If your Joe's Kielbasa spice mix is from boykjo, I'm not surprised it is the best sausage you've ever had! His sausage posts are amazing.
Your smoked kielbasa looks great! What % of fat did your ground chuck have?
I didn't add any fat.... In fact I trimmed all the "outer" fat on the roasts as it looked funky.... I buy all the roasts/steaks they mark down 30-50% in the "Butchers Special on Sale" day old bin... vac-pack and freeze until I get enough to run a batch.. I had 6 packs to grind...
After I made smoked kielbasa, somebody on the forum suggested making SolarYellow's pork shots if there was any leftover kielbasa. I haven't tried this recipe yet, but there are lots of glowing comments on it and I'm planning to try it sometime. It doesn't sound like you'll have any leftover kielbasa either, but if you do you might be interested in this post. Just the title makes it worth a look!
I've made Joel's Kielbasa Shots and they are very good.... Joe's Kielbasa is sooooooo good, I'm afraid to adulterate it.... With the garlic and Jalp addition it is AWESOME... Lip smacking good plain.... Can't put it in the refer, leave it on the counter and keep going back to cut off a few slices good.... I did vac-pack some so it will be there for the Hawks game...maybe..
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...pork-caramel-candy-the-ultimate-panty-dropper
Thanks for sharing, Dave! Have a great day!
Clarissa