2 1/2 pounds boneless pork butt cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 pound pork fat cut into pieces
1/4 cup Essence (recipe follows)
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon file powder
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Combine the pork, pork fat, Essence, paprika, garlic, black pepper, salt, file, chili powder, red pepper, and cumin in a large bowl and mix well. Pass through a food grinder fitted with a coarse die. (Alternately, transfer in 2 batches to a food processor and process until finely ground.) Transfer to a large bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. To test the seasoning, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a small skillet, and cook about 2 teaspoons of the mixture. Adjust seasoning, to taste. Using the sausage attachment on a mixer, stuff the meat into the casings, if being used. Twist and tie off to make 4-inch sausages. Alternately, shape into patties. Preheat a home smoker to 250 degrees. Smoke the sausage for 1-1/2 hours. Remove from the smoker and use as desired.

ESSENCE:
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.