THIS LITTLE GUY IS BANKSY MY SONS PIGGY . MY GRANDPIG………….I ADORE HIM.
MY ITALIAN had a BIRTHDAY and he received an ABSOLUTELY PERFECT GIFT!
A SAUSAGE MAKING CLASS with a SIT DOWN MEAL AFTER!
His interest was PEEKED as was mine……….
SO, we arrived at a circa 1910 house in ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA.
These delightful people were our instructors and HOSTS.
WE began in the garage that has been made into another kitchen………….
First thing I SPY is BANKSY on the WALL!
We learned the PARTS and where the PROSCUITTO comes from and SALAMI etc……….
WE had a discussion WHY it’s called the SHOULDER BUTT when it is NO where near the PO~PO!!
But this is where sausage comes from………….
BUY your MEAT from a BUTCHER then GRIND it UP.There are different widths for the GRINDER for different types of sausage .
SMALL >>>>>MEDIUM>>>>>>LARGE.
Doesn’t HE LOOK ITALIAN?Both sets of PARENTS were from THE BOOT!
MY MARITO getting INTO IT!
This is the layer that holds the SAUSAGE together!The SMALL INTESTINE from the PIG.It is ORDERED on LINE by size!!!!!!!!!Can you image having THAT JOB……….small…..medium…..or large!!IT comes in a brine and then he adds SALT.The SECRET to the sausage is the herbs one uses…….
Watch what happens NEXT!
The GRINDER has a plastic attachment………it gets oiled with OLIVE OIL then you slide the small intestine on to the plastic!
There is a bit of OH MY in this photo as it reminds me of some OTHER PARTS!
As one cranks the lever the ground meat comes floating out right into the WRAP!
SO, at this point we need TWO PEOPLE.
A THIRD person starts to coil the sausage up.
I held the camera………….and WATCHED!
Pretty IMPRESSIVE…………that WRAP is STRONG STUFF………..he would poke three holes in the beginning of each WRAP!
Then it gets cut to be BAGGED UP for TAKE HOME………..
This is the final PRODUCT……….Tonight the ITALIAN will be COOKING HIS SAUSAGE in a TOMATO SAUCE and I have been instructed to make POLENTA.I will let YOU know how it comes out!
We ended up with 10 baggies of sausages………..HOW LONG WILL THAT TAKE US TO EAT?
Depends if we share with the SONS…………
And YES it can be put into the FREEZER.
THE CHEF and STUDENT relaxing with HIS drink………..A CAMPARI!
HAVE to SAY it was DELICIOUS!
If you are close to ALAMEDA and want to have a FUN experience and a Delicious meal contact
Here is MY TRIO……….hanging out in the KITCHEN.
NEVER TO BECOME SAUSAGE……..
NO WAY NO HOW!
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT’s FEBRUARY FIRST ALREADY?
The DAPHNE should be BLOOMING SOON!If YOU do not own a DAPHNE PLANT TROT down to your NEARST NURSERY and SMELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I promise you willNOT be DISAPPOINTED!
Judy@CranberryMorning says
That looks scarily interesting! But how could you ever look Grandpiggy in the eye again?? 😉
I think my Mr. C. would love doing something like this, and we only have a Grandpuppy, who couldn’t care less what happens to pigs.
contessa says
ADORE MY GRAND PIGGY……………HE IS ONE LUCKY FELLA!
Jacqueline says
What a brilliant present Elizabeth and now your Italian has another skill up his sleeve !!!! We now try and buy consumables as presents for the more mature members of our family as we all have too much stuff !! Many thanks for your birthday wishes …… it means a lot. XXXX
contessa says
TANTI TANTI AUGURI……………..Hope YOUR DAY AND NIGHT was MAGNIFICENT!
IT WAS BRILLIANT………..but then AGAIN DIANE & PAUL always are SPOT ON with him and me!XX
Shireen says
Oh Elizabeth! This looks like a lot of fun! Such a wonderful gift for Giampiero!!! Thank you for sharing your great pics! Shireen
contessa says
IT was PERFECTION SHIREEN!
WE must set a date!
Karena says
It looks like this was a wonderful experience, ( as long as you did not tell Banksy!) a delicious meal with many more to come!
My Father makes sausage occasionally!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
contessa says
NO, NEVER tell BANKSY!!!!!!!!!!!
