Homemade Sausage Making

I just tried my first wet cure. we let it cure for about 10 days as it was just about 2 lbs. We got a recipe from a friend and we made a few (spicy) adjustments. We have been hearing that pecan is a great wood for flavor on some meats so we tried it on our first bacon. It turned out great! here is our recipe and our finished product (sorry its so big I coudnt resize it). If youd like a step by step process you can see it here: http://artisanbros.blogspot.com/2013...can-bacon.html. Let me know what you think! Thanks


(for 2 lb pork belly)

2 Tablespoons brown sugar
4 teaspoons black pepper
2 Table spoons Maple Syrup (and don't be cheap, use the real stuff!)
Follow your directions for "curing salt"
1 cup water
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne

I am speechless. I have never before seen this method.

ssorllih wrote:I am speechless. I have never before seen this method.

Thanks... it was really fun! And the meat turned out SO great! The smoke was a little bit on the strong side so we may smoke for a bit less time next time... other than that it was really great for a first run.

Banksie,
For a beginner this piece of bacon looks beautiful, Congratulations, keep up the good work.
Just share it with us old timers.
Cheers,
Jan.

Nice job, that's a fine looking slab of bacon! I tried using one of those charcoal chimneys years back and ended up throwing it away about the third time it failed me. I always start the coals in my Weber the same way as Harry Truman started his, gasoline. Gas works without fail every darned time and burns completely off the coals leaving no after-taste or odor. RAY

sawhorseray wrote: I always start the coals in my Weber the same way as Harry Truman started his, gasoline. Gas works without fail every darned time and burns completely off the coals leaving no after-taste or odor. RAY

HA! Thanks a lot Ray. Unfortunately my uncle lost his house and some needed body parts using gasoline so my family and I are a bit scared to use it. The chimney/fire starter cube method works well for us and leaves no nasty flavor or anything so for now itll do! Thanks all for your interest!

Russ

I start fires with a propane plumbers torch.

Here is the finished product!