Summer sausage casing question

[Doug b]

Hi again. I purchased a summer sausage kit, for10# of meat from Butcher and Packer. It came with four mahogany casings, am I to assume each holds apx. two and a half pounds? But my main question is, I guess, is it doesnt say if they are pre stuck, and I dont see any holes in them. Do i need to take a pin and poke some holes before, or during the stuffing process? Am I correct that the idea is to let air out when stuffing? How can I tell if they are prestuck, as the ordering info didnt say. Thanks in advance, you guys have been a big help to me before. Doug in Pa.

 

[JC in GB]

What S stayhot said....

JC

 

[Steve H]

S stayhot nailed it. If you feel a void after stuffing. Then prick it if you have already tied it or closed with hog rings. If still open. Then compress the filling.

 

[Doug b]

Thanks guys. I made it last week had to cut the 24 " casings down so they would fit in my smoker. I used hickory chips, and i couldn't believe how this turned out. Perfect texture and taste, just some of the best food I think Ive ever eaten. Took a little longer then I hoped had to turn up the heat a bit towards the end. Next time ill start ealier in the day. I added a couple three ounces of pepper jack high temp cheese. Yum