Homemade hotdogs...

[TerribleTed]

From my experience the edible collagen casing is really none edible. I don't know but maybe you like them better than me ,my friend and family.

[Iluv2hunt]

This is my first go around using the collagen casings. They are not as good as using fresh casings, I will agree, but not near expensive either. They do have their place. I cooked some breakfast links this morning and the casings turned loose while cooking in the cast iron pan. No big deal. Just pull it off

I put the breakfast links in the smoker for about 30 minutes just for flavoring. This had me worried a bit as I did not use a cure in the meat. So I got them off a little earlier than I wanted to and shocked in ice water to get the temp down. Then I went into speed mode to get them in the freezer. I will definitely use a cure next time
A pic of them air drying and packaged

[FLQuacker]

Very nice!

[Iluv2hunt]

Well, here is the final word on these homemade hotdogs. They are freaking outstanding!!!!

They went in the smoker with heavy smoke for 1 hour, then in a pot of 180deg water till they hit 154deg.

The casings turned loose on the ends. However, I think that was caused by air pockets and I think I can eliminate that next time. For now just peel the excess off. I had my wife try one, and she asked what meat goes in it so she can start looking for meat sales

[kenb]

Hey those look great. Curious as to what your recipe is. I make them all the time. Recipe I use 3 1/2 # chuck, 1 1/2# pork butt, 1 oz kosher salt, 2 tsp pink salt, 2 cups ice water mix and let sit in fridge for 24 - 48 hrs. Add 2 TBS dry mustard, 4 tsp hungarian paprika, 2 tsp toasted and ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground white pepper, 2 TBS minced garlic, 4 TBS light corn syrup, 11.3 gms hunters special meat binder (Butcher & Packer supply). I basically follow you procedure from there but stuff into 24-26 mm sheep casing. (purchase them from Syracuse casing company - they are a little pricey but 100% from the US not China and are of excellent quality. What smoke wood do you use?

[swissk31]

Dogs look great, I haven't tried the collagen casings yet.
We use the stuffer on the grinder and it's a two person job. I thought it went pretty fast, but I have nothing to compare it to. Anyone that has one just give it a try, it's not like your doing it every week.

sausage fest 002.JPG

[born2hunt]

Yep, I'm due for a batch of sausage and I really want some links for hunting season. I still have a couple hams left I'll be thawing out here soon and give it a try.

[TerribleTed]

Like he said one of the biggest complaints (casing collagen) I have seen are they split. To me they were also chewy. They don't have that crisp snap like real casings. I use them for beef hot sticks.

I need to order some cheese to make some and kill a pig.