Took the plunge today and decided to make my first sausage, it turned out to be a great experience, very relaxing. So many recipes out there but I decided on a variation of Ruhlman's Jagerwurst or Hunter sausage. It went very smoothly, I can't think of a single negative point. Well, I had one blow-out while filling but it was easily fixed and away I went. My wife Jann helped me stuff and provided much positive feedback.
I've never made sausage before but this forum has hours of reading and learning to help new comers. I ground, mixed and stuffed using my KitchenAid mixer. Yeah, I'm sure I'll get tired of this unit if I keep this up, but for now it's just fine, I'll graduate when I graduate.
This was tonnes of fun. Here's the recipe I used, my twist on Ruhlman's:
5 lbs pork shoulder
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1/2 teaspoon toasted and ground coriander seeds
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons toasted and ground mustard seeds
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Cure #1
2 teaspoons dextrose
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup water
I dried them for an hour at 130 F, then bumped up 10 degrees each hour. I gave them 3 hours of whiskey oak smoke and left them in until an IT of about 152 F. This sausage will be great with some smoked cheese and a glass of red wine, it's got an earthy taste that I bet is best cold. How fun is this hobby, I'll do it again and again. Here's some pics. I welcome all comments to improve my technique...please.
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm78/ottawanitro/03bfb33f-50f7-4ec6-8752-09d3cb051ef0_zpsbf224a68.jpg)
All stuffed and ready for smoke
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm78/ottawanitro/84b7c773-eb6e-416a-b18e-18e3a6df9db4_zps1192b7e6.jpg)
A little taste, it's good!
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm78/ottawanitro/21e63d6d-9c4a-458d-ab73-6bc2d5baee0a_zpseee4d07b.jpg)
Blooming
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm78/ottawanitro/8332223d-05a7-4088-8edb-91e4f43e5aca_zpsf6ddd414.jpg)
It's all good
Looks good, I'd call that a success, welcome to the Dark Side. ;)
They look pretty good to me , are you sure it was your first time? :o
Congratulations! What hobbies will you be giving up now that you're a sausage maker?
Welcome !! Well for a first try it looks dang good. You should also know it's not How fun is this hobby BUT how addicting this hobby is !! ;D
Great job Wood! Even if the blow-outs don't look so good they're good to eat.There's no going back now, I hope you realize.
Looks delish. you did a good job.
Looks good to me also.
Thanks folks. This is great fun and yes...very addicting. I'm already thinking about the next 3 recipes I want to try.
Real good looking sausage for your first shot out of the gate
You are hooked !!