Homemade Maple-Sage Breakfast Sausage

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Chilling time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

* 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder, lean and fat, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

* 1/4 cup cold water

* 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

* 1 1/2 teaspoons each: salt, minced fresh sage

* 1 teaspoon each: freshly ground pepper, hot sauce

* 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Place the cubed pork on a plate; freeze 10 minutes to firm. Transfer to bowl of food processor, in batches if necessary; pulse until pork is coarsely chopped in pea-sized pieces. Transfer pork to a large bowl; add remaining ingredients. Using hands, combine ingredients until well-blended. Refrigerate until needed, up to 3 days.

Shape into 12 to 16 equal-size patties about 1/2-inch thick. Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook patties, in batches if necessary, until well-browned, about 5 minutes; turn. Cook 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Per serving: 138 calories (38 percent from fat), 6 g fat (2 g saturated), 50 mg cholesterol, 4 g carbohydrates, 17 g protein, 486 mg sodium, 0 g fiber.