Head cheese or
brawn is a
cold cut that originated in Europe. A version pickled with vinegar is known as
souse. Head cheese is not a dairy
cheese, but a
terrine or meat jelly made with flesh from the head of a calf or
pig, or less commonly a
sheep or
cow, and often set in
aspic. The parts of the head used vary, but the brain, eyes, and ears are usually removed. The tongue, and sometimes the feet and
heart, may be included. It can also be made from quality trimmings from pork and veal, adding
gelatin to the stock as a
binder.