… Healthful Enough to Enjoy!
I don’t eat much processed or pre-packaged meat. I feel the standard brands have too many chemicals, additives, sodium, and definitely too much fat for my liking. I try to avoid sausage, hot dogs, bratwurst, bacon, etc. for this very reason. But once in awhile I’ll get a craving for the flavor of a savory or smoked meat that simply can’t be duplicated in other ways. So I relent momentarily and allow myself a small taste treat to satisfy the craving. Then I return to my habitual ways.
When I became gluten-free and dairy-free, I figured I would have to forego even these momentary indulgences. But recently I was creating a recipe that really needed that certain something only sausage can provide. So I started searching, in hopes of finding a product that would somehow fit within my dietary guidelines. That’s when I came upon Applegate Natural Chicken and Sage Breakfast Sausage, made by Applegate Organic and Natural Meats.
This sausage, as with many of the Applegate Meats, is gluten-free, dairy-free and casein free. And with only 7 grams of fat per 2-link serving, while providing 7 grams of protein, I was satisfied that this sausage fell within my criteria.
I decided to give them a try. Since these links come pre-cooked and frozen, they kept well until I was ready to use them. The directions on the package say re-heating can be done either in the microwave or on the stovetop. I decided to prepare them in the microwave on a paper-towel-lined plate. I love the fact that there was no splattering or greasy residue anywhere while they were heating, or afterward either. And the aroma was a pleasant herbed scent, not one that overpowers the kitchen, as with some higher-fat sausage brands.
Once cooked, I sliced the sausage links into small pieces and added them to the pasta dish I was preparing. The links sliced up evenly, and had a very tender texture. They were juicy and clean looking. By that I mean they didn’t have those little fat pieces throughout the link.
The richness of the savory sausage brought a depth of flavor. There was just the right amount of a smooth coating to the entire dish, without a lingering feel of fat or greasiness. The sage and pepper seasoning was in perfect balance for these chicken-based breakfast links. Applegate Natural Chicken and Sage Breakfast Sausage completely satisfied my craving for that certain something only found in sausage.
Pleasantly surprised with the results of my review of Applegate Natural Chicken and Sage Breakfast Sausage, I am confident that I will be re-visiting these sausages again in the not too distant future … perhaps including them as a hint of savory deliciousness in my Thanksgiving stuffing.
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