OLD-FASHIONED SCRAPPLE

OLD-FASHIONED SCRAPPLE

Scrapple, also known by the Pennsylvania Dutch name pon haus, is traditionally a mush of pork scraps and trimmings combined with cornmeal and flour, often buckwheat flour, and spices. The mush is formed into a semi-solid congealed loaf, and slices of the scrapple are then panfried before serving. Scraps of meat left over from butchering, not used or sold elsewhere, were made into scrapple to avoid waste. Scrapple is best known as a rural American food of the Mid-Atlantic states (Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland). Scrapple and pon haus are commonly considered an ethnic food of the Pennsylvania Dutch, including the Mennonites and Amish. Scrapple is found in supermarkets throughout the region in both fresh and frozen refrigerated cases.

Serves 12.

1 pound boneless cooked pork loin, chopped
1 cup cornmeal
1 14-1/2 ounce can chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or as needed

Cooking Directions
In a large saucepan combine pork, cornmeal, chicken broth, thyme and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer about 2 minutes or until mixture is very thick, stirring constantly.

Line an 8x8x2-inch baking pan or a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with waxed paper, letting paper extend 3-4 inches above top of pan.

Spoon pork mixture into pan. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 4 hours or overnight. Unmold; cut scrapple into squares.

Combine flour and pepper; dust squares with flour mixture. In large skillet brown scrapple on both sides in a small amount of hot oil.

Serving Suggestions
The name of this Pennsylvania Dutch dish comes from the chopped "scraps" of cooked pork that are mixed with ground cornmeal broth and seasonings. The squares of scrapple are fried and traditionally served hot for breakfast or brunch.

Nutrition Facts
Calories 160 calories; 

Protein 13 grams; 

Fat 6 grams; 

Sodium 211 milligrams; 

Cholesterol 30 milligrams; 

Saturated Fat 2 grams; 

Carbohydrates 13 grams; 

Fiber 1 grams