By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published May 22, 2019 at 6:01 PM

Nothing says summer (or tailgating) better than a grill piled high with fresh sausages. And who knows sausages better than the makers themselves?

In this episode, we chat with Mark Maciejewski and Jeff Marquardt of Milwaukee Sausage Co., local makers of hand-crafted sausage, about what makes these encased meats such a quintessential part of the Midwestern diet.

During our chat, we discuss the origins of Maciejewski’s Polish sausage recipe, glean insights into what it takes to build a truly delicious sausage and discuss tips and tricks for prepping, grilling and holding sausages. Along the way, we take a fascinating detour into the world of German sausage vernacular and somehow meander into an impromptu discussion about Star Wars. And yes, we attempt once again to solve the age-old question: Is a hot dog (or sausage) a sandwich?

Listen in!

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Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.