Lard is made from pork fat. The process called “rendering” helps to separate the fat from the meat through a slow cooking process. You can render your own lard at home with a fatty piece of meat and a large pan. Although it is made from pork fat, lard has a neutral taste. It is savory and can impart a very slight smoky flavor. Many chefs swear by it for flakey, buttery biscuits and pie crusts. Lard can add rich flavor without watering down a recipe. Use in place of shortening for baking savory items such as biscuits. Mix with corn flour and water to make ‘masa’ for tamales. Use as a base for frying chicken or steak. It’s also commonly used for traditional refried beans.

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