For an easy dinner, dress up your ready-made, frozen, or DIY pizza with slices of Dan's Summer Sausage instead of pepperoni for a heartier bite! Just add another couple of minutes to your cook time if cooking a pizza from frozen. Its the easy way to feel satisfied and enjoy elevated flavors with minimal effort!
Want it even more gourmet? Try a with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil and a balsamic drizzle after it comes out of the oven!
YUM!
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
Doing business in our hometown means we have the privilege of watching how the community grows and changes over the years, our business and family included.
]]>The car show sees a massive turnout each year from car owners and car enthusiasts alike. Classic cars, rat rods, souped-up rides, and slammed-down low riders, this show has it all!
Visiting this event each year is a treat for our family and community.
]]>We are happy to partner with and support our local youth in following their passions. Reach out to find out more about fundraising opportunities for youth programs with Dan the Sausageman!
]]>Many wedding favors try to be sweet and thematic, like a packet of seeds reading "let love bloom", or a small heart-shaped bath fizz with a note reading "you make me feel warm and fizzy". But the mistake here is that favors like these are only memorable to certain people; gardeners, and people who like to take long baths.
The key to a memorable wedding favor is giving one that EVERYONE will love.
It is said that the way to someone's heart is through their stomach, and we would agree that this is a great philosophy to have when planning your wedding favors. A local Mustard, spice blend, candy, or other treat is sure to be more memorable to more people since they can take it home with them to enjoy at a later date, and maybe find a new favorite local artisan!
Here is a quote from a wedding guest who received Dan the Sausageman's Sweet-Hot Mustard as a wedding favor:
"I have never had a more memorable wedding favor than Dan's Mustard! A friend got married last summer on Vashon Island in Washington State. She grew up in Seattle but went off to school in NYC and had lived there since. She wanted to give her wedding guests a true taste of the Pacific Northwest, so she chose Dan's Mustard. They were these sweet little glass jars, the perfect size for favors. It was delicious, and the perfect snack for waiting in the ferry line to head home after the wedding!"
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Dan and the Sausageman crew have loved to participate in this event over the years, and recently we began organizing additional neighborhood clean-ups in our downtown area during the spring and summer months. Keep a lookout and give us a wave if you see us out cleaning up litter!
]]>This March we were proud to sponsor the Pooch Playoffs hosted by Clover Laine Photography for a second year. This year's event benefitted our local nonprofit animal shelter, Burien C.A.R.E.S!
For a $99 donation to Burien C.A.R.E.S, 16 contestants received a free photoshoot for their dog and were entered into a bracket-style competition to crown the cutest pup. Contestants also got a goodie bag full of all kinds of surprises from local small businesses, including some of our famous sausage! The winning pup this year was Lucy, and she will go on to compete in the national competition.
While this year's winner was already crowned, make sure you follow Clover Laine Photography to be in the loop for next year's event, and continue supporting your local animal shelter!
]]>We would LOVE to see what you come up with. Share your charcuterie board pictures with us by tagging us on @ShopDantheSausageman on Instagram or Facebook, or email us at info@danthesausageman.com. Happy charcuterie-ing!
]]>Summer Sausage is a favorite in many households, however sometimes we get calls from people wondering what they should do with it. Maybe you'll enjoy it most sliced and paired with cheese and water crackers, but if you're looking to get a little more creative, the skies the limit! Today, we're sharing how to make summer sausage egg muffins. They're easy to make and are a great way to greet the day, packed with protein and vegetables. Here's our recipe, but you can trade out vegetables as you choose.
Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bring saucepan to medium heat, throw in the onion pieces and let cook for about five minutes, throw in the broccoli, cover, and let cook for another three minutes. Turn off heat and let cool.
In a bowl, add your eggs and whisk until consistency is smooth, then add your summer sausage, bell pepper, broccoli and onions, cheese, and sea salt.
