Exploring the Art of Sausage Making: An In-Depth Discussion with Christopher Kyer

In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler engages in a lively and in-depth conversation with his guest, Christopher Kyer, a seasoned sausage maker. The discussion kicks off with the duo sharing snacks and setting the scene in Kyer’s kitchen. They delve into various aspects of sausage making, from the importance of keeping equipment cold to the nuances of grinding meat properly. They also touch on the significance of mixing times, the intricacies of using different casings, the critical role of salt measurements and the importance of proper cooking technique. Kyer emphasizes the value of hands-on learning and shares personal tips and anecdotes, including a unique pheasant and mushroom sausage recipe. The episode is packed with tips for both novice and experienced sausage makers, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the craft.

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00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter

00:33 Welcome to the Okayest Cook Podcast

01:08 Cooking and Snacking in the Kitchen

01:45 Newsletter and Recipe of the Week

02:53 Notable Meals and Venison Shank Irish Stew

03:46 Wild Boar Ragu and Hunting Stories

10:01 Sausage Making Adventures

29:51 The Art of Sausage Making

30:16 Pheasant Mushroom Sausage Recipe

31:56 The Importance of Texture in Sausages

36:43 Grinding Techniques and Emulsification

46:36 Tips for Making Perfect Sausages

57:04 Cooking Sausages to Perfection

59:01 Heating the Skillet and Cooking Sausages

59:31 Importance of Resting Sausages

59:56 Avoiding Common Sausage Cooking Mistakes

01:00:50 Grandmother's Sausage Cooking Tips

01:01:38 The Art of Browning Sausages

01:02:32 Sausage Making as a Craft

01:04:22 Learning from Butchers and Classes

01:06:04 Processing Your Own Meat

01:08:20 Using All Parts of the Animal

01:09:11 Experimenting with Sausage Ingredients

01:14:18 Balancing Venison and Pork in Sausages

01:16:36 Reference Materials for Sausage Making

01:25:18 Final Thoughts and Tips

Find Christopher:

Web: 

Social: https://www.instagram.com/honest_omnivore/

Web: https://thehonestomnivore.wordpress.com/

Mentioned in Episode: 

Hank Shaw Venison Brat Recipe: https://honest-food.net/venison-bratwurst-recipe/

Pheasant Sausage: https://thehonestomnivore.wordpress.com/2020/02/20/a-pheasant-sausage-with-mushrooms/

Kielbasa: https://thehonestomnivore.wordpress.com/2024/03/20/wild-game-kielbasa/

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Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto