As this is our first attempt we didn't go overboard with grinding meat. I bought a 20# pork shoulder from which we got 17#13.5oz. of ground pork. I packaged it in 5# & 2-1/2# packages from which we made 2 different 5# batches. We tried to err on the side of caution and are making patties only to test the recipes. Our 2nd sausage was a maple sausage - delicious.
I have bought a 7 liter sausage stuffer, but I'm holding back on using it until we test and approve our recipes. So far, so good!
We used the meat grinder attachment on our KitchenAid Pro mixer - it works nicely, but it is slow when grinding more than 5# of meat. I've got to upgrade to a larger grinder. Any thoughts, ideas and recommendations?
The 2nd appliance that I need is a spice/herb grinder. I've read the reviews on many grinders, and my head is spinning - most all of the less-than-$50 spice grinders have serious shortcomings as far as I have read. It's not that I'm going to be grinding more than a few TