Taylor Ham: The Holy Grail of California Cuisine?
Okay, so you're in California, land of sunshine, avocado toast, and people who wear sunglasses indoors. You're probably thinking, "Taylor ham? What the heck is that?" Well, my friend, you're about to embark on a culinary quest that's as elusive as finding a parking spot in Beverly Hills.
What is Taylor Ham, Anyway?
Let's clear something up right away: It's not actually ham. Think of it as pork roll's cooler, more mysterious cousin. It's a cured pork product, typically sliced thin and grilled to crispy perfection. If you've ever had a breakfast sandwich with it on a hard roll, you know what I'm talking about. It's a Jersey staple, a Pennsylvania dream, and a Californian's enigma.
The Great Taylor Ham Hunt
So, you're craving this mythical meat product and you're stuck in the Golden State. Fear not, intrepid foodie! While it might be as rare as a unicorn, there are a few potential leads:
- Online Marketplaces: Your best bet might be to explore online marketplaces that specialize in regional foods. Who knows, maybe there's a Jersey expat running a gourmet meat delivery service.
- Ethnic Grocery Stores: Sometimes, the most unexpected places hold culinary treasures. Check out Korean, Filipino, or Vietnamese markets. You might find a similar product that can satisfy your craving.
- High-End Butchers: If you're willing to splurge, a high-end butcher might be able to special order Taylor ham for you. But be prepared to pay a pretty penny.
- Make Your Own: Okay, hear me out. If all else fails, there are recipes out there for homemade Taylor ham. It might be a labor of love, but the satisfaction of creating your own culinary masterpiece could be worth it.
Tips for the Taylor Ham Seeker
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask: Talk to people, especially those with East Coast connections. You never know who might have a secret stash.
- Be Patient: Finding Taylor ham in California is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the journey and savor the reward when you finally find it.
- Embrace Substitutes: If you can't find the real deal, experiment with different types of pork. Canadian bacon, thick-cut bacon, or even pork sausage might hit the spot.
How to...
- How to cook Taylor ham? Grill it, fry it, or even broil it for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- How to serve Taylor ham? Classic: on a hard roll with a fried egg and cheese. Fancy: in a gourmet breakfast sandwich with avocado and a drizzle of sriracha.
- How to store Taylor ham? Refrigerate it unopened and tightly wrapped.
- How to find Taylor ham online? Search for "Taylor ham," "pork roll," or "Jersey pork roll" on online marketplaces.
- How to make your own Taylor ham? There are plenty of recipes online, but be prepared for a culinary adventure!