Fuel and light from animals - Tallow

[Mortblanc]

Beef tallow works well as will deer, moose and elk tallow. Their fat renders down to a hard brittle tallow that holds up well even in moderate heat. A bit of beeswax mixed with the tallow also helps.

Tallow candles also have a secondary use as food storage. In lean times a tallow candle can be added to the soup pot to create a beef stock and add a bit of flavor and nutrition. Just fish out the wick before serving.

Mutton or pork renderings will never set up well enough for candles and must be burned in some device like the "betty lamp". Just imagine trying to make a candle from lard or margarine.