BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Smoking Techniques => Sausage Making => Topic started by: Kevin A on July 10, 2011, 08:53:04 AM

Title: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: Kevin A on July 10, 2011, 08:53:04 AM
After all the sausage I've been making lately, my sons were wondering WHEN I was going to make some slim-jims or beef sticks?
So I ordered a few mixes from AC Legg. I had on-hand some 19mm colored collagen casings so onward.....

Simple set up & ingredients. Got an early start this cool morning, about 5:00 am....
I decided to make two small (5lb) batches on the snack stick mix; one regular flavor, the other BBQ:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/TheMix.jpg)

Two 5lb bags of beef I cut up the night before, partially frozen:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/10lbs_beef.jpg)

First grind using the 4.5mm plate on the cabela:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/1stGrind.jpg)

Since these were small loads I mixed by hand ('old-school'):
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/two_meats.jpg)

All mixed & ready for one final grind:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/two_meats_mixed.jpg)

Final grind through my new 3.0mm plate:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/2nd_grind.jpg)

I used the cabela grinder 'speed stuffer' attachment (designed for diameters less than 20mm) for stuffing these sticks. I usually use the Kirby Cannon for bigger loads—10lbs+ but this method worked out pretty well for a first time.
I ran out of the 19mm collagen casing near the end so grabbed a couple of collagen rings to make two larger sausages:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/stix_stuffed.jpg)

By 7:30 am, they're loaded in the smoker. Plan was to do 2-3 hours of hickory with a progressive increase in the temps:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/stix_hung.jpg)

One hour in...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/1_hoursmoke.jpg)

After nearly four hours,almost noon, the IT reaches 160° so out they come.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/stix_done.jpg)

The larger 'rings' are still hovering around 145° so they still need some more time. They are picking up some nice color.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/rings.jpg)

About an hour later, they hit the 160° mark and I pull them to bloom.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/rings_done.jpg)

Sample time: My sons all tried the sticks & the feedback I'm getting is very good! Real nice texture to the sticks, just the right amount of saltiness. Casings have a good snap. The BBQ is probably my favorite of the two.
All these will sit in my fridge overnight and tomorrow I'll decide how I'll store these stix.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/stix_cut.jpg)

I'm very happy with the results! Considering my last two sausage-making fiascos, I'm glad to have a winner!

—Kevin



Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: Caribou on July 10, 2011, 09:41:19 AM
Hi Kevin,
Those look fantastic!
Great pictures, too.
Carolyn
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: ghost9mm on July 10, 2011, 10:18:19 AM
Really nice Kevin, I just may have to make some up, between my 2 sons and granddaughters they eat things like this as fast as we can make it...lol
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: Kevin A on July 10, 2011, 01:50:46 PM
Cut some up & put 'em in a plastic container. poked a few holes in the top and will keep them in the fridge for now.

We'll see how long they last.  ;)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/stix_jar2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Stuffer%20Stuff/stix_jar.jpg)

Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: classicrockgriller on July 10, 2011, 06:34:10 PM
NICE! and great pics too!

Great Job.
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: pikeman_95 on July 10, 2011, 09:16:11 PM
Kevin

They look great. Nice recovery ;D ;D I knew you would not hide out in the woods too long. Your meat sticks look great. I think you need a 3/8 tube for the cannon. If you make a batch of slim-jims you might consider Greg's spicy stick recipe. I tried some jerky made out of it form Rick and it was great.

Kirby
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: Tenpoint5 on July 11, 2011, 06:30:42 AM
Looks great Kevin. I know the feeling of not being able to keep them around long. As Pikeman said you have to make atleast one batch of Gregs spicy snack sticks, they Rock!!
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: SouthernSmoked on July 11, 2011, 12:55:21 PM
Very, very nice...Great Job!!!
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: OU812 on July 11, 2011, 02:13:26 PM
Now thats what Im talkin about!

Them sticks look grrrrrrrrrrreat!
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: watchdog56 on July 11, 2011, 02:35:45 PM
Nice lookin sticks
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: NePaSmoKer on July 13, 2011, 09:18:26 AM
Nice sticks

Poke some holes in the top of your container or you will get some moisture in thar  ;D
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: Kevin A on July 13, 2011, 09:33:06 AM
Quote from: NePaSmoKer on July 13, 2011, 09:18:26 AM
Poke some holes in the top of your container or you will get some moisture in thar  ;D

I drilled about a dozen small holes in the top (looks like a large pepper shaker now).
Keeping the remainder of the ropes & rings in brown paper bags in the other fridge for the next 3-4 days so they continue to dry a bit before they get foodsaver'd or put in the container :)
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: ghost9mm on July 13, 2011, 09:35:53 AM
Hey Kevin...where did you order your new  # 3 grinder plate from.. you have the same grinder that I have...
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: Kevin A on July 13, 2011, 10:00:55 AM
Quote from: ghost9mm on July 13, 2011, 09:35:53 AM
Hey Kevin...where did you order your new  # 3 grinder plate from.. you have the same grinder that I have...

