Snack Stick Question

[rcger]

Since it's getting close to deer season here in Missouri, I think I'm gonna make some snack sticks tomorrow.  Any opinions on slicing the sticks to length before smoking?  Thanks in advance.

[devo]

There are few posts on here where people have cut them to length before smoking with no ill effects and even did the water bath thing with open ends with no ill effect

[Indy Smoker]

I just made some with Pensrock recipe. I wasn't sure which way to go so I cut some to length for 3 racks, and had a long section rolled up on another, and finally went with a zig zag pattern on the last.  The cut to length pieces were a bit dry on the ends.  the zig zag pattern allowed for the most meat per rack and I will be using this in the future and cutting the sticks to the length of the rack.  There's my 2 cents worth!

[pensrock]

i usually cut mine to length but like stated the ends will dry out faster, not a real big deal for me. i have also bent them back and forth, like mentioned, zig zag. and i have hung them which works well. but i like them on the racks so i can rotate the racks as needed.

[rcger]

I got started mixing and stuffing today.  I made 10 pounds.  I'll get them in the smoker tomorrow.  I chopped up a couple of handfuls of Jalapeno Peppers to throw in. 

I've got the equipment set up.


The spices are all measured out.


The peppers are ready to be chopped.


Finished stuffing.


In the refrigerator overnight.

[classicrockgriller]

That is a pile of snack sticks! Bet you thought you would never get them all stuffed.

It seems that every time I fridge my snack sticks over nite

the casing get loose. Now too bad on the bigger sausage

just the snack sticks.

[cobra6223]

I fridge mine overnight with no problems, I also finishe them in a hot bath it seems to soften up those collagen casings, so you guy's just stuff and smoke? and yes that does seem like a ton of sticks and you must have a six rack cause those would never fit in my four rack. Looks very good though.
Tim

[rcger]

That is a pile of snack sticks! Bet you thought you would never get them all stuffed.

It seems that every time I fridge my snack sticks over nite

the casing get loose. Now too bad on the bigger sausage

just the snack sticks.

Classic, I've noticed that as well.  But, unfortunately, I didn't have any other option.  I had to stuff on Suday and smoke on Monday.  You're right about the stuffing.  It took several hours to get 'em stuffed.  But, it's all worth it.  I'll probably do another 10 pounds before deer season.  I like bringing them down to camp for all the boys.

[rcger]

I fridge mine overnight with no problems, I also finishe them in a hot bath it seems to soften up those collagen casings, so you guy's just stuff and smoke? and yes that does seem like a ton of sticks and you must have a six rack cause those would never fit in my four rack. Looks very good though.
Tim

Tim,  I just stuff and smoke the snack sticks.  I cut some dowel rod and I coil the stick around that and hang 'em.  The only time I used a water bath was when I fixed some polish sausage.  It worked well.  After these come out of the smoker, I'll hang them for a bit, slice them to length and then I think I'm gonna put them back in just to dry them a little bit.

[rcger]

I got 'em smoked yesterday and cut to length.  They're vacuum sealed and in the freezer.  The Jalapenos really added to the flavor.

[OU812]

Them there sticks look gooood.