Old Kiev Salami

Based on a classic Ukrainian recipe, the team at Red Bear Provisions in Chicago makes this salami from pasture raised, heritage Berkshire breed pork. The grind is coarse with plenty of snowy-white flecks of fat. The meat is mixed with Ukraine's favorite flavoring—garlic—plus a bit of black pepper and sea salt, and that’s about it. The flavor is surprisingly complex, largely thanks to the time it spends smoking over a mix of maple, oak, and hickory before being hung to dry for a few weeks. The resulting flavor has only the slightest hint of smoke, but enjoys a sweetness and depth you don’t often find in other salume.

Great alongside rye bread, for snacking with cheese and crackers, or on the go on picnics, hikes, or road trips.