Homemade Sweet Italian Sausage

Ingredients:

• Backwoods Sweet Italian Sausage Seasoning (follow package instructions)
• Natural hog casings (soaked and rinsed)
• Red and yellow bell peppers (sliced)
• Onions (sliced)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sausage Mixture:

• Mix ground pork or a venison-pork blend with Backwoods Sweet Italian Sausage Seasoning according to package instructions.
• Knead thoroughly until the mixture becomes tacky for even seasoning distribution.

2. Prepare the Casings:

• Rinse natural hog casings under cold water, then soak them according to package directions.
• Slide the casing onto a sausage stuffer nozzle, leaving a few inches loose at the end.

3. Stuff and Link the Sausage:

• Carefully stuff the casings with the sausage mixture, ensuring it's firm but not overfilled.
• Twist into 5-inch links, pinching and twisting each section in opposite directions.

4. Cook the Peppers and Onions:

• Heat a large frying pan over medium heat with a little olive oil.
• Sauté red and yellow peppers and onions until softened and slightly caramelized.

5. Cooking the Sausage:

• Pan-fry: Cut sausages into 1-inch pieces and cook with the peppers and onions.
• Grill/Broil: Cook whole sausage links over medium heat until browned and cooked through, then slice and serve with the sautéed vegetables.

6. Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with fried potatoes and baked beans for a classic meal.
• Place on a toasted hoagie roll and top with peppers and onions for a delicious sandwich.

Enjoy your homemade Sweet Italian Sausage—packed with flavor and perfect for any meal!