THE SAUSAGE MAKER Johanna O'Brien

150 years ago, Irish farmer Johanna O’Brien created a secret recipe for black pudding. Today, her sausage is beloved by Michelin-star chefs across the world (and the recipe is still secret!)

Join Katie on location at ⁠Clonakilty Blackpudding⁠ in Cork, to hear about a penniless girl who survived the Great Famine, built a thriving farm, and in her sunset years, created one of Ireland’s iconic flavors.

⁠Here⁠ is a charming vintage documentary on Irish farming life.

Johanna with daughter MaryAnn, and two more generations

The remains of Johanna O’Brien’s house
photo by Katie Nelson

Katie at Johanna’s house
photo by Marc Nelson

The view from Johanna O’Brien’s house
photo by Katie Nelson

Johanna O’Brien in the Clonakilty Blackpudding Museum
photo by Katie Nelson

Antique bits from Spiller and Co Spice Shop
photo by Katie Nelson

Old recipe for black pudding from flabour.ie

Michael Collins’ trail marker at Johanna’s house
photo by Katie Nelson

Katie at the ruins of Michael Collins’ house
photo by Marc Nelson

Guardians of the Secret Recipe
photo from Clonakilty Blackpudding

Original Clonakilty Blackpudding logo in a pub
photo from Clonakilty Blackpudding

Colette Twomey, the keeper of the recipe today
photo from Clonakilty Blackpudding

Clonakilty black and white pudding
photo from Clonakilty Blackpudding

Music featured in this episode included

Andy Reiner and Jon Sousa’s ⁠Canyon Sunrise⁠, The Parting Glass by Audionautix, and other music from Halfpelican⁠, Kevin MacLeod, and Jesse Gallagher.