Today is not just a day for Fat Cats. It’s a day everyone can enjoy, except Jack Sprat of course. Today is National Lard Day, perhaps the fattest day of the year. The Healthy Fats Coalition created this day to promote the benefits and versatility of lard. They seek to improve the bad reputation of this animal fat. On this December 8 holiday, we are encouraged to eat foods that either have lard in them or are made with lard. Fortunately for you, there are thousands of recipes on the internet with lard as one of the ingredients. 

Lard is not all bad. It enhances the flavor of many foods. Over the years, its popularity has ebbed and flowed with every article written about it, especially when referencing its impact on your health. But, before you go off to get your fill of lard, let’s understand what lard is. It is the rendered fat of pigs. It is high in mono-saturated fats and saturated fats. However, it is certainly better than trans fats. And, it has benefits in the kitchen. Lard makes pie crust flakier. It makes cookies and other baked goods softer. Lard is added to deer meat and the meat of other livestock to make it lighter and juicier. And, many people say it makes food taste better. And, it has uses outside of the kitchen, too. Read on…..

Did You Know? Lard has less fat than butter.