Your Gluten Free Recipes

Many sausage products out there have MSG in them.  Even if you find one without MSG it most likely will have  nitrites in them.  Nitrites are linked to cancers, so I like to eat foods that are as natural as possible and nitrites free.  This usually means I need to make them from scratch.  I found a wonderful recipe for homemade Italian sausage in a La Leche League cookbook.  I don't use a lot of pork, so I converted it to one that uses beef.

1 pound ground beef (organic is preferred)
1 medium onion, minced
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. fennel seed, crushed
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/8 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Knead all of the ingredients into the ground beef.  The mixture may now be formed into patties, loaves, links, or browned.  For the best flavor the sausage should be refrigerated in an air tight container for 2-3 days before use.  If you use the sausage immediately the flavors will not be as strong. If you cannot use all the sausage, freeze it.  It will keep in the freezer for 1-2 months.