Texas Sausage
The Other Texas BBQ Meat

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Sausage is meat, whether pork, beef, venison, or a mixture of all, that is ground, mixed with seasonings, and sometimes other things, and then usually stuffed into casings to make small packages that are easily smoked and/or grilled.

Because of all the different combinations possible, there are more kinds of sausage than there are meats. In Texas, no matter what kinds of meats are used, the sausage is usually pretty heavily spiced.

Sausage can be purchased in stores, but if you want sausage with full taste, mixing your own is the way to go. It is not as difficult as you would think either. A simple recipe and a few tips are all that's needed.

You can buy artificial casings, but real casings(pork intestines) grill up crisp and delicious can be found from any butcher or specialty shop. If you're serious about making sausage, real casings are would you'll want to use.

You will need some sort of a meat grinder and something to stuff the meat into the casings. You can get these at any price ranges you want, all the way from simple tools to expensive equipment. If you think you will make sausage regularly, then go for the more expensive.

Basic Pork Sausage
2 pounds of pork butt, ground
2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage

Mix seasonings well into the ground meat. Stuff mixture into the casings, twisting ever 6 inches or so. Cook sausage in boiling water until done, and then smoke, grill or fry.

If you can get venison, by all means try this venison sausage recipe. It's a little more difficult but makes some absolutely delicious sausage.

Venison Sausage

INGREDIENTS:
6 pounds ground venison
4 pounds lean ground pork
2 cups powdered milk
1/4 cup meat tenderizer
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon black pepper
4 ounces corn syrup solids
6 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons sage
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon nutmeg

Mix well and stuff into casings. Grill or fry until done.

Chorizo Sausage

Here's the favorite breakfast sausage of South Texas. Kick the heat up with the chili powder (or add some minced jalapeno pepper) if you dare.

INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds ground pork
3 cloves garlic, mashed
1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Mash up the garlic with the salt, then add the rest of the ingredients. Mix together thoroughly and fry until brown.

As you've seen, Texas sausage can come in many forms. There are not many hard rules for making Texas sausage. Experiment and add spices that you like to the mixture. Most important...have fun and enjoy your Texas sausage.

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