Introducing Michael, My 10 Year Old Wurstmeister - Participating in Charcutepalooza's June 2011 Challenge

My 10 year old son Michael is pictured here making basic Italian Pork Sausages.  While sausage making isn't normally the domain of most 10 year olds, my son has fallen in love the craft.   He sees the value in making something this delicious and nutritious with his own hands.

Part of his enthusiasm may be attributed to the fact that his father is a well seasoned butcher.  Or he may be influenced by the fact that I'm a chef. Either way, it seems natural that he would want to follow in his parent's footsteps.  We encourage his creativity and are amazed at how much he's learned in such a small amount of time.

For the last two years Michael has been working his way through Michael Ruhlman's book, Charcutrie.  Initially it was with a lot of hand holding as you might imagine.  However, as time has gone by, he's needed less and less help.

While it was an investment to procure all the necessary equipment to make the glorious salumi and hunks of meat that hang in our curing room, it's also been rewarding to say the least.

The Italian pork sausage Michael is shown making is one of the very first recipes he mastered over a year ago. He was very keen on participating in Charcutepalooza's June 2011 Stuffing Challenge.  Below, please find his finished product.