Getting ready for more hogs around here means getting a pen ready!

We’ve been cleaning up a larger area and adding plenty of brush, old hay and other things the hogs can root around in and enjoy. There’s always something to clean up, move around or prepare when you’re working with livestock!

And since we’re talking hogs… how about a simple, hearty meal using **fresh ground sausage**?

Have you tried ours yet?

### Sausage & Cheese Pasta

I love my cast iron pots and Dutch ovens for everyday cooking. They’re workhorses in the kitchen!

Start by frying your fresh ground sausage until nice and crisp. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

In the same pot, add:

• 1 stick butter

• ½ cup flour

• About 1½ pounds shredded cheese — I used **sharp cheddar and mozzarella**, and it was a really good combination of flavor and smoothness.

On low heat, mix the butter and flour quickly to make a gravy-like base. Slowly add milk — about a quart, give or take — stirring as you go.

Keep stirring slowly as it heats and thickens. Once everything is incorporated and the cheese is melted, turn off the heat.

Have your pasta cooked ahead of time. I like to toss it with a little olive oil or butter so it doesn’t stick.

Add the pasta to your cheese sauce, stir in that crispy sausage, and you’re done!

Simple ingredients. A good farm-raised sausage. A big pot. And dinner is ready.

That’s pretty much how we like to do things around here.