Let's Talk Treif

Treif is the Yiddish word for unclean or trash . . . Also used as the opposite of kosher in reference to what is edible or inedible according to Scripture.

In listening to the many discussions, opinions, interpretations, and debates as to whether everything is now all right to eat because of the discussion Messiah had with the Pharisees about hand washing . . . The context of that conversation had nothing whatsoever to do with swine, catfish, or shell fish.

Peter's dream in Acts 10 is also interpreted in the 11th chapter, as having nothing to do with animals, but rather not to call people unclean.

Here's the truth of the matter as to the flesh of unclean animals many people think is delicious.  Seasonings, preservatives, and spices give the flavor people want, not the flesh of the animal, itself.  Without sugar, maple, and smoke; bacon is a pile of belly fat from swine.  On the other hand, the flavor that is so desired, is completely obtainable without the belly fat of swine, by adding sugar, maple, and smoke . . .   Although I cannot verify this with experience, I'm guessing ham would not be considered edible without the preserving process that includes salt and spices

It is the spices in shrimp boil that makes boiled shrimp even seem palatable.  Shrimp are the cockroaches of the sea, and that "vein" is the intestines.  No amount of prayer or spice can cause shrimp feces to be food.  The other way shrimp is eaten is fried.  Even with all the spices it is boiled in or all the batter it is breaded in, it still requires a cocktail sauce with a base of ketchup.  Where did anyone ever get the idea, past elementary school, that any good meat needs ketchup?  

Then there's the delicious flavor of the bottom of the pond . . .  There is not enough breading to mask the mud scent when catfish is frying.  There is not enough onion in the hushpuppies or beer to wash down the scent of fried catfish, much less the flavor.  When we consider all that must be added to this "so called meat" to even be able to eat it, we must realize it's not the meat the body wants, it's the spices.

When I can't grill fish, steaming it over a kettle of boiling water with "shrimp boil" is delicious!  Included in this week's Delectably Kosher Section, is the recipe for biscuits and gravy without sausage.