My first ever sausage - a variation of Jagerwurst

[WoodlawnSmoker]

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.


All stuffed and ready for smoke


A little taste, it's good!


Blooming


It's all good

[Saber 4]

Looks good, I'd call that a success, welcome to the Dark Side. ;)

[carnie1]

They look pretty good to me , are you sure it was your first time?  :o

[ragweed]

Congratulations!  What hobbies will you be giving up now that you're a sausage maker?

[cobra6223]

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

[Salmonsmoker]

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.

[RedJada]

Looks delish. you did a good job.

[watchdog56]

Looks good to me also.

[WoodlawnSmoker]

Thanks folks.  This is great fun and yes...very addicting.  I'm already thinking about the next 3 recipes I want to try.

[Tenpoint5]

Real good looking sausage for your first shot out of the gate

[bundy]

You are hooked !!