Many cuts of meat are tough and chewy because they come from muscles that get a lot of exercise. Cuts from the shoulder area of deer, lamb, cow and pig contain a lot of connective tissues that make the meat chewy, but the tissues melt when exposed to steam heat.

Though lamb ribs can be cooked in a variety of different ways, experimentation is key in order to find out which method you prefer. Baking lamb ribs allows their natural flavor to be more prevalent in the final product, while broiling and grilling bring out more intense, smoky flavors because of the high heat.

For the most flavorful, moist sausages, cook the links slowly under relatively low heat. Slow cooking ensures that the sausage cooks evenly, as cooking too quickly results in sausage that is golden brown on the outside but still pink on the inside.

Although pork tenderloin is one of the most tender pork cuts, overcooking can make it tough and unpalatable. This cut from the loin is one you definitely do not want to cook over low heat all day long in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.

The term "Southern-style ribs" may appear to allude to a region-specific type of barbecue sauce or a certain mixture of spices, but actually refers to a cut of pork . Southern-style ribs, also referred to as "country-style," are meatier pork ribs that are cut from the pork loin.

The chuck, or beef shoulder, contains a large number of mostly small muscles running in several different directions. Appropriately, they're known by a similar variety of names in different parts of the country. For example, two different roasts are sold as inside-blade, depending on your butcher's preferences.

When you need only one ingredient and one pan for a dish -- such as London broil and a skillet -- make sure both are high quality. When it comes to the skillet, go for cast iron or tri-ply stainless steel.

Hot dog cooking methods are almost as varied as the ways to serve them. You can boil them, steam them, grill them, microwave them and even bake them in the oven. The method you chose depends on what equipment you have, where you'll be cooking them and how you prefer them to taste.

Chorizo is a savory pork sausage that is made in two distinct ways. Mexican-style chorizo is uncooked and is typically packed in inedible plastic casings. This chorizo is cooked like crumbled sausage and added to eggs, burritos or even chili.

Soy chorizo's zesty flavor and easy preparation make it a must-have in vegan pantries. Your vegan friends and family will appreciate your effort to accommodate their needs even if you are carnivorous. Sold in 10-oz.

While traditional beef brisket rules the deli counter, pork brisket -- little known as it may be -- serves as a savory, tender and affordable alternative. Like beef brisket, this cut comes from the bottom half of the shoulder and features a similar consistency and texture, down to the signature marbling.

Wild hogs are found in 39 states, as of 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and these populations are considered invasive species, providing numerous hunting opportunities. The hogs can reach 400 lbs., resulting in a significant amount of meat for the freezer.