Grease inside of muffin pan, and pour even amount in each cup. Keep in mind, these will expand and rise, so don't fill right to the top!
Pop in the oven for 20-25 minutes, and you're done! Enjoy.
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Typically the event is hosted locally at an event space in a traditional Bavarian theme with decorations, raffles, and a sit-down dinner. This was our sixth year working with Highline Schools Foundation, and it certainly looked a little different. The decision was made to safely host the event at the Tin Room, ensuring social distancing and the cleanest environment possible. The event raised $14,000 in support and fed 250 people. It was a record year! The funds raised at this year's event will go benefit "students in areas of classroom innovation, college readiness, arts, and athletics, as well as basic needs such as food, clothing and shoes, and school supplies".
A big thank you goes to the Highline Schools Foundation for all they do in our community! And thank you to the Tin Room staff for making the event possible!
]]>We are committed to providing an excellent experience, and that means a dedication to great customer service and great products. That’s why we love including local products from brands that have the same commitment to excellence. When it came time to select a cheese to include in our gift boxes, there was really only one option for us; Tillamook!
Tillamook strives to make the best cheese there out there, so that food-lovers and cheese-connoisseurs alike, know they can rely on the quality and consistency of their products. They know that part of that mission includes having right and ethical relationships with their farmers, employees, communities, and of course, consumers. They are passionate about making great cheese, so that you can be passionate about enjoying it.
Becky Seals, TCCA Farmer (Photo taken from Tillamook.com)
With over one hundred years of experience in the cheese-making-biz, Tillamook has won award after reward for their great tasting cheese which is free of rBST and artificial growth hormones. They also age their cheese properly, no shortcuts. That sounds like our style!
These are uncertain times. Maybe even our understanding of certainty is being challenged. So, we would like to challenge you to enjoy all of life’s goodness whenever you can, and sometimes that comes in the form of aged-award-winning cheddar cheese in a Dan the Sausageman gift box.
If you’d like to learn more about Tillamook, their history, and their product, click here to be directed to their site.
]]>Dan shared a little about his mom…
What has your mom taught you?
My mom is the most positive person I know. Despite the circumstances, she finds a reason to be happy. She’s taught me to have a good attitude and to find a reason to smile every day.
What do you most admire about your mom?
Her youthfulness. It doesn’t matter how many years pass, my mom stays young. She’s always moving, helping, and working. I can’t keep up with her sometimes! She’ll go for walks, spend time with friends, read, play with her grand kids, and go to work 30 to 40 hours a week!
How do you celebrate your mom?
She doesn’t like to be the center of attention….but we celebrate her anyway! We’ll travel together, make dinner, and spend time with the family. Those are some of her favorites!
How we celebrate all moms?
Be kind. Make time. And say thank you! All these things show you care.
Thank you to all the moms! For what you do for each of us and how you make the world a better place.
]]>We continue to be amazed by the incredible generosity we’ve observed in our own community and feel very grateful for the support we’ve received from customers like you.
Above all, we hope you are safe, healthy, and still enjoying life in the many ways we can.
]]>Currently, we are offering the Bare Essentials Box which we designed and pulled together in response to what’s happening in our country and around the world. It’s the perfect box if you’re going to be stuck at home for a few weeks. We’ve included three sausages, two blocks of cheese, a box crackers, and two varieties of mustard!
Lastly, we just wanted to encourage people to stay positive and continue living, even if you’re confined to your home. Eat good cheese, drink good wine, laugh with friends (even if it’s over the phone), and dance in your kitchen. Let’s keep doing those sensible and human things!
]]>Back in the day, during ski season, Dan would pack up his Dodge Dart and head up to Snoqualmie Pass. “I’d get there early and I’d park where everyone left the ski resort. I’d put my boom box on top of my car and play music. It was so cool”. With Van Halen blasting, he’d fire up his grill and start cooking sausages. Hungry skiers, weary after a long day on the slopes, would pass by, hear the music, and see Dan cooking sausages out of the back of his car. “I’d sell out every time and then they’d tell me they’d be back next week for more”. Can you imagine seeing this today?