I asked around several places to see if the plates would fit the cabela. Both LEM & Meat Processing Products.com said their plate(s) would fit so I ordered from LEM (better price).

http://www.lemproducts.com/product/4038/grinder_plates (http://www.lemproducts.com/product/4038/grinder_plates)

I snagged this one: 10/12 PREMIUM SALVINOX STAINLESS STEEL GRINDER PLATE 3MM (1/8") (347SS-SAL)    $20.80
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: ghost9mm on July 13, 2011, 11:10:34 AM
Thanks Kevin...I have one on the way...I want to try the meat sticks like you just did...
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: Kevin A on July 13, 2011, 11:24:26 AM
Quote from: ghost9mm on July 13, 2011, 11:10:34 AM
Thanks Kevin...I have one on the way...I want to try the meat sticks like you just did...
Your welcome!
Some of the other items I wanted to make using the 3mm (fine) plate are bologna & franks—bypassing the 'emulsifying (food processor) step by doing a fine grind 2x.
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: OU812 on July 13, 2011, 11:48:05 AM
Quote from: Kevin A on July 13, 2011, 11:24:26 AM
Quote from: ghost9mm on July 13, 2011, 11:10:34 AM
Thanks Kevin...I have one on the way...I want to try the meat sticks like you just did...
Your welcome!
Some of the other items I wanted to make using the 3mm (fine) plate are bologna & franks—bypassing the 'emulsifying (food processor) step by doing a fine grind 2x.

After burnin up my food processor (many moons ago) I've  been doin the fine grind x2 or 3 for things that call for emulsifying.
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: NePaSmoKer on July 13, 2011, 12:00:43 PM
If you have any of the Cabelas grinders you should have gotten all 3 sz plates? Plus the Cyclone stuffer tube set. Here is my fine for my 1hp. 1/8" holes

(http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/ab242/nepas1/new/DSC01828.jpg)
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: Kevin A on July 13, 2011, 12:02:33 PM
Quote from: OU812 on July 13, 2011, 11:48:05 AMAfter burnin up my food processor (many moons ago) I've  been doin the fine grind x2 or 3 for things that call for emulsifying.
After my 'over-emulsifying' my last batch of franks in the processor, I've heard from some sausage vets that the fine grind works just fine!  ;D
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: Kevin A on July 13, 2011, 12:07:13 PM
Quote from: NePaSmoKer on July 13, 2011, 12:00:43 PM
If you have any of the Cabelas grinders you should have gotten all 3 sz plates? Plus the Cyclone stuffer tube set. Here is my fine for my 1hp. 1/8" holes

Got all the stuffer tube sets; but the grinder only came with two: 4.5 & 7 mm

Per the Cabelas site: "The 1hp, 1-1/2hp and 1-3/4hp models have forward and reverse gears. The 1/2hp, 3/4hp, 1hp, and 1-1/2hp grinders include stainless steel fine (4.5mm) and medium (7mm) grinding plates. The 1-3/4hp grinder includes medium (7mm) and course (10mm) grinding plates. All include four sausage-stuffing funnels and a meat-pushing stomper.
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: pikeman_95 on July 13, 2011, 12:50:44 PM
Kevin

Your 3/8 stuffing tube and a special adaption along with the spice pck. for German Frankfurters will be in the mail this afternoon. Let me know when you get them so I can explain the adaption I am sending you.

Kirby
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: ghost9mm on July 13, 2011, 05:16:55 PM
Kevin...I just canceled my order for the three mm plate.. I called my son this evening and he said I can get in his machine shop next week so I am going to make the plate using one of the plates that came with the grinder as a sample, and just put 3mm holes in the plate, if you want one let me know I can make two or more if someone wants them...
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: Kevin A on July 14, 2011, 03:22:21 PM
Quote from: ghost9mm on July 13, 2011, 05:16:55 PM
Kevin...I just canceled my order for the three mm plate.. I called my son this evening and he said I can get in his machine shop next week so I am going to make the plate using one of the plates that came with the grinder as a sample, and just put 3mm holes in the plate, if you want one let me know I can make two or more if someone wants them...

Cool.
That's a lot of holes to drill..... ;D

(http://www.redsticksales.com/images/product/chefschoice/ebay/7505103.jpg)
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: ghost9mm on July 14, 2011, 03:37:38 PM
Kevin...once I set that up on a cnc mill I just stand back and watch...lol
Title: Re: First Time: Meat Sticks with Pix
Post by: grnhs on July 14, 2011, 04:05:39 PM
Nice sticks Kevin, and that grind looks perfect from here.
I need to get a 3mm plate too. i have had my time with the emulsifiing too.
Dave