La Dolce Vita

Joe made all this apparent with his sense of humor, his generosity and a heart full of love for everyone who crossed his path -- he understood this deeply.

As a matter of fact, it's probably where I learned it.

His charitable spirit and wonderful home created a community of friends and family so relaxed, it was impossible not to be reminded of what life is really supposed to be about whenever you were with him.

It won't be the same without Joe around; this whole community will change as a result of his passing -- but I hope, for the better.

Joe spent most of late summer each year preserving summer tomatoes and making wine, as well as crafting what Italians call salume (preserved meats of every kind).

These sausages were a particular favorite of mine; I even saved some of his soppressata from last year.

And luckily, I learned how to make the sausages while I was researching my second cookbook, Rocco's Italian American and shooting my NBC show "The Restaurant."

I'm sharing the recipe here, so when the spirit fills you like it did my cousin Anna, you can stop and take some time to make something for your family and appreciate the Good Life -- just as my Uncle Joe did.

Uncle Joe's Sausages
Makes: about a dozen links

Sweet fennel sausage hog casing (available at butcher shops)
2 pounds of pork shoulder
1 tablespoon of salt
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup white wine
1 teaspoon fennel seeds

Use natural hog casing to make sausage links: Rinse casing and insides thoroughly with cold water to get rid of excess salt. Submerge casing in fresh underwater overnight. Remove the casing, and drain excess water.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork and all other ingredients and mix well with your hands.

	Tying Off the Links
	Photo: Bill Bettencourt

Using a sausage machine (available online at The Sausage Maker or Dakotah Sausage Stuffer), fill the hog casing with the sausage mix according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use butcher's twine to tie off 3-4 ounce links, each about 4 inches long.

For more info on Rocco DiSpirito, please visit roccodispirito.com or click here to find his cookbooks.

Note: Rocco is shooting his new TV show, and he's looking for people with a dramatic situation in their lives involving food. Worried about that engagement dinner with your picky future mother-in-law? Trying to win back that ex-girlfriend who's still mad at you for cheating on her? Trying to bury the hatchet with that outcast uncle at your family reunion cookout? Rocco wants to help you! Please email with your problem and we will contact you!

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