Let the Sausaging begin!

Greetings from Oxford, everyone, & welcome to our blog!  Don't you like the name?  There's actually a variety of sausage here called the Oxford.  I attempted to purchase one a few weeks back, but was stymied by a supply shortage at M. Feller Son & Daughter in the Covered Market.  I couldn't very well leave empty-handed, so I accepted a couple of Cumberland Sausages as a consolation prize, which fried up nicely with some onions, bell peppers, & a bottle of Old Peculier. 

Tubular, meaty goodness

Unlike the Cumberland Sausage, the original Oxford Sausage did not come in casing.  The ground meat, breadcrumbs, & herbs were molded into a link by hand, then carefully fried to keep the shape intact.  In my research & shopping around, I've seen a number of cased versions for sale, but most recipes out there instruct the traditional technique.  Perhaps I should try whipping up some for myself?

Meanwhile, FLM has introduced me to a delicious vegetarian link from Cauldron.  My experiences with veggie 'meats' before now were not overwhelmingly positive, so I approached Cauldron's Linconshire sausages with a measure of reserve.  It was all for nought.  The Lincolnshire sausages are delectable.  Whether they're available in America or not, I don't know, but for any of you looking to reduce your pork intake (perish the thought!), keep an eye out.  These are best consumed with a slop of Colman's Mustard, which is England's take on wasabi paste.

the British Uncle Sam, who's called Hooray Henry

Have you noticed that each of the aforementioned sausages is named after an English place?  I wonder if every region of this country boasts its own banger?  More on that at a later date.  

Fi & I are headed to Scotland this wknd for Fiona and Matt's (henceforth to be referred to as FMMC) wedding at Blair Castle.  We've rented a miniature European car, which we'll pick up this afternoon and drive to Carlisle, where we're lodging tonight.  Just outside Carlisle stands Hadrian's Wall, a Roman rampart that spans the width of the island, formerly a dividing line between England & Scotland.  You'll recognize this part from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves: 

Is there no sun in this cursed country?!

After we've had a stomp around the wall tomorrow morning, Fi & I'll finish the drive up to Pitlochry, where we're booked for the remainder of the wknd.  Cumulatively, the journey shouldn't amount to more than 8-9 hours, easily manageable in one stretch, but I'm pretty excited about pit-stopping for a hike.

Happy St. Patty's Day!