After about 6 months of research I finally decided the time has come. (I've been dying to try my new stuffer out!) I've tried several different recipes for summer saussage. They all came out on the 'bland' side of the flavor spectrum. I read many posts and considered several different recipes to try my hand at snack sticks and decided to try Greg's Spicy Sticks recipe. I stayed true to the recipe other than adding a pinch a bit more cayenne and crushed pepper. I used 8.8 LBS Venison and 1.5 LBS Beef Fat. I have to say I am very impressed with the way they turned out. They have just the right amount of flavor and have that 'snap' when you bite into them. I put them in the smoker at just after 4PM and they hit 152 at 5:30 AM, I was surprised they took as long as they did, but as we all know - they are done when they are done.
I wasn't sure wheather to cut them prior to smoking/cooking or after, so I did them both ways. I don't think there is any difference at all, I was afraid of the ends getting too dried out, but that never happened.
Many thanks to Greg for the recipe, Nepas & Habs for the many posts they replied to. You all helped without ever knowing it!
Here's the pic's of the story. . .
Getting ready for the daily grind. .
(http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae296/indysmoker/Snack%20Sticks/IMG_1987.jpg)
(http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae296/indysmoker/Snack%20Sticks/IMG_1989.jpg)
Looks like a good mix
(http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae296/indysmoker/Snack%20Sticks/IMG_1990.jpg)
Stuffer's initial run
(http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae296/indysmoker/Snack%20Sticks/IMG_1991.jpg)
Getting Closer
(http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae296/indysmoker/Snack%20Sticks/IMG_1995.jpg)
Closeup of cooking
(http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae296/indysmoker/Snack%20Sticks/IMG_1997.jpg)
Smoker setup
(http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae296/indysmoker/Snack%20Sticks/IMG_1996.jpg)
(http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae296/indysmoker/Snack%20Sticks/IMG_1998.jpg)
They look very good. I tried some jerky that Rick made using Greg's spicy stick recipe and it was great.
Kirby
Yub looks like you got a winner there. They sure look good.
Mighty fine, mighty fine.
I also cut my sticks to length before smoking,,,,, you can get more in the smoker and after you rotate a few times there all done at the same time with no burnt/dried out ends.
That's some mighty fine looking vittles you made there Indy.
You did get my address didn't you? :D
Nice work!
The sticks look great Indy. I also now add more heat to them, that is a basic recipe I came up with and can be modified for your own tastes. Most of the guys at work loved them as is but I like more heat. :)
Snack stixs look really good and the job you did making them is killer for sure...
Nice sticks there Indy ;D