Although, at Christmas dinner he hung very close to the warm oven with the PORK LOIN ROAST a sizzling!!
XX
Loree says
I’ve never heard of a Daphne plant. I knew a Daphne at school though. Does that count? Sausage making looks like a fun experience. The intestine part is kind of unappealing but I am sure the sausages taste wonderful. It would be the sort of lesson that my husband would love. He loves Italian sausage.
contessa says
DAPHNE likes shade and a POT!I will snap a photo for you once it comes into FULL BLOOM!
Thats why I referred to it as THE WRAP!!!!!!!!Very Unappealing!I agree.XX
Jan says
Looks wonderful. I guess you know what to get him for Valentines Day this year…a big meat grinder!
contessa says
That IDEA crossed my mind!Guess you know me pretty well!
XX
Anita Rivera says
CONTESSA! Hello.
YOU are a star. Seeing your fab photo on IG today in that famous red cap/coat, I just thought how I MUST get a photo of myself one day as such, in Paris of course! You are an inspiration.
NOW, for the sausages. I CAN’T EAT PORK! I just can’t do it! But sausages are delish but I just can’t bring myself to eating it, but this is truly a fun experience and your MARITO must have just enjoyed every bit of it!
Happy February!!!! Anita
contessa says
I adore my little PORKER On his legs and I adore bacon and all the other BITS………….they are such LOVABLE animals it’s NO WONDER They taste SO good!!!
I will EAT your SHARE!
XX
D. A. Wolf says
OMG. This is pretty wild! (And Banksy looked on through all this???)
You have a very exotic life — even at home! (And it looks delish.)
xoxoxo
contessa says
EXOTIC LIFE???
WE need to play catch up…………..I will be ringing YOU!
XO
Louise Ross says
I panicked for a moment…………thought something evil had befallen Banksy and he was now sausage. So relieved!!!
Love, Weezi
contessa says
NEVER……………most likely we will be “CHECKING OUT ” about the same time so I may ASK for this little guy to go with me!!!!!!!THEY LIVE A LONG TIME!!
XO
Beth Djalali says
What a lovely afternoon spent with your better half, learning new tricks. I’m certain dinner was delightful!
xxoo beth
contessa says
BETTER HALF!YOU have NO IDEA how true that is!I need to get you and YOURS over here for a dinner!!!!!!!I shall be in touch!
XX
Sunday Hendrickson says
Only you would think of giving a sausage class
as a birthday present!
Mon Dieu!
contessa says
NOT ME!
OUR DIVINE NEIGHBORS who ALWAYS GIVE US THE BEST GIFTS!!!!!!!!!
XO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:I will presume that GP possesses a meat grinder with extrusion capability 🙂 or will soon!
We will expect to see similar products at next gathering. Further, we offer ourselves up as guinea pigs to perform a comparative test of those seasonings…
Wondering however… which local butcher do they recommend? for basic parts and material, NOT finished products. Alexander et al have been asking and I have had absolutely NO idea since local “butchers” who advertiser are all selling prepared products. They want to make guanciale etc and need… pig parts. That someone else has raised and fed in a manner which will make it perform as if it were raised by someone’s ancestors in Italy….
What a great birthday gift idea! I;ve never heard of it but clearly Diane was on top of this one!!!
Cheers,
Kay
contessa says
DIANE is at THE TOP of her GAME!
I will ask about to OUR FOODIE FRIENDS…………..there just might be a source!
Sandra Sallin says
What a fun gift. So perfect for Giampiero. I know how he loves to cook. Love the sausage with tomato sauce. Where’s the polenta. I love that also.
Daphne? I guess I was raised by wolves. Never heard of it. I must go to the nursery and ask about it. Bet we don’t have it down here. Just to liven up your blog. Right now I’m sitting at the kitchen table listening to police helicopters circling. Turns out there was a shooting a block away and the police have swarmed all around with guns out and looking for the perpetrator. Excitement but no Daphne! Yummy post. I need to make your recipe for tomato sauce.
contessa says
YOU WILL HAVE DAPHNE……it LIKES SHADE and a POT!
YOU CAN DO THIS ONE!
The smell is D I V I N E!Gets me through FEBRUARY TO the SPRING MONTH!
