Cumberland Sausage Rolls

Have you ever made your own sausage?  It's actually easier than you would think, and since you're making it yourself, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste.  This recipe is from the mystery book series "Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter" by Susan Wittig Albert.  I recommend the books as a fun read, and there are lots of recipes in the back of each one.  My kids loved this recipe, and I'll definitely be making it again!

Cumberland Sausage Rolls
Recipe by Susan Wittig Albert

Ingredients:
1 lb ground pork (or turkey or chicken)
1 egg
3-4 T dry breadcrumbs
1 tsp dry sage
1/2 tsp dry thyme
1/2 tsp dry savory or tarragon
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 T oil
Pie pastry, enough for 2 pies (see recipe below)

Mix pork, egg, breadcrumbs, and herbs.  Divide the mixture into 4 parts, then divide each part into 4 parts so you have 32 equal pieces.  Roll sausages into 4-inch-long cigar shapes.  Heat oil in skillet over medium or medium-high heat.  Fry sausages until nicely browned.  Set aside to cool.

Roll out half pastry into a circle 1/8" thick.  Cut into 16 wedges.  Place a sausage at the wide end of a wedge and roll up.  Place point-side down on a baking sheet.  When 16 rolls have been completed, roll out second pastry and repeat directions.  Refrigerate rolls until just before you're ready to eat, then bake at 400F for 15 minutes, or until pastry is lightly browned.  Serve immediately.

Pie Pastry
Makes enough for 2 pies

2 1/2 cups flour (you can include up to 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour if desired)
1/2 tsp salt
8 T cold butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick), cut into small pieces 
4 T shortening or lard
6-8 T ice water

Place flour and salt in a food processor.  Process to combine.  Add butter and shortening and process until mixture resembles a coarse meal.  Add 6 T ice water, process until dough comes together.  If dough doesn't come together, add more water a teaspoon at a time.  Divide dough into two equal pieces and wrap each in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 10-15.  Roll and bake as directed.