Homemade Sausage

[pnoon]

Next time I will remove the blade/die when stuffing. Also, I will get a second pair of hands.

[replicant_argent]

Originally Posted by pnoon

I will get a second pair of hands.

oooh. Creepy.
Cloned, surgical attachment, or some kind of really groovy Superhero method involving radiation, an orangutan bite, or a outer space ray of some nefarious nature?

[Chainsaw13]

You can sometimes get rid of the air bubbles when you twist the links. They make a tool you can use to prick the casing to let the bubbles out, but a pin will work just as well.

That's one of the drawbacks to using the grinder to also stuff. You can't keep enough meat being forced into the casings to not get air in there. Maybe the second set of hands will work better. If you get serious about it, look at getting a good stuffer. I have two, the 5lb horn type which sucks, and a 20lb vertical type from Cabelas. It's a bit overkill for a 5lb batch, but makes it easy to use by myself.

[Lumpold]

Once you've mastered the basic pork snag, Peter, let me know, I'll dig out my boerewors recipe for you!

[replicant_argent]

Aw, come on Peter, that made me giggle too.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

Aw, come on Peter, that made me giggle too.

Sorry Pete (and Tim).

I should have used , , or .

Made me laugh

[replicant_argent]

I just had an epiphany.


Garlic/red wine/beano Sausages... A specialty of the Pnooner kitchen. Innovation in tube steak construction, brought to you by the Letters C and H and the number 4.

[smitty81]

As stated, the key to the air pockets is a steady supply of meat and take your time. Control the casing with your hand to ensure it fills up properly. The casings are fragile but forgiving at the same time. You will break a few and then you will know your breaking point.

I use a sausage stuffer and it works great, I usually never have air problems.

It takes a little practice.

[pnoon]

Just an update.
I've made sausage a few times now. I'm still learning but the grinding/stuffing technique definitely requires practice.

My most recent effort this weekend was some chicken sausage that was really good. 4 pounds chicken thighs, 1 pound bacon, coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spices.

Sooooo good.

[Steve]

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by steve

Yep.
So now it's time to upgrade my grinder. I am looking at this one.
http://www.smallappliance.com/produc...s&item=3221548

[Steve]

That's similar to the one I have. I like mine.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by steve

That's similar to the one I have. I like mine.

Well, I totally hosed my current one by doing something REALLY stupid.
Put the grinding head and the feed screw in the dishwasher. Figured that should get them really clean. Pulled them out and the finish was gone, pitting and spots of rust. Checked the manual and in big bold letters - DO NOT PUT REMOVABLE PARTS IN THE DISHWASHER.

D'OH!

The two replacement parts would run around $75 shipped. Less than $20 to replace the entire machine and accessories.
So I figure I'll just bite the bullet and upgrade.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Well, I totally hosed my current one by doing something REALLY stupid.
Put the grinding head and the feed screw in the dishwasher. Figured that should get them really clean. Pulled them out and the finish was gone, pitting and spots of rust. Checked the manual and in big bold letters - DO NOT PUT REMOVABLE PARTS IN THE DISHWASHER.

D'OH!

The two replacement parts would run around $75 shipped. Less than $20 to replace the entire machine and accessories.
So I figure I'll just bite the bullet and upgrade.

Your subconsience caused you to do this because you really wanted to upgrade

[Steve]

Originally Posted by CigarNut

Your subconsience caused you to do this because you really wanted to upgrade

I thinking this should be Peter's new grinder...

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by steve

I thinking this should be Peter's new grinder...

Now where is that 220 outlet.

Not to mention that sucker weighs 148 pounds.

[Steve]

Oops...I hate when I do that. I mean really, they expect me to actually READ the instructions and THEN us the equipment...NAHHHHH!

Let us know how you like the new grinder. Like I said, I have not had any trouble with mine. I just wish I had the time lately to actually get mine out and use it.

[Steve]

I believe the phrase is "...go big or go home"

[Smokin Gator]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Yep.
So now it's time to upgrade my grinder. I am looking at this one.
http://www.smallappliance.com/produc...s&item=3221548

Originally Posted by steve

That's similar to the one I have. I like mine.

I've owned a previous model of basically that one for 5-6 years. It has served me well. As a grinder it works really well. As a sausage stuffer it works but it does take some effort.

I would love to have a dedicated sausage stuffer, but I only make sausage once a year and don't need more clutter.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

I've owned a previous model of basically that one for 5-6 years. It has served me well. As a grinder it works really well. As a sausage stuffer it works but it does take some effort.

I would love to have a dedicated sausage stuffer, but I only make sausage once a year and don't need more clutter.

Same here. I would love to have this 5 lb stuffer, but I just can't justify it for all the more I would use it. I'll make due with what I have for now.