Eventually, word got out that some guy was selling sausages at the bottom of the pass and taking business away from the concessions at the resort. Two guys came down from the resort and told Dan the news and that he couldn’t sell there anymore. He packed his grill into the back of his Dart, handed the two fellas each a sausage, and left the mountain.
Dan doesn’t sell sausages out of the back of his car anymore, but he still listens to Van Halen and occasionally reminisces about the Snoqualmie Pass days.
]]>What you'll need:
1 stick unsalted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of salt
2 ounces aged rum
5 ounces hot water
Cinnamon stick for garnish
What to do:
Combine butter, vanilla, sugar, spices, and salt. Mix together well.
In mug, combine rum with one ounce of butter mixture. Top with hot water and cinnamon stick, and enjoy!
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The more the merrier, right? Well, not in all cases. Not necessarily when it comes to hosting a great holiday soiree. More people means more food, means more money. Plus, the more people, the more introductions you have to do, and the more likely people will split off instead of engaging the whole group. Having a smaller group means less work for you and a greater chance of enjoying the evening with your friends. Too few people, and it’s less of a party or soiree and more of an intimate dinner. In all my years of party planning, I’ve decided that 8 to 10 people is the perfect number for a nice holiday soiree. Of course, you can host as many people as you’d like and it could still be a smash. Holiday parties can be a great opportunity to meet new people and get to know existing friends even better. Plus, it can be a sneaky way to introduce singles… if you want to play match-maker! Lastly, when it comes to inviting your guests, you can always suggest a semi-formal attire as this will definitely take your party up a notch or two. Where else am I supposed to where that emerald green sequin dress I got at Nordstrom Rack three years ago? Tis the season to sparkle!
Games can make or break a party. As a host or hostess, there’s nothing worse that the sound of crickets as your guests awkwardly engage in small talk when all they really want to do is leave this lame party. Games loosen everybody up and create hilarious interactions which will make conversation at dinner even easier. A few years ago, I attended a holiday party where the host had come up with some really creative prompts for a game of charades. It was hilarious, and when we weren’t laughing, we were crying (because we were laughing so hard). Plus, a bottle of wine or some holiday cocktails don’t hurt to make the games a little more interesting.
This image is from Half Bake Harvest
One of the things I’ve always admired about my grandmother is her eye for beautiful things. She knows what looks right and how to piece something together. She can arrange a bouquet of Safeway daisies to make them look like they belong on the cover of Town and Country magazine. At holiday parties and family gatherings over the years, she would decorate the house in the most creative, yet simple ways. Nothing was ever gaudy or expensive, but always beautiful and tasteful. One of her go-to tricks was incorporating the seasons greenery she cut from her own backyard. She would gather of evergreen clippings, pine cones, or fallen leaves to decorate the dinner table. Adding simple tea light candles and loose ornaments create an especially festive display. The other great thing about these types of decorations is that they are practically free. You likely have candles and ornaments already stashed away, and if you don’t have festive looking plants in your own backyard, clip some from the nearby park.
This image is from Cotter Crunch Blog
This is your opportunity to really shine. No pressure.
The food to a party is like the icing to a cake. Nobody wants to eat dry tasteless icing, even if the cake is delicious. The trick here is prepping beforehand so you can do as little work as possible once your guests arrive. You can put in as much time as you want here but if you really want to impress, having multiple courses will do just that. Here are some course suggestions for your next holiday soiree:
While the sit-down meal is important, the food you set out beforehand is of equal importance. Guard against hunger rumblings and small talk fatigue by providing salted nuts, summer sausage, cheeses, and some seasonal chocolates. The Northwest Necessities Gift Box should have everything you could need or want in party snacks.
