Report from my first attempt at Sausage Making...
First, I'm using Collagen Casings. After filling, I wanted to twist into links every 10" or so. I know to alternate direct of twist every link, but was frustrated that the links would untwist almost immediately after I released.
Thinking I was not twisted enough I increased the number of twists from three, to five. With expected results. (they blew out).
Next I assumed I had overfilled. So with the blow outs, I filled the next links with less tension. Improvement, but still unraveled about a third of the time.
Experimentation showed that when twisting just one, and setting down on counter, it would untwist, even without further handling.
Possible contributing factor: I made an error when mixing and forgot to add the 10% water the recipe called for. Could the blend be too stiff? ...or will this merely result in a dry sausage? Smoking tomorrow, so wish me luck.
Note: Next time I will set out all ingredients ahead of time. Hopefully seeing the cup of water sitting there still full will be a reminder.
Suggestions?
First, I'm using Collagen Casings. After filling, I wanted to twist into links every 10" or so. I know to alternate direct of twist every link, but was frustrated that the links would untwist almost immediately after I released.
Thinking I was not twisted enough I increased the number of twists from three, to five. With expected results. (they blew out).
Next I assumed I had overfilled. So with the blow outs, I filled the next links with less tension. Improvement, but still unraveled about a third of the time.
Experimentation showed that when twisting just one, and setting down on counter, it would untwist, even without further handling.
Possible contributing factor: I made an error when mixing and forgot to add the 10% water the recipe called for. Could the blend be too stiff? ...or will this merely result in a dry sausage? Smoking tomorrow, so wish me luck.
Note: Next time I will set out all ingredients ahead of time. Hopefully seeing the cup of water sitting there still full will be a reminder.
Suggestions?