So I called a butcher from the area to place an order for 30 pounds of brisket for this years party about 2 weeks ago. I needed it by Friday the 13th as that was the last day I could start corning the beef. Something didn't feel right so yesterday I called to confirm and was told, oh yeah, we couldn't get that in time. I was so mad. Was like what the heck? You couldn't call me?

So anyway, after a mad scramble, I actually found a "local" butcher who had a couple heifers that were just ready to start carving up. Well, it was almost an hour drive (Croghan NY), but well worth it. I saved .75 cents a pound and got some wonderful flat cut brisket right off the hook. To top it off, they had a bunch of homemade Croghan Bologna. If you have never had it then you do not know what your missing.

Anyway, we got it in the refrigerators brining away and can't wait until Saturday.

Damn, Jeff! What a disappointment... Sure hope the back-up plan pans-out fine for ya, though.

I guess a courtesy call is just to much to ask for these days. You did good with the deal you ended up with.
I'm still a big fan on bologna. It gets harder and harder to find decent brands anymore. Every time I find something decent they change their recipe. Some is to salty and others add to much garlic. Boars Head has been pretty consistant though for the past few months.

Hi Jeff!

Glad you were able to score some really fresh meat, sooooo good indeed! I used to love to go to this butcher shop and get fresh meats of all descriptions! Yeah I miss bologna (good Bologna) I am glad you found some of the good stuff!

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!

Cathy

This recipe for the bologna has been around since the late 1800's. It is a local delicacy around here. I remember when I was a little kid my parents would make a special trip to Croghan just to get it. It isn't what they call bologna today by any standards. It comes in a round similar to say pepperoni but tastes unbelievable. When I try to explain it to people I try to relay that it is like what you get when you cross pepperoni, salami and prosciutto together.

Anyway, as for the local butcher, he turned out to be much better. The meat was so vibrant in appearance and smelled just wonderful. I really cannot wait to see how this CB turns out