On Thu, 9 Dec 2010 17:16:17 +0000 (UTC), Doug Freyburger wrote:

> Sqwertz wrote:
>> Doug Freyburger wrote:
>>
>>> Some folks like chicarones some don't. I have found them quite variable
>>> in quality. Are there brands that are consistantly puffy, crunchy and
>>> mild flavored?
>>
>> Most of them are. There's two different kinds - with and without
>> skin. The without are just pork fat pieces rendered of most of
>> their fat with only the solids left behind. These are always mild
>> and fluffy (not taking into account any seasonings).
>
> Two posters have now posted ones to avoid.
>
> I've found that the least variable fried pork skins are the ones with
> the heavy chemical flavoring. Red chemical dust on good crunchy mild
> skins. A strange experience.

And make sure you have a glass of water handy. They have a
tendency to stick in your throat and choke you if your mouth is too
dry.

-sw