Knowing that he has been dying to have his hand at homemade hot dogs, I bought him a meat grinder attachment for the stand mixer. I forgot to purchase a casing attachment, so, naturally Dad fabricated his own.
This post is not about following a recipe, or detailing the ingredients and the methods utilized to create these phallic little things; it is really just about how much fun you can have in the kitchen with the ones you love. The perseverance and teamwork truly shed a light on how my family comes together, each member with a specific role, and creates a delicious meal and even better memories.
I suggest you find someone you love, or hey--even someone you tolerate, and cook something. It's not always the outcome but the stuff in between that has made me fall in love with being in the kitchen.
I wholely agree with the sentiment of your post. While I enjoy cooking all by my lonesome, the experience really does become something much more when you share it with someone. Additionally, I like your Dad's style, I am the same way.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I want details. Ever since reading Michael Ruhlman's Charcuterie book, I have wanted to delve into the mire of sausage-making. The only thing that has held me back is people seem run foul when it comes to the stuffing part, but judging by the photos you seem to have done just fine, and without a proper stuffer.
So, whats your secret? What was was your mixture recipe? What kind of casings did you use? How difficult was it?
Spill it, sister!
The KA grinder rocks. I use mine all the time. Never in your life will you ever have a better hamburgers than when you start making your own ground beef mistures. Also, the pasta extruder discs are pretty cool too.
ReplyDelete@Ace: I've read a few of your extremely erudite, witty posts. All I can say is that its obvious that you quite brilliant and full of great humor. I can only assume that you are also very good looking.
The stuffing was difficult, and required the help of many hands. I think that one or two of the hot dogs had a tear, but we only noticed it after they were boiled. While stuffing we tried to avoid rips and yelled out "TEAR!" when we found one, and simply twisted off the hot dog, snipped the casing, tied a knot, and kept on stuffing.
ReplyDeleteThe recipe consumed most of the day and it was extremely difficult. While I absolutely loved the end result, I realize that it's mostly because of the love and effort that went into its procreation. The recipe (below) lacks flavor. Bottom line: we'd do it again, but a new recipe is warranted.
http://homecooking.about.com/od/porkrecipes/r/blpork26.htm
As for the casings, my dad bought about 400 feet (perhaps an exaggeration, but likely not) of sheep intestines online.
Hope this information helps and inspires, Ace!
As for you, First Time Caller: thank you for following and for posting! And yes, he is very good looking ;)
What a wonderful post! One of the best yet...
ReplyDelete