25lb batch of Jalapeno Cheddar Snack Sticks

Deepwoodsbutcher

Jamieson22 I looks like it does a good job. I have the L*M 500. It is fast and doesn’t overheat, but the seals don’t always get as tight as I’d like

Woody1551

Jamieson22 just curious if you had a mixer before, or were you mixing by hand? If by hand, did you notice a constancy difference with this batch?

Jamieson22

Woody1551 said in 25lb batch of Jalapeno Cheddar Snack Sticks:

Jamieson22 just curious if you had a mixer before, or were you mixing by hand? If by hand, did you notice a constancy difference with this batch?

This was first time using mixer and before was by (cold) hands. I definitely know I got a much better mix than by hand and it was so much easier (especially the cheese).

Will say is kind of hard to know for sure but feel the increased extraction with mixer gave a better texture. Know my last batch had a bit of a “crumble” in the bite - but those were also 21mm vs 19mm and they didn’t have cheese.

Woody1551

Jamieson22 that is exactly what I am hoping to get rid of is that slight “crumble” feeling as I mix with cold hands also. Your post made me order the Walton’s 50lb mixer as I have the L*M #12 and it should match up…thanks

Jamieson22

Woody1551 I doubt you’ll regret the purchase. Post your results once ya get it, interested to hear how it goes!

Jamieson22

Deepwoodsbutcher said in 25lb batch of Jalapeno Cheddar Snack Sticks:

Jamieson22 I looks like it does a good job. I have the L*M 500. It is fast and doesn’t overheat, but the seals don’t always get as tight as I’d like

I have a VacMaster suction as well (think it is PRO350 from memory) that looks like your L*M. Great unit! If you have not switched from roll to pre-made bags look into it. Huge time saver.

Grimpuppy

Looks like they turned out great! You have more patience than me. About 4 hours is all I can stand, then they go souse vide.

I have a few friends who’s sticks have that slight crumble and always ask how mine turn out so nice. Cold cold cold meat and a mixer.

Jonathon

Jamieson22 Nicely done, those look awesome man! Do you really prefer the premade bags that much? When I use a chamberless I almost always use rolls so I can make them whatever size I want. I think they are also more economical so when I use them at my house, I always use the rolls. If I only have bags I will usually cut them in half if they are big enough.

Jamieson22

Jonathon Honestly be it sausage, steaks, sticks, etc. I have not really made many bags that are not roughly a pint (6x10), quart (8x12) or a gallon (11x16). And I’d say 75% of my use is the Quart size.

Now imagine sealing two 25lb batches of brats. With rolls I need to measure, cut, seal to make my bags. Then fill them, then likely come back to make a few more bags as my original estimate was off. Then vac seal them all.

Pre-made I just grab that bags from cabinet and start loading them. Then seal.

The worst case I am cutting off a couple inches of excess bag above the seal if I want to get fancy. But for my use they mostly all fit pretty well. And the cut/first seal takes a lot of time.

I still keep 11" rolls for curing bellies and such but rarely need them.

Deepwoodsbutcher

Jamieson22 I never messed with rolls. Anything to streamline packaging is great. It is tedious work that I really don’t enjoy.

Deepwoodsbutcher

Jamieson22 I agree. I only use rolls for bellies and briskets, maybe racks of ribs if I need to do them whole for someone.

Grimpuppy

Same here. I have rolls, but only use them if I absolutely have to.

bocephus

Jamieson22 Nice looking snack sticks.

bocephus

Jonathon I use rolls most of the time, but when I do my deer sausage I buy bags to speed up the process because of quantity.

cdavis

bocephus I do the same.

cntryboy

Officially Hungry!!

Woody1551

Jamieson22 definitely not regretting purchasing Walton’s 50lb mixer. I used it for 21 lbs of Jalapeno Cheddar sticks yesterday. WOW! Hooked it up to my L*M Big Bite #12 with ease. Mixed for 6 minutes, I did stop it every 2 minutes and scrape down the sides, and helped the ends along where the paddles seem to leave a little layer once in a while. Also, the clean-up is way easier than I expected. Easy to remove and clean the paddles and unscrew 4 wingnuts and put the whole thing in a large sink and wash it up in less than 5 minutes total. The sticks turned out great as well.

Jamieson22

Woody1551 I actually stood on a small step stool we leave in pantry and scraped sides down with a silicone spatula while it was running. Adds some thrill and adventure to the process!

I will say, as easy as the wingnuts are, I kind of wish it had some sort of quick-release levers instead. Not sure how that would work or anything though.

Woody1551

Jamieson22 I actually did the exact same thing with a silicone spatula, just didn’t want to admit it online . Agreed on some sort of quick release…I am actually considering buying regular hex heads and just using a cordless drill to speed up the process to remove them.

Dave in AZ

Woody1551
Jamieson22 Whaaat? You fellas aren’t using the plexiglass safety shield at all times?
I don’t want to be reading about no hay-baler type accident later on now!