MY GOODNESS………..I wonder which STAR was the TARGET?Will we read about it in PEOPLE MAGAZINE??I hope HE missed and they TRACK HIM DOWN but NOT IN YOUR YARD!!!YOU already have had enough EXCITEMENT with BUGLERS!!!
XO
Sandra Sallin says
Oops, forgot to mention, wonderful photographs! All of them. Excellent!
contessa says
THAT I PHONE does a good job!
THANK YOU!
Jennifer says
My heart nearly stopped when I saw title and the photo of Banksy!! This looks like something GP would really enjoy. I can’t speak to the subject matter but I do love taking cooking classes. WE NEED TO SCHEDULE LUNCH!!!
XOXO
contessa says
ON IT!
EXPect a call tomorrow!
XO
Celia Becker @ After Orange County says
What a fun, fun thing to do and a perfect birthday gift for your Italian. I will keep this in mind for sure if I ever venture up in that area.
contessa says
TERRIFIC CELIA……….you can HIT the ALAMEDA POINT antique show as well!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
How fun! Now I’m hungry!
contessa says
THAT makes TWO of us!
I’m always HUNGRY…………….XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
GIIIIIIRRRRRLLLLL…………You always AMAZE me!!! I love your post & what is so wierd is that I
I recently made a dish with sausage & when I was cutting off her brine around it (NOW I know what
It is!!) I was wondering what that was !?!?!!
How are YOU??? Any chance for Roma this summer? I am going in June for a few weeks.
May do a cruise to Greece. Have you ever been to Santorini?
Miss ya & would LOVE a chat soon!
Hugs,
Brenda
contessa says
WE are on the same page…………
ROMA and SANTORINI I would SWIM to get there……………..never been to GREECE.TO bad I missed it when the body was swimsuit worthy!I would still enjoy the VISIT!
YOU MUST GO!!
XX
anita@letshavelunch says
Sausage making is so much fun Elizabeth.
I love how you have control on what goes in to them, hence you can dispense with a lot of nasty preservatives and flavourings shop bought ones have.
That was a great gift idea for Giampy.
Ciao Bella
Neat xx
contessa says
YOU are SO RIGHT ANITA.
ALL GLUTEN FREE……………all herbs from the garden and a touch of salt!
We must catch up by phone………..XX
Andrea@WellnessNotes says
What a fun birthday gift!
It’s not too far from us. I may have to check it out!
contessa says
Hope YOU DO!
Then you must continue on to us for a GOOD COFFEE Or LIMONCELLO!
Lillian Plummer says
The heading was almost a heart stopper, cute little, well not so little, Banksy gets to live another day! Phew.
Great photos, making sausages always seems to be a man’s job, no fear here of such activities mine doesn’t even like to barbecue.
Lillian xx
contessa says
OH, I am SO SORRY………….I did not mean to give anyone a SCARE.
If YOU knew me YOU would understand there is NO WAY my animals will be FOOD!Not even the CHICKENS!
I AGREE MAN’S WORK!
XX
Stacie says
What a perfect gift! For him and you! I smiled big while reading this, thinking of you asking and learning and photographing your hubby casing the sausage (had to be hard to act like a grown up at moments). Looks delicious! Do report. (And I love the sweet kitchen trio photo)
contessa says
HOW ARE YOU?
YOUR EARS MUST BE BURNING as WE were talking about you yesterday in class!
SKI BUNNY…….is that how I should refer to YOU from here on out?
It was a GREAT GIFT for GIAMPY and they are TRUELY DELICIOUS………….no additives so I can eat as well.
MY TEAM………always awaiting a BITE!
XX
Doré @ Burlap Luxe says
Oh Beautiful Contessa, I have to say I was fearful you were talking about ” This little piggy goes to market” relieved to see and read different here.
As kids we grew up making sausage my parents had the machines, the grinders and we all chipped in to help! A lost art indeed to mass market machinery.
Your hubby can now add sausage making to his pesto making.
Beautiful team the two of you are.
See you soon dear, I am sure you will cook up something great.
Xx
Dore
contessa says
IT is a LOST ART……….you nailed it!
Not difficult at all……..just need the GRINDER!!
The hubby does MORE then that…….he makes pizza from scratch a two day process, bread once the pizza oven temps go down,beans…………..LIMONCELLO.
Lets just say HE HAS SKILLS IN LA CUCINA!
XX
Catherine says
I’m so happy Banksy will not become a sausage…the photo of your 3 adorable pets is so sweet.
