Not sure it's crackpot, but in Zambia we ate what were described as deep-fried crispy caterpillars - very high in protein, apparently.

More mainstream - a cautionary tale. A friend organised a deer roast for a local folk day. The deer came from the local deer park, and was supplied with the scaffold tube already inserted - for rotation over the fire. It also came with strict instructions that the fire was to be kept hot, and the deer was to be cooked for a minimum of 8 hours. Mike was there at 7am to light the fire, and stayed at his post through the morning, lovingly feeding the fire and rotating the spit, looking forward to some beautiful venison.

His pleasant anticipation ended just after midday, when the maggots emerged at both ends of the deer and dropped into the fire. Apparently, it's the most reliable sign that the meat is beginning to cook in the centre!

Although he heroically finished the roasting and carved and served the meat, he was unable to bring himself to sample the taste!

Phil