Though this isn't on my list of things I have plans to write about, I couldn't let today pass by without mentioning the tastiness of fresh meat. Just before I went down to visit my family my relatives up in Kolbingen had slaughtered a pig and I came home with two pork chops, two bratwurst, and some leberwurst.
The last time I was studying in Germany 12 years ago, my family had also slaughtered a pig, but that was a completely different experience. My cousin had received a pig from some of his friends as a wedding guest since pigs are symbols of good luck in Germany. Frank and his (now ex-)wife gave the pig over to a local former who took care of it until it was big enough. At that point, they went over to the local butcher - who is probably a distant relative - slaughtered the pig and had what is affectionately known as a "Schlachtfest" (slaughter fest). A Schlachtfest is basically where you invite the people over who gave you the pig so that they can share in your luck.
This time, there was no Schlachtfest. Instead Hans and Hedi split the pig with one of Hedi's relatives and they came away with basically half a pig worth of sausage and other meat. Anyway, I had some of the leberwurst for breakfast, and one of the pork chops for dinner and let me tell you they were some of the tastiest meat that I have had in a long time. The leberwurst was so fresh, and well seasoned, and the pork chop was tender and flavorful. It's almost enough for me to go to a butcher when I get home rather than buying meat at the supermarket. Unfortunately, it's super expensive...but if I could find an inexpensive butcher, it would be worth a try.
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