Fennel Sausage

Name: Fennel Sausage
Yield: makes 5 pounds
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons fennel seeds; 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder; 1 pound pork fatback; 3 tablespoons finely chopped garlic (about 10 large cloves); 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons hot paprika; 1 tablespoon fennel pollen (see page 19); 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 3/4 cup ice water

January 26, 2012

We use this sausage on our Fennel Sausage, Panna, and Scallions pizza (page 144), Meat Lover’s pizza (page 136), and to make our most popular pasta, Orecchiette with Fennel Sausage and Swiss Chard (page 180). It’s easy to make and keeps well in the freezer. As our longtime sous chef Erik Black used to say, “Making sausage is like making chicken stock. It takes the same amount of time to make a big batch, so why wouldn’t you? You know you’ll end up using it.”

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.