Dishes: Use scrapple in creative ways, such as in breakfast sandwiches, scrapple hash, or even as a topping for pizza.

5. Share on Social Media:

   • Photos and Recipes: Share pictures of your scrapple dishes and favorite recipes on social media using hashtags like #NationalScrappleDay and #ScrappleLove.
   • Food Blogs: Write a blog post or create a video about making scrapple, its history, and your personal connection to the dish.

Fun Facts About Scrapple

1. Regional Delicacy: Scrapple is most popular in the Mid-Atlantic states, particularly Pennsylvania, where it is a cherished regional delicacy.
2. Versatile Dish: While traditionally a breakfast food, scrapple can be enjoyed at any meal and can be used in various dishes beyond the classic fried slices.
3. Cultural Heritage: Scrapple is a testament to the frugality and resourcefulness of the Pennsylvania Dutch, who made the most of every part of the pig.

Inspirational Quotes About Food

1. "Food is not just eating energy. It's an experience." – Guy Fieri
2. "Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love." – Craig Claiborne
3. "The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of the human race than the discovery of a star." – Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Conclusion

National Scrapple Day is a celebration of a unique and historic American dish that reflects the ingenuity and culinary traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Whether cooking scrapple at home, visiting a local diner, sharing family recipes, or experimenting with modern twists, there are many ways to enjoy this special day. National Scrapple Day encourages everyone to appreciate the rich history and delicious flavor of scrapple, connecting with cultural heritage and culinary creativity.