Looks like you had a fun ‘sausage’ day great shots, Contessa!
Have a lovely week…a lot of sausage eating, I guess 😉
xx
contessa says
Over time…………NOT ALL AT ONCE!I wish I had taken a picture of HIS PLATE!!!
XX
Jeanne Henriques says
I can just imagine how exciting it must be to have such a wonderful choice of sausages. Mr. H would be over the moon with a similar gift. The more exotic flavours the better. It looks like you all enjoyed yourselves and that last shot of your Marito, campari in hand, resting after a long day, is perfect. You have very thoughtful neighbours….a great gift!
contessa says
LOVELY TO SEE YOU HERE!
WE DO INDEED have VERY thoughtful neighbors.WE are BLESSED.
Unfortunately they are at the END of the street!Don’t get me started on the ones to the RIGHT!!!
THANKS for your comment!
XX
suzana says
Oh Contessa, this is wonderful. We make our own sausages and prosciutto every year with a host of friends. We also have a smoke house so we smoke all types of meat and fish. Hubby is Romanian and I am Croatian living in country Victoria Australia, we have kept our traditions alive and our girls with their partners come home each year to share in the experience and of course get a freezer full of goodies. Funny, my youngest daughter and I are vegetarians but we still keep the traditions alive for future memories and fun times shared together.
contessa says
HOW WoNDERFUL IS THAT!
DO I FOLLOW YOU ON INSTAGRAM?Are you my SHEEP FARM???
I think I need to come for a visit!!!
XX
suzana borlovan says
No darling I am not your sheep farm, wish I was though. Yes do come for a visit with your marito xxx
contessa says
IF I GET BACK TO AUSTRALIA I will defiantly let YOU KNOW!
THANK YOU!
XXX
Piedmont Pembroke Parent says
Contessa,
This was a great read! You have become a fabulous storyteller with just the right amount of humor and spark. My favorite shot was the one at the end with your three furry friends showing their butts! Loved the dinner photo as well..can almost taste the sausages in tomato sauce!
PPP
contessa says
BUTTS ARE SO CUTE!
SEE YOU TOMORROW!!!!!!!!
XX
Katharine says
Very appropriate apron the tired sausage student is wearing !!
contessa says
I wondered if someone would pick up on that!GOOD EYE!
AT LEAST IT MADE YOU COMMENT!!!!!!!!
APRON GIVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
CIAO BELLA!
XO
Pat says
Reminds me of my childhood. What!!!, you ask. Yes, as a kid I had to help the old Italian grandmother who lived down the street make her sausage. I was always afraid that somehow my fingers would get ground up. Now that I think about it, I must have had a pretty active imagination since my job was holding the casing on the nozzle…nowhere near the grinding mechanism.
contessa says
MEMORIES!!!!!!!!
I’m sure she put the FEAR of LIFE in YOU!!
Maybe I need to give you this class for your BIRTHDAY!!!
XX
Bess says
I adore cooking classes, such fun! But I draw the line at the small intestine details! Hubby looks cute, by the way
contessa says
HE is!!!
Daphne says
Good Afternoon Contessa, Oh my word, when I saw the first photograph I thought ‘Oh no, this little piggy is going to market’ and then when I read on, I realised he was safe.
What a marvellous gift…. my hubby would love to receive a gift like this…. mmm, maybe for the future.
I love the Daphne plant…. the perfume as you say is beautiful and the flowers are so pretty.
Best Wishes to you.
Daphne
contessa says
AND YOU HAVE THE SAME NAME??!!!!!!!!
I hope YOUR GARDEN is FULL of them!
XX
Katie Clooney says
Just showed your post to the MISTER. I can tell… he is GREEN with ENVY. What a fun evening. Love all the PHOTOS!!!!! You always make me SMILE!!!
contessa says
THAT is my INTENTION!
GOOD TO HEAR……..and I’M THRILLED I made the MISTER GREEN!!!!
I’m certain he can do PIROUETTES around our sausages!Especially the sauces!
AS He is a CHEF EXTORDINAIRE!
Julie Russell says
Oh my, how Banksy has grown! Hope the adorable threesome got to taste the homemade sausage. Trying to decide whether to tell Jim about the Sausage Making Experience on the other side of the tunnel. Hmmmm . . .
contessa says
DO IT……..The DESSERT was to DIE FOR!
