Ep 6. Sausage: A Beautiful Grind

In season 7, episode 6 of Good Eats, host Alton Brown digs into the world of sausage-making. Titled "Sausage: A Beautiful Grind," the episode features Brown teaching viewers the ins and outs of making sausage from scratch, using a variety of meats and techniques.

The episode begins with Brown explaining the importance of using high-quality meat and fat to make sausage, and demonstrating how to grind it to the right texture using a meat grinder. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping everything chilled throughout the process to prevent the meat from getting too warm and spoiling.

Next, Brown explores the different flavoring ingredients that can be used in sausage, from herbs and spices to cheese and fruit. He shows viewers how to mix these ingredients into the meat to create unique flavors and aromas, and explains the science behind why certain ingredients work better than others.

The episode also delves into the various types of sausage casings that can be used, including natural casings made from animal intestines, as well as synthetic casings made from collagen or cellulose. Brown explains the differences between these types of casings and demonstrates how to stuff them with the meat mixture using a sausage stuffer.

As he works through the sausage-making process, Brown also shares tips and tricks for ensuring that the sausages turn out perfectly every time. For example, he discusses the importance of twisting and tying the sausages properly to prevent them from bursting during cooking, and explains how to cook them in a variety of ways – from grilling and smoking to pan-searing or simmering in liquid.

Throughout the episode, Brown emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind sausage-making – from the role of salt in preserving the meat to the way in which sausage gets its distinctive texture. He also provides plenty of suggestions for customizing sausage recipes to suit different tastes, and encourages viewers to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create their own unique sausage recipes.

Overall, "Sausage: A Beautiful Grind" is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in the art of sausage-making. With Brown's in-depth knowledge and entertaining style, viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for this versatile and delicious food.