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Mama's Sausage Pecan Balls

Created by TxGriffLover on October 24, 2011

1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons shortening (solid vegetable shortening, preferably Crisco, at room temperature)
8 ounces pork sausage (raw, mild)

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F.
Step 2: Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper.
Step 3: Place the pecans in the work bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade.
Step 4: Pulse until chopped, but not too finely, then remove to a bowl and set aside.
Step 5: Replace the blade with the grating disc and grate the cheese, then remove to a second bowl and set aside.
Step 6: Switch back to the metal blade.
Step 7: To make the sausage mixture, in the same bowl of the food processor (no need to clean it), combine the flour, baking powder, salt and cayenne pepper.
Step 8: Pulse to combine.
Step 9: Add the shortening and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal
Step 10: Add the grated cheese and the sausage and pulse until well combined.
Step 11: Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
Step 12: Add the reserved pecans and, using your hands, press the dough together until well combined (The dough will be very crumbly).
Step 13: To form the balls, using a small ice cream scoop and your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 14: Bake until browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 15: Remove to a rack to cool.
Step 16: Serve immediately.