Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Italian Sausage

Travel journal, date unspecified: Even on a cold, grey, rainy day, the Tuscan countryside is picturesque. There is an unintentional romanticism that bleeds through every vein of this land. It is made twice as charming due to the fact that the locals seem to have no idea how wonderful this place actually is. Understandable, I guess, if that is all one has ever known. Do the people of Fiji or Tahiti know how breathtaking their little slice of the globe is? Possibly, but only because people are traveling thousands of miles and enduring hours spent breathing re-circulated airline air to get there. I suspect it is the same story in this region of Italy.

Ingredients

5 lbs. Pork butt, diced 1-inch, held cold
3 Tbl Kosher salt
2 Tbl Sugar
2 Tbl Fennel seed, toasted
1 Tbl Coriander seed, toasted
3 Tbl Hungarian paprika
¼ tsp Cayenne pepper
2 Tbl Dried oregano
2 Tbl Dried basil
1 Tbl Crushed red pepper
1 Tbl Fresh ground black pepper
½ cup Cold water
½ cup Red wine vinegar

Instructions

Place meat grinder parts in ice water or in freezer until ready to use.

Combine fennel seed and coriander seed in a small, dry skillet on medium heat and toast until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently. Remove from heat.

Combine remaining spices in a small bowl with toasted spices. Combine seasoning blend with chilled pork butt and grind with a small die.

Place chilled ground meat, cold water and vinegar in mixer bowl fitted with paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Yield: 5 pounds

Recent Recipes

Honey Bundt Cake

This bundt cake brings back memories of family gatherings on Bellewood Drive where sweets were as much a part of the celebration as the presents under the tree. The warm notes of cinnamon and honey make it a natural fit for holiday mornings or as the perfect finish to a Christmas feast. The pomegranate glaze adds a bright, tart finish that keeps things interesting. Make sure to grease every nook and cranny of your bundt pan thoroughly. Use butter and dust with flour for a clean release. Also, letting the cake cool for a solid twenty minutes before flipping is key to avoiding a sticky mess.

Read more

Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs

Serves 6 Preheat oven to 375° F On a bias, slice half-inch thick slices of bread. Place the bread in…

Read more

Salsa

Makes about 3 cups Place all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor with the blade attachment. Pulse several…

Read more