Head cheese is indeed a specialty cooked
meat product. The constituent meat is chopped
pork from the head of the
pig (and sometimes a little
veal) which has been cured and spiced with
salt,
sugar,
vinegar and often
nutmeg or other aromatic spices.
The meat is set into a mould in a gelatin base. It is generally sliced to serve cold, often as part of a party platter. Head cheese, due to its gay and colourful presentation, is commonly served at celebratory occasions.