I GOT THAT RECIPE TOO!
When will YOU be over?
XX
Heather in Arles says
Wow! I love that you did this! Did Giampy enjoy it? Was he talking in itlanio with the host non-stop? I have to say that this is one of the more creative gifts that I have ever seen. And you will be enjoying the benefits of it for months…plus, Banksy is even MORE appreciated than he always has been! What a sweetie. 🙂
Much Love to you,
H
contessa says
NOT MUCH ITALIANO SPEAKING…………BUT YES HE ENJOYED VERY MUCH!
XO
cherie says
My Banksy!! I hope it’s never. I had no idea that the outer covering on sausage is pig intestine…may rethink eating sausage. I find it so fascinating to see how it is done. What a great gift for the Italian husband – so creative Contessa!! BTW how big will Banksy get? XOXO
cherie
contessa says
WE have NO IDEA!
PRAY at one year and one month he is FULL GROWN!
I must get him on a scale……………HOW WILL I ACCOMPLISH THAT?!
XO
bonnie groves poppe says
I’m a new subscriber in Provence, thanks to Heather’s recommendation! The sausage making was great, I remember as a child my mother making ground meat with an old fashioned hand meat grinder. Now I need to find some kind of vintage sausage making machine here, no problem finding good meat as there are still many real butchers in France. Thanks!
contessa says
HI BONNIE!
I recognize your name from the comment section of a few blogs!!!
Yes, that is a GRINDER for meat which I assume we can find NEW!
I do hope YOU get together with OUR friend HEATHER………………
THANK YOU!!!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
My father was a locally famous sausage maker when I was a child. Big mess in our 1926 kitchen, but delicious. So glad the Italian husband is improving on what is likely a naturel talent.
contessa says
ITALIAN HUSBAND wants to know if YOU recall any RECIPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michelle says
This is my first time visiting your blog and I enjoy reading your posts! Such a thoughtful birthday present for someone who loves sausage – great idea and I’m sure he’ll never, ever forget it. The step-by-step pictures you share are fascinating, and the napping photo was a bonus. I have wild boar (“cinghiale”) running through my giardino every damn night in spring and summer, packs of them — and though I don’t eat pork, I’m sure they taste great. Your little Banksy is much cuter though ;)!
contessa says
YOU MUST LIVE IN ITALY??
DO tell………dove?
GRAZIE per la visita!
Leslie Harris says
Omg. Can you hear me laughing through the computer? It started when you saw “Banksy on the wall.” This was such a fun post although I have to say that I had to scroll past some of the photos. I’m to the type that prefers not to know exactly what I’m eating when it comes to sausage. But what a great gift !!!–the older I get the more I value “experiences” as the best presents we can give each other. Nothing better than making those memories together. So how do you top this experience for Valentine’s Day? hahahaa
ps–I Loooooooove the picture of the fur babies on the rug-hmmm not sure if Banksy qualifies as a fur baby but he’s adorable too!
xo
Leslie
foodiefan says
Hello E I read this when you posted it then forgot to comment…..Angus and his brothers along with all the children many years ago learnt how to make sausage from a wonderful Italian man who sadly has since died. We had a big lunchtime family feast with the sausages they had made and a slow roasted suckling pig and I can still remember how delicious it was all these years later. Perhaps on your hunts in the vintage shops you may come across a grinder – my mother had one as she did all her own grinding of meat and sadly I think it has been lost! I don’t think those sausages will last too long in your freezer if you have those boys visiting!!! xo ps love, love, love the smell of daphne!
mysweetiepiepie says
Why Oh Why do we not have anyone offering sausage making classes where I live??? That looks like so much fun!
Fran says
No offense, Dear Contessa, but ,I don’t understand how you can look and Love one piggy ( Banksy) and turn around and eat its brother, so to speak, I remember my parents having chickens and then getting us kids to de-feather them and get them ready for supper. I couldn’t do it! I remember sitting at the table and only eating the rice. I could NOT bring myself to eat those darlings – even though they were raised from chicks for consumption. How does Banksy’s pappa feel about it all?
contessa says
I could NEVER eat BANKSY but I can still eat BACON!IL PAPPA keeps asking when we will cook MISTER BANKSY!!!I say NEVER and of course he is joking!I agree if the animals are pets or on your LAND that would be hard for me too……..