12/18/2006

Cullen's Andouille Sausage

Homemade Andouille Sausage:
2 1/2 pounds boneless pork butt, 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 pound pork fat, cut into pieces
1/4 cup Essence, recipe follows
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon file powder
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Combine the pork, pork fat, Essence, paprika, garlic, black pepper, salt, file, chili powder, red pepper, and cumin in a large bowl and mix well. Pass through a food grinder fitted with a coarse die. (Alternately, transfer in 2 batches to a food processor and process until finely ground.) Transfer to a large bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

To test the seasoning, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a small skillet, and cook about 2 teaspoons of the mixture. Adjust seasoning, to taste.

Using the sausage attachment on a mixer, stuff the meat into the casings, if being used. Twist and tie off to make 4-inch sausages. Alternately, shape into patties.

Preheat a home smoker to 250 degrees F. Smoke the sausage for 11/2 hours. Remove from the smoker and use as desired.

Yield: about 2 pounds

No matter where you stand, no matter how far or fast you flee, when it hits the fan, as much as possible will be propelled in your direction, and almost none will be returned to the source.

- John L. Shelton