Ingredients

2 large pigs' knuckles
1/2 lb. lean pork
3 qt. water
1 Tbs. salt
1 hot red pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2-1 tsp. sage
2 3/4 C. cornmeal

Directions

Simmer the pigs' knuckles and pork in water with salt and red pepper until meat almost falls from the bones, about 2 1/2 hours. Remove the meat from the broth, discard the bones and grind the meal Strain the broth and skim off the far, if desired. Measure two quarts of broth into a large heavy kettle. Return the meat to the broth and add pepper and sage. Bring to a rapid boil. Mix cornmeal with one quart of cool broth, add to the boiling broth and cook, stirring, until thickened. Place on a trivet over lowest heat and cook covered, stirring often, about 30 minutes longer. Adjust seasonings. Turn into two bread pans, cool, cover and chill overnight. To serve cut into 1/2-inch slices, coat with flour and brown over moderately high heat in butter or other fat.

Yield: 12 servings