Are you looking for a delicious and easy snack that's perfect for outdoor adventures, game day gatherings, or a quick and satisfying bite? Look no further! These homemade venison snack sticks are packed with flavor, require minimal ingredients, and are surprisingly simple to make. Forget store-bought versions filled with questionable additives – this recipe lets you control the ingredients, ensuring a healthy and flavorful treat you'll be proud to share. It's a perfect example of healthy meals made easy, showcasing the best of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground venison (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup coarsely ground summer sausage
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Instructions:
Step 1: Combining the Ingredients
In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground venison, summer sausage, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Make sure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Step 2: Adding Moisture
Slowly pour in the beef broth while gently mixing the meat mixture. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the snack sticks tough. The goal is to just incorporate the broth evenly.
Step 3: Stuffing the Casings
You'll need a meat grinder attachment with a sausage stuffer. Following the manufacturer's instructions, carefully stuff the mixture into collagen casings (available at most butcher shops or online). Leave a couple of inches of space at the end of each casing.
Step 4: Twisting and Tying
Twist the casings every 2-3 inches to create individual snack sticks. Tie off the ends securely with kitchen twine to prevent leakage during the cooking process.
Step 5: Smoking or Drying
Smoking: For the best flavor, smoke the snack sticks at 160-170°F (71-77°C) for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is crucial here.
Drying: If you don't have a smoker, you can dehydrate the sticks in a food dehydrator at 160°F (71°C) for 8-12 hours, or until firm and dry to the touch. Again, a thermometer is helpful to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
Tips for Delicious Venison Snack Sticks:
- Meat Quality: Using high-quality ground venison is key to flavorful snack sticks. Choose a leaner blend (like 80/20) for a less greasy final product.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your unique blend. Try adding herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can result in tough snack sticks. Gently incorporate the ingredients until just combined.
- Proper Drying/Smoking: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to guarantee safe consumption. This is a critical step in food safety.
Variations:
- Spicy Snack Sticks: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Sweet & Savory: Increase the brown sugar slightly for a sweeter profile.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate your favorite dried herbs for an aromatic twist.
- Cheese Snack Sticks: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture.
Nutritional Information (per snack stick, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your snack sticks and the exact ingredients used. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator after determining the final weight of your snack sticks. Expect a relatively high protein and low carbohydrate content, making this a great choice for those following a protein-rich diet. These homemade snack sticks offer a healthy alternative to processed snacks, providing a satisfying and flavorful treat as part of a balanced diet. Enjoy!