What atmosphere are you trying to create? Is it classy? Is it modern? Is it cheesy? The music will get you there! Pandora and Shopify have many stations you can select to play the whole night. Personally, I will just play Mariah Carey’s all I want for Christmas on repeat, and call it good. But it’s not for the faint of heart and I understand that not everyone will appreciate this musical masterpiece to the same extent. While I am not going to suggest what you should play, I am going to strongly suggest what you should NOT play: The Lord of the Rings soundtrack, hard metal, and Gregorian chants. There is a time and place for all of these, and it’s not at your classy holiday soiree. If you really want to up your music game and create some really classy ambiance, nothing beats the rich sound of vinyl. If you have access to a record player, this would be a great addition to your party!
Well, wrap it up and slap a bow on it; You have a darn good party planned right there. Please comment below if you have any other suggestions I might have missed.
If you’re attending a party and need a great hostess gift, check out our Holiday Gift Guide here! We offer our suggestions for great Meat and Cheese Gift boxes as well as some out-of-the-box gifts.
]]>The holidays are upon us! While many things that come with this time of year are exciting and enjoyable, it also brings its fair share of stressors. Gift buying shouldn’t be one of them! We love crafting unique and quality gifts that people love to receive. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to get the person who has everything. With a meat and cheese gift basket, you don’t have to worry! You can never have too many tasty treats.
Here are some of our gift recommendations for the holidays:
Holiday Tubelicious
At Dan the Sausageman, we like to think outside of the box. You should too with your gift buying! The Holiday Tubelicious is a festive twist on one of our classics, and we know it will make a great gift for anyone this season. It’s packed full of quality food and comes in a candy cane tube that will delight anyone when it arrives on their doorstep.
Yukon
This classic Meat and Cheese Gift box is a favorite among loyal Dan the Sausageman fans. It includes everything you could want in a food gift box all within a budget. This is a great option for anyone on your gift list.
Northwest Necessities
We like this one because it’s name is near and dear to our hearts. We pride ourselves in our Pacific Northwest roots and this says it all with Seabar Sockeye Salmon, Seattle Chocolate Truffles, our Dan the Sausageman Sausage, and so much more!
Silver Star
Our first ever Meat & Cheese Gift Basket and packaged in a branded pine box, this gift is the epitome of class and tradition. In has been one of our most popular boxes over the years so we feel confident that anyone would be thrilled to receive it has a holiday gift.
]]>The man who has everything….AKA dad or granddad
With so many special events like anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas, Hanukah, and Father’s Day, it’s hard to be creative and thoughtful with every gift. How do you get a gift for the guy who has everything?? You can only give your grandfather so many pairs of slippers, right? Time to mix things up for this tale as old as time. We recommend our classic Dan’s Favorite. It’s loaded with summer sausage, cheese spread, smoked salmon, honey roasted peanuts, mustard, water crackers, chocolate truffles, and dark chocolate cherries!
Bob from Accounting
You don’t know Bob very well but you feel safe assuming he occasionaly does eat. So a thoughtfully packaged box of tasty treats is practically a guaranteed win. It might go so well that he decides to increase your department budget for next year. This could be the greatest investment you’ve made this year. We suggest going with the Yukon for Bob. It’s a tasteful and high-value box packed full of summer sausage, cheddar cheese, honey roasted peanuts, mustards, and chocolate truffles!
The poor college student: Ramen Rick
This individual is all too familiar with Ramen noodles and appreciates nothing more than receiving a care package in the mail from a thoughtful family member. We recommend the Tubelicious for this guy. It creative and fun packaging is sure to impress, plus he’ll score some new apparel! Each box comes with a Dan the Sausageman t-shirt.
]]>30 years later and the business is still family owned and run. With a small team, which includes his mom, Chirlee, and nephew, Kyle, Dan the Sausageman still creates unique and top-quality gift boxes. As the business has grown throughout the years and gained popularity especially within the local community, Dan still depends on relationship-building and quality customer service to set his brand apart from the other guys.
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