Breakfast on Christmas morning has always been a family affair at our house. This year we took that concept to a new level, welcoming delectable pork sausages from Jennings Premium Meats to the table. Located in New Franklin, Missouri, this award-winning charcuterie was started in 1954 by Oscar “Pop” Jennings. His wife, Marvel Struchtemeyer Jennings, was my grandmother’s first cousin and my link to the sausages.

Now in its 61st year, Oscar’s grandson (and my 3rd cousin) Jason currently runs the establishment. He and his father, Keith, are highly respected in the field of meat processing, both having served as past presidents of the Missouri Association of Meat Processors. (This same organization welcomed Keith into its Hall of Fame.) But hogging the national spotlight is Jason, who earned the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) Accomplishment Award in 2000. He later served as the president of this national organization in 2006.

We had not set out to visit Jennings Premium Meats last week when we happened upon them on our way to visit another cousin. It was a happy accident indeed. And I see myself returning there next year to stock up on sausage links and Pop’s authentic bacon-flavored snack sticks. Perhaps then I’ll be more convincing as to why I should get the family discount!

Incidentally, many of their products can be ordered online at www.jenningspremiummeats.com

Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relation: 1st cousin, 2x removed
Common ancestors: Marvel’s grandparents, Henry Simon and Friederieke (Duewel) Duesenberg, are my 2nd great grandparents

Reference:
http://www.meatpoultry.com/Writers/Other%20Contributors/Premium%20profits.aspx?cck=1