On May 11, 3:08*pm, Goomba38 > wrote:
> Sheldon wrote:
>
> * One of those little coffee bean whizzers will handle a few
>
> > bay leaves easily, crumble them first... be sure they're whizzed to a
> > fine powder, you don't want anyone choking on any sharp bits. *I
> > seriously doubt dried bay leaves can be ground with a mortar and
> > pestal, you'll grind the pestle to a nub first...
>
> I'd rather not buy ground if I already have whole and can grind them
> (somehow!) myself. I just dislike the redundancy of owning both, y'know?

But you've already admitted you don't have the equipment to grind them
yourself.
Yes it's redundant but you're better off being redundant than having
the wrong thing in your sausage. Bay leaf is one of those things that
can be dangerous if it's not ground fine enough.
Someone's suggestion of buying the ground bay leaf from Badia was a
good one. You can most likely pick up a little pouch of it, for under
$1. Even if you're stuck buying a small jar....$2. Not a huge
investment and you will find uses for it.

Why waste your time with a recipe if you're not going to make it the
way you should? When the right ingredient costs so little, it doesn't
make sense to skimp. It's not like you have to go far to find it or go
to any great lengths. Badia brand spices are available wherever Latino
or Mexican groceries are sold. It's so simple. Just buy it pre ground.
It will take much less effort than the great debate between "mortar/
pestle or coffee grinder?", and certainly much less effort than
grinding it yourself once you settle the debate.