scaling the precipice like a couple of mountain goats

My fiancé and I recently took a trip up north into Maine. Neither of us had been to the Pine Tree State before and were eager to see some moosen take in some awesome sights...and perhaps a bite or 50 of lobster.

One of the highlights of our trip was Acadia National Park. It was there that we hiked the most difficult trail I've ever attempted, the Precipice Trail. There were several sections that were completely vertical, where our only aids were metal bars protruding from the rocks. It was extremely challenging and though it took a lot out of both of us, the pride and sense of accomplishment we felt upon reaching the top will never be forgotten.

Did I mention the view? Totally worth the whole risking-your-life thing.

There were several cairns along the trail to guide the hikers, and I thought they were especially cool since they were shaped like A's (for Acadia, don't ya know!). That's my segue into these sausage balls, properly presented, in honor of our awesome trip. I took them to an early morning tailgate and they were enthusiastically eaten. If you feel that they're a little dry (and they might be), consider making a dipping sauce. I made this honey mustard dipping sauce and it turned out well.

Pig Balls Sausage Bites
Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground sausage (pork is preferred)(the spicier, the better)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or jack cheese
• 2 cups self-rising flour

Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients until thoroughly combined--your hands are the best tool for this, and it does take a while.
Roll the mixture into equally sized balls about the size of a walnut but no bigger than a golf ball.
Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees F until the tops are golden brown, about 20 minutes, making sure not to burn the bottoms.