Snapping Turtle

Pasture-raised in Spain on a diet of grain, grass, forage and acorns. Protected from the central mountainous region of the Iberian Peninsula, the privileged microclimate in this area with its cold, dry winters and its short, mild summers is an ideal setting for our hams to dry and mature perfectly. In this area, with its unbeatable microclimate, every day hundreds of artisans, who are sons and grandsons of artisans, slowly and masterfully create the Guijuelo Iberian Ham, which is a 'one-of-a-kind in the world.'

Watch your fat back, bacon! There's another cheeky slice making the scene whose sole, plump purpose in your kitchen is to turn sow's ears into silky, succulent purses. Originally a delicacy in Umbria, La Quercia's Iowa-bred meat is simply seasoned with rosemary, black and white pepper, and sea salt. It's a traditional staple that you'll want to keep on hand once you've tried it. Depending on how you're using guanciale, you may want it sliced thinly or whole to cut into chunks. With that in mind, we'll ship you a 1/2 pound piece whole that you can slice at home with a sharp chef's knife or cut into chunks. Since it's so rich, it pairs well with big red wines that can stand up to the flavors it deepens. It's best used in cooking, particularly traditional Italian favorites like spaghetti alla carbonara and pasta all'amatriciana, and adds an extra-luxurious texture to sauces and stews.

Got game? We'll tell you who's got game: the gents over at Fabrique Delices who are delivering the goods when it comes to traditional French charcuterie classics like pate and saucisson. Everything they make is ground and given hands-on attention during every stage of the process' from meat selection to packaging. Their artisanal p't's are made from fresh, coarsely ground meats that are mixed with dried fruits, wine, and nuts, making for a textured, full-flavored mouthful. An excellent companion to any cheese plate, they're at their best with strong cheeses like Scharfe Maxx, Epoisses, and Mahon Curado'don't forget the Moutarde de Dijon and cornichons! For drinks, think big, bold reds.