Homemade AIP Sausage

Due to some health concerns, I've been on an autoimmune protocol known as AIP. I much prefer to consider it a protocol, and not a "diet" because in my mind, this is a process that will lead to better, long term overall health, and not a short term quick-fix fad. 

Without boring you with too much of the why right now, here is the jist of what it is: 

The AIP is an anti-inflammatory, nutrient dense, elimination protocol. It initially eliminates grains, legumes, dairy, nightshades, eggs, alcohol, nuts, seeds (including coffee, cocoa, and seed-based spices), processed vegetable oils (such as canola oil, corn oil, etc.), refined sugar (this list is extensive...pretty much anything that isn't pure maple syrup, pure honey, and coconut sugar), and processed food chemicals and additives (such as soy, added in nitrates and nitrites, food coloring, anything listed as "natural flavoring", etc.).  

These are all potential inflammatory foods (or ones that you simply shouldn't put in your mouth anyway, like the food coloring and whatever "natural flavoring" means....) that can also play a role in damaging your gut microbiome, among other things. 

The list of "no" foods is extensive. But so far, I've done well. 

Elimination of the above foods is not intended to be a long-term thing. After a period of time long enough to see a reduction in whatever issues/symptoms you have going on, anywhere from 30-90 days, gradual reintroduction of the elimination foods is done so you can identifying what foods might be contributing to your particular issue. 

Even if you don't have an actual issue you are trying to address, following the AIP to the best of your ability is a spectacular way to loose a few (to a lot) of pounds, help you kick that sugar and processed food habit you have going on, and learn to eat more veggies and healthier options in new ways. AIP isn't just about telling you the foods to stay off of, but about showing you the foods you should be eating more of.....like healthy fats, fermented foods, and more wild caught fish. 

For all intents and purposes, my goal was to be on AIP for 30 days, then start the reintroduction phase.  I am currently on day 45 and feeling pretty good. So I guess I'll just keep going. 

I'm sure I'll chat more about this all later, when I can really get my act together. 

In the mean time, the reason for the post.....I wanted to share the most delicious homemade sausage recipe! 

Autoimmune Paleo Breakfast Sausage 

Gutsy By Nature (It is considered AIP because it is free of seed spices and nightshades)

Ingredients:

1 lb ground pork

1T maple syrup (optional)

1t dried sage

1t dried rosemary

1/4 t cinnamon

1/4 t ginger

1t salt

Directions:

1) Using your hands, combine all ingredients. 

2) Shape into patties and pan fry over medium heat until cooked through and browned. 

Boom. Done. 

Ok, sooooo we like to do things in bulk when we can to stock the freezer. We bought a 15lb pork shoulder and multiplied the recipe by 15. 

First I cut the 15lb pork shoulder into manageable parts, then cut everything into cubes (Anthony helped!). I dumped on our spices, dumped on our (optional.....but who would leave this part out?) maple syrup, and give it a good mix. 

Next, it all goes into the meat grinder! This is the fun part. Anthony quite enjoyed himself, and we all kept our fingers. 

We got out our sealer, bags, and scale, and portioned the sausage into 1lb portions.

Well there you have it. Delicious AIP sausage for the freezer. Ready to thaw in the fridge and fry up whenever we want. The little crispy bits that are left in the pan are my favorite. Everyone knows to leave those bits for me! 

With love,
Mama Hauck

For more information on AIP, check out Here, Here or Here.