It was a full day of making soppressata, salsiccia and capocollo on Saturday.  It was a regular salumificio around here!  Add to that my mamma’s cooking,  a little homemade wine and quattro chiacchiare and it equals a good time! In about a month, we’ll be able to taste the fruits of our labor.

Click here for more details on making Italian cured meats.

I’ve received a lot of emails regarding making homemade soppressata over the last few years.  Some people just want me to hand over the recipe, others ask advice and some just want to chat because they make homemade soppressata too.  I appreciate all the emails… so keep them coming.

Here are a few things I need to clarify about Soppressata:

• Yes, Calabresi make the best Soppressata… listen, Calabresi don’t claim to make the best mozzarella di bufala or the best pizza or the best wine.  CALABRESI MAKE THE BEST SOPPRESSATA.
• Timing is everything… there’s a reason why we make it in the winter months (no flies, less humidity)
• Air pockets in your salumi are NOT good.  Make sure to poke your salumi with a toothpick or similar sized object to get the air out when your making them.  Those nets shown above also help push out any air trapped inside and squeeze the meats as they cure.
• There is no substitute for real casings… if it grosses you out, think about becoming a vegetarian.
• I have never purchased a soppressata that has even come close to a homemade soppressata (my father’s, uncles, other Italians.) Store bought soppressata is over-priced and overall not good.  If you don’t agree, send me one and I’ll do an honest review and hold a blind taste test…. I’ll even put your logo on Italyville for a month if I’m wrong.

On another note: Thanks to everyone who participated in the Olive Oil Shop giveaway.  I picked the winner using a random number generator and the winner is… Liz from Life in la Citta’ De Rosas. Congrats Liz!  For everyone else, there is still time to get 25% off your order at oliveoilshop.com by entering promo code: Italyville during checkout until March 15th so head on over and get some olive oil (make sure it’s Italian!) Keep checking back for more giveaways coming soon on Italyville and don’t forget to follow Italyville on Facebook and Twitter.