Sausage – The Anticipated Taste of Home Every New Year【滇西小哥】 (1)

It sounds like you're referring to a dish prepared by 滇西小哥 (Dianxi Xiaoge), a popular YouTuber known for showcasing traditional Chinese recipes, particularly from the Yunnan region. Her videos often capture the heartwarming essence of traditional cooking and the connection to family and home, especially during festive times like the New Year.

### **Sausage – A Symbol of New Year's Taste**
In many parts of China, making sausages is a cherished tradition during the New Year season. It's not just about the food itself but also the process of preparation, which often involves the whole family and symbolizes togetherness, prosperity, and welcoming the new year.

Here’s a general overview inspired by her style:

#### **Ingredients:**
- Fresh pork (usually a mix of lean meat and fat)
- Salt
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
- Baijiu (Chinese white liquor) for preservation and flavor
- Spices (star anise, Sichuan pepper, chili powder, or other regional spices)
- Natural casings (washed and prepared)

#### **Preparation Process:**
1. **Meat Preparation**:
- Cut the pork into small, even pieces or mince it coarsely for a traditional texture.
- Season the meat with salt, sugar, soy sauce, and the chosen spices. Add a splash of baijiu for flavor and to help preserve the sausage.

2. **Stuffing the Sausage**:
- Using natural casings, carefully stuff the seasoned meat mixture. Avoid air pockets by gently pressing the filling and tying off sections to form individual sausages.

3. **Drying**:
- Hang the sausages in a well-ventilated area, ideally outdoors where they can be exposed to sunlight and cool, dry air. This step allows the flavors to develop and the sausages to cure naturally.

4. **Cooking or Storing**:
- Once cured, the sausages can be cooked directly by steaming, frying, or adding to stir-fries. They can also be stored for later use.

#### **Why It’s Special**:
- The process of making sausages is steeped in tradition and family values, especially in regions like Yunnan.
- The flavors are unique to each family, with secret recipes passed down through generations.
- These sausages often evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and are a taste of home that everyone looks forward to during the New Year.