Here's a savory appetizer that you might say is off the beaten path. And it is the pickled meat that you serve to your guests, not the whole trotter.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 4 pig's feet
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 cups white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
- 4 whole star anise pods
- 2 tablespoons pickling spice
PREPARATION:
Rinse feet well, pat dry with paper towels and place in a large saucepan. Add enough water to cover and stir in 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer for about 4 to 5 hours or until the meat falls off of the bones.
Remove meat from bones and place in a shallow dish or bowl. Set aside. Drain saucepan, reserving 2 cups of cooking liquid. In the same saucepan combine the reserved cooking liquid, remaining salt, vinegar, cloves, peppercorns, star anise and pickling spices. Bring to a boil and boil for 35 minutes.
Strain liquid and reserve. Pour reserved liquid over the top of the meat. Cover and refrigerate. Chill for at least 10 hours before serving.