One very stinky but delicious delicacy that was always a dish at Christmas in my house was chitterlings. Chitterlings, usually called chitlins, are the small intestines of a pig. They are a traditional food in many cultures around the world, but here in the South, I think we just know how to make them taste better!

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What Exactly Is Chitterlings?

Chitlins have a mild pork flavor and a chewy, sometimes slightly rubbery texture. The longer you cook them, though, the more tender they become. Now, the smell of chitlins can be awful because, again, they come from the small intestines of a pig. You have to clean them thoroughly until all the residue is completely removed. Then, you simmer them for several hours with whatever seasonings you like. In my house, we always used garlic, peppers, spices, vinegar, and onions. Sometimes we even added potatoes to help absorb some of that strong smell. They were served with hot sauce and usually hot-water cornbread and mustard greens.

 Get Fresh Chitterlings at This Killeen BBQ Spot

Trust me, don’t knock it till you try it! Chitlins are something that many people traditionally eat around Christmas or the holidays because of how time-consuming they are to prepare. Recently, I found out that there is one spot in the city of Killeen that serves chitlins all year round, and it’s the only spot I know of that does. We’re talking about Choices Barbecue, located at 2606 E. Veterans Memorial Boulevard. This restaurant serves many of the soul food dishes that folks in the South grew up on, such as pork ham hocks with black-eyed peas, pig feet, and, of course, chitlins.

You Don't Know If You Like It Unless You Try It

The building has been around since I was a little girl, and I remember going there in the summertime when my sisters and I wanted chitlins. My dad would purchase them for us, and it was always a treat. Again, I know chitlins are not for everybody, and that’s perfectly fine. But if you’re someone who lives in the Bell County area, or anywhere in Central Texas, and you’re looking for chitlins not just during Christmas time, you need to head over to Choices Barbecue. You might just discover a Southern delicacy you never knew you were missing!

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