first stick stuff-Final Thoughts

[smokeNcanuck]

First THANK YOU to NePas, Lumpy,and (Habs, your sausage ingredients list is awesome) ;D ;D
Here is my first attempt at some sticks.  It was only a 3.5 Lb batch all GB.
I used some deer hunter snack stick seasoning I got from Butcher& Packer.(will comment on the taste tomorrow,if all goes well)
I also added some ECA and a little special binder, also form B&P.
I used my new LEM stuffer ;D ;D I really liked it, as a first timer it was very easy to use. Only had 1 blow out, I did find
however it is had to get a good consistent fill.  I'm sure that is inexperience, I plan on changing that real soon. ;)

[FLBentRider]

Looks great for a first attempt!

[NePaSmoKer]

Your on the way  ;D

[Tenpoint5]

Nothing wrong with them sticks for a first try out of the box!!

[NewfieSmoker]

What size casings are you using.  It looks like you got the stuffing figured out.  It makes all the difference if you've go a buddy to be your crank man, so you can concentrate on filling the casings to your desired consistancy. I used to stuff my casings that tight but now I tend to leave a little room and they tighten up considerably when they get looped over the smoke sticks or get linked.

I see your using collagen casings.  That is what I started with and now use Hog casings for the most part.  I do the inevitable untangling when I buy a new hack, and put each length of casing in its own ziplock, replacing any lost salt, and then back in the fridge.  They keep for months and months.  Then when your ready....grab a couple ziplocks, give em a soak and a rinse and your good to go in short period of time.

You should definetly try hog casings.  I think they look nicer, cook up nicer, and after handling them for 5 minutes are just as easy as the collagen.  Just gotta keep everything nice and wet.  They link way easier as well.

Either way, Id love to be chewin' into a piece of that sausage you made right now! Casings...Schmasingssss... Looks delicious!

Newfie Smoker

[OU812]

Great job on your first stuffin venture.

Cant wait to see your finished product.

The stuffin will get easier with time, after a wile you will be able to do it with one eye closed. Some nights thats how I finish, if I have both eyes open I see 2 casings.  ;D

[smokeNcanuck]

Sticks are smoke'N as I type.
Newfie- I used 22mm casings(thanks to lumpy, he advised me they are the smallest ones that will
fit on the smallest tube that came with my stuffer. ;))
I do have some natural hog casings that came with the kit I have.  I will give them a try when I
do some fresh sausage. Baby steps,ha ha.
I'm pretty sure that I will have to get some smaller collagen casings, as 22mm is far to big for sticks IMHO.
I'm use to the store bought size, more of a snack than a meal :D

Thanks to everyone else for the kind words, hope I can post finish pics, and taste review tonight!
sNc

[OU812]

Dont judge them sticks right away, give them a day, the flavor will get better after a 24 hr rest.

[NePaSmoKer]

Ditto on what OU said.

[classicrockgriller]

sNc, Looking forward to some smoked snack stick pics. (I made a rhyme ;D)

[lumpy]

Just look at all that team work!

I will be over soon to taste test.

OU is right, I always let my sticks sit for a few days before I gnaw down on them.

Lumpy

[smokeNcanuck]

I will be over soon to taste test

Any time!
Home for lunch 5hrs in and the IT was at 138F, looking GOOD!

[oakville smoker]

well done and looking good
I use the 19 or 22 mm collagen and have not hada bad result yet

You will love them

That reminds me I need to make some more, they don't seem to last long around here !

[OU812]

I will be over soon to taste test

Any time!
Home for lunch 5hrs in and the IT was at 138F, looking GOOD!

138 F you should be gettin close to the stall point, dont freak out if the sticks stay at this temp for a wile, its normal. What ever you dont raise the cabnet temp and try to speed things up or you could fat out your sticks.

After the stall and the temp starts to climb keep an eye on those babys the IT can shoot up pretty fast.

Keep us posted.

[smokeNcanuck]

well here they are, I am not to sure on the taste.  I won't pass judgment just yet.
As I have been told, I'll put them in the fridge for a few days then I'll try.  As of right now not a whole
lot of flavor other that beef.  I may have not added enough of the seasoning mix, but as I
said I'll wait a couple of days for the real sample.  All and all I think they will be OK for stick rookie :D

sNc