Been wanting to try snack sticks and finally got the pieces together (1/2 inch tube and 16mm collagen). Instead of ordering a mix on-line, I figured I'd do just as well with something from here on the forum. Went with a beef stick from Big Casino from a post back in 2012. Meijer had ground chuck for $2 something a lb., so I got 5# and ran it through the small plate on my grinder
Mixed it up and let it rest overnight
I thought I'd get a last cheese smoke in while it's still semi-cold out.
Got up this morning and vac sealed the cheese. Got a full fridge now
Now it was time for the stix. Since I'd heard what a PITA working with a 1/2" tube was (Cranky Buzzard) and how sub par LEM stuffers are (AK), I added a little cold water to the mix. Turns out it wasn't needed at all. I let them air dry a little longer. My first try with collagen.
Since the Mrs. was home, I couldn't hang them on the chairs to dry, so I rigged something up
After drying for a couple of hours, into the smoker they went
Really really windy today. Had a hard time keeping the torch lit to get the Amazn tube going! A few hours later and they're red and pretty at 130 IT.
Threw them in the oven at 180 for about 10 minutes till they hit 160 IT and gave them a cold bath. Now they're hung on my custom drying rack waiting to go in a brown paper bag 'til tomorrow, when I'll cut them up. Pics to come.
What a nice weekend ..
:sausage:
Threw them in the oven at 180 for about 10 minutes till they hit 160 IT and gave them a cold bath. Now they're hung on my custom drying rack waiting to go in a brown paper bag 'til tomorrow, when I'll cut them up. Pics to come.
What a nice weekend ..
:sausage: