Home made picnic sausage takes a little time, but the flavor is worth it.
INGREDIENTS (for 1 servings):
- 3 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound ground spicy pork sausage
- 1/4 cup curing salt
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons whole peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch dried sage
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 4 (12x18 inch) pieces of nylon netting
PREPARATION:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, pork sausage, curing salt, liquid smoke, garlic powder, peppercorns, paprika, sage, and onion flakes until well blended. Cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C).
Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal pieces, and form each piece into an 8 inch long log. Place each log onto a piece of netting, and roll tightly. Twist the ends and tie with string, or fold under. Place sausage rolls on a broiling pan with a rack.
Bake for 5 1/2 to 6 hours in the preheated oven. The internal temperature of the sausage should be 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Remove and cool. Remove nylon net, and wrap sausage in foil. Refrigerate overnight before slicing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Variation:Use all ground beef, and leave out the paprika, sage and onion flakes for a milder sausage. This variation may be cooked for 3 /2 to 4 hours.