Sausage Balls

I think every family has a lot of food traditions associated with Christmas. Sausage Balls come from our southern family tradition. They are often made at other occasions because everyone loves them so much, but they ALWAYS show up during the holidays. This is one of the recipes that made it into the family tome I was gifted when I married Keith, and we have definately assimilated it into our Boston Christmastime. 

Everyone gets in on the cooking at Christmas. The cousins made Chex Mix 

The recipe is very simple and it is great for involving the little family members because you have to use your hands to get it right. (also a good time to teach about not eating raw meat, handwashing etc...) We usually use hot sausage but you can use any sausage you enjoy. Traditionally, this recipe is made with Bisquick, but it works fine with any all-purpose baking mix. I recently used the Trader Joe's all-purpose pancake and waffle mix. It worked great. 

Sausage Balls

Ingredients:

1 pound of hot ground pork sausage

2 cups baking mix (pancake or biscuit)

1 pound sharp shredded cheddar cheese 

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven 350 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl combine all ingredients. Knead everything together until it is fully incorporated. When you start there will be a collection of mix and cheese that rests in the bottom of the bowl. Keep turning the sausage, pressing it into the mix and kneading until all of it is combined into one large sausagey dough.

3. roll the dough into one-inch balls, and arrange on a baking tray. 

4. Bake 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the sausage is cooked through.

5. Try to let them cool before everyone eats them all.