I have been on a quest to build a Pepperoni-ish type pizza. Crispy, porky, fatty but not greasy fake Pepperoni. I don’t know if this rings the bell, but it’s damn close: Pancetta. It’s from a new, local charcuterie operation, Salt and Time. Antonelli’s Cheese shop stocks their products and I’m a fan. Sliced thin, the pancetta crisped up nicely, didn’t release too much fat and had a nice mild flavor.
Salt and Time sources it’s ingredients locally. The pork is provided by Richardson’s Farm and they are working with Austin Urban Gardens to grow all of their own herbs. If you would like to check them out LIVE, they will be at HOPE Farmers’ Market on the 4th of July with varieties of salumi, pickled fennel artisanal hot dogs.
Have you tried Salt & Time’s chorizo? That might be interesting on a pie.
Yes! I was talking to them about a Mexican or Spanish style pie and that came up. Really excited about what they are doing.