What is pork crackling made from?

[VeryStressedMum]

Is it from the actual skin of a pig or the fat? I always thought it was from the fat but I've got a suspicion it's the skin...

Also, while I'm here talking about pig skin...I buy pork shoulder joints and it comes with the hard pigs skin on it which I hack off before cooking as I find it a bit disgusting, but can I cook the joint with the skin on then cut it off after? It may be easier to cut off that way!!

I think it's the skin.

Its the actual skin - that's why its sometimes hairy/can see pores.

its the skin. dh takes the skin off and cooks it separately to make crackling - horrible stuff!

It is the skin, and delicious!

The skin because you can see the hair on it

Definitely cook with fat on, gives moisture and flavour, and is really easy to remove when cooked.

Also excellent for raising your cholesterol (so you probably ought not to eat HUGE quantities of it).