It’s just about July 4th, and you know what that means? It’s barbecue time! It’s time to get that grill out of its hiding place in the garage and start firing up some delicious meaty meals for your family. In honor of this, we’d like to share a recipe for tasty homemade chorizo sausage, perfect for grilling, throwing on a bun and pairing with a delicious summer corn on the cob. All you need is a meat grinder, and these ingredients:

• 2 oz. sausage casing
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 5 cloves of garlic
• ¼ cup tequila (silver or gold)
• 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
• 5 pounds of boneless pork
• ½ tsp. cumin
• 4 tbsp. salt
• 4 tbsp. chili powder
• 4 tbsp. cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp. onion powder
• 2 tbsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1.2 tsp. white pepper

Directions

To get the sausage casing ready, soak it in cold water for 30 minutes.

Remove the seeds from the peppers and blend them in a food processor along with the garlic, red wine vinegar and tequila.

Chop the pork into 2- or 3-inch chunks. This makes it go through your meat grinder more easily.

Now, grind the pork chunks using your meat grinder. Use the food pusher that comes with it to feed the meat through the grinder.

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, dry spices and garlic-vinegar mixture together with your hands. Mix thoroughly.

Attach the sausage stuffer to your meat grinder (this comes with it.) Slide the empty sausage casing on the tube, ensuring you leave enough slack at the end to tie off the sausage.

Turn your grinder on low and use the food pusher to feed the pork mixture through the tube and into the casing. Make sure you do this gently, so as not to tear the casing.

When you have about 3 or 4 feet of sausage in the casing, cut it off and tie off both ends. Attach a new empty casing and create another long sausage using the remaining pork mixture. Tie off both ends again.

Once you have used all your pork, it’s time to create the links. Pinch and twist the long sausage at about every 8 inches to form the links. Place this on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper and put in the fridge overnight. Once dry, you’ll be able to snip the links apart easily.

Now you can get to grilling!

Sausage is just one of the many tasty things you can make with your own meat grinder. So grab a grinder, and get planning that Memorial Day barbecue bash. You need to show off your new skills!

A food slicer can make working in the kitchen so much easier. From meats and
cheeses to vegetables and breads, you can have perfectly cut, even slices of food in
just a matter of seconds. Despite the obvious help they bring though, food slicers also come with some hazards. They’re are extremely sharp and can be dangerous to use if the proper precautions aren’t taken. If you plan to use one, learn these quick tips to ensure your safety:

• Always use any guards or grips included with your food slicer. These are designed to keep your fingers and hands safe from the blade, not to inconvenience you.
• Ensure you use pieces of meat, cheese, vegetables, etc., that are small enough to cut with the guard in place. If they aren’t, cut it into smaller pieces before using the slicer. Always use the guard.
• Never touch the blade itself, even when the machine is turned off.
• Wear cut-resistant, slip-proof gloves any time you use or clean the slicer.
• Always turn off, unplug and return the blade to zero when it is not in use.
• Focus. Don’t let others around you distract you or pull your gaze away; these things can be very dangerous. It requires your full and immediate attention.
• Most food slicers will come with a safety switch or knob; do not tamper with these. They are there to ensure your health and safety.
• Keep children away from the machine at all times.
• Take sure anyone who will be using the slicer receives proper training. Anyone not advised on the safety precautions should not be allowed to use the it, period.
• Post warning signs and safety instructions on or near the slicer.
• Ensure your slicer is placed on a sturdy, non-slip surface. If the slicer moves while in use, it could cut or seriously injure the operator’s hands or fingers.
• Store in a closed-off area or on a high, out-of-reach shelf when not in use.

A food slicer can make your kitchen life easier. In just a matter of minutes, it lets you
have perfectly cut sandwich meats and cheeses, homemade potato chips, and tasty veggie slices at your fingertips and ready to eat. But with this ease also comes potential hazards. Ensure you have the safest experience by learning and taking the proper safety precautions every time you use it.