Homemade sausages

Homemade Crewmusties: The Healthy Delight for the Whole Family

Made with love and care, homemade crewmusties are a perfect choice for family meals or special occasions. These sausages are not only delicious but also healthy, making them an excellent option for little ones and all loved ones. Below, I will guide you step by step in preparing these crewmusties, providing you with useful tips, variations, and nutritional information.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes (steamed)
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings

Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g chicken meat (preferably boneless breast or thighs)
- 400 g beef (you can also use pork or fish, depending on preferences)
- 300 ml cold water
- 8 ice cubes
- 1-2 tablespoons of salt (to taste)
- 5 g nutmeg
- 5 g dried thyme
- 5 g sweet paprika
- Sheep casings (or pork casings, if preferred)
- Vinegar for cleaning

A short story:
The sausage cream, or crewmusties, has its roots in an old tradition of meat preparation, being an ingenious way to preserve and utilize resources. These delicacies are often served at festive occasions or family gatherings, being a popular choice due to their versatility. You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices, so each family can have its unique version.

Step by step preparation:

1. Cleaning the casings: Start by washing the sheep casings under warm running water. It is important to clean them well to remove any impurities. Then, soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar for about 30 minutes. This step will help remove the specific smell of the casing, making them more pleasant to cook.

2. Final wash: After soaking in vinegar, rub the casings with salt and rinse them again with cold water. Make sure the casings are completely clean to achieve a tasty final result.

3. Preparing the meat: Chop the chicken and beef into small cubes. You can use a food processor or a meat grinder. Combine the chopped meats in a large bowl.

4. Mixing the ingredients: Add salt, nutmeg, thyme, and sweet paprika over the meat. Pour in the cold water and mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Adding ice cubes at this point will help keep the meat cold and give a pleasant texture to the sausages.

5. Filling the casings: Prepare the meat grinder or, if you don’t have one, you can use a cookie press. Fill the casings with the meat mixture, making sure to leave a little space at the ends to allow for expansion during cooking. Tie the ends with string or make a tight knot.

6. Drying: Place the filled crewmusties on a rack in a cool place for about 1-2 hours to dry slightly.

7. Cooking: Steam the crewmusties for 15 minutes. This process will not only cook them but also keep the meat juicy. Once ready, you can let them cool and then freeze them for later use.

8. Serving: Homemade sausage cream can be served either boiled or fried. A delicious option is to fry them in a little olive oil and serve with a side of sautéed vegetables or mashed potatoes. You can also add mustard or ketchup for extra flavor.

Practical tips:
- Choosing the meat: Use fresh, quality meat, preferably from local butchers. This will significantly influence the final taste of the crewmusties.
- Spices: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Add herbs like dill or oregano, or spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper for a touch of intensity.
- Freezing: After cooking the crewmusties, you can freeze them in portions. This way, you will always have a quick dish on hand for moments when you need a delicious meal.

Nutritional information:
Homemade crewmusties are a good source of protein due to the meat content. Additionally, the added spices not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to a healthy diet with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Depending on the cooking method (boiled or fried), the calorie values may vary, but generally, 100 g of crewmusties contain approximately 200-250 calories.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! You can experiment with pork, turkey, or even combinations of fish.
- How long can I keep the crewmusties in the freezer? If well packaged, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- How can I avoid them becoming too dry? Make sure to add enough liquids and not to overcook them. Steaming them is an excellent way to maintain juiciness.

This is a dish that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to any family meal. Enjoy cooking!