Most people buy their dad a practical gift for Father's Day, but I'm not so good at those. I just can't bring myself to go get him another shirt. This year I knew that my gift for my dad would come from Becker Lane - I assumed it would be some of their gorgeous pork chops. But as I got to chatting with the guys there, I decided to be bold and buy a piece of pork belly. It's always the most succulent item on the menu that you never make at home. He was delighted and surprised by how random I went and we agreed that we would make it together.
I do believe that a piece of pork belly would be excellent smoked on the grill (Labor Day ideas, anyone?), however, we slow cooked it in the oven using Lara Calder's recipe. It was succulent and juicy and agonizingly sweet yet savory. It was perfect. We served it over lentils, as Lara suggests, but you could roast beets or something similarly earthy to keep it as local as possible. Lara Calder creates this gorgeous glaze with water and apple cider vinegar to start and then honey and mustard brushed over top of the fat as it cooks. You could serve this for company as an alternative to burgers on the grill and most of the ingredients you can find from local people around here. Surprise your loved ones with some pork belly. The shock and awe factor will be excellent and the end result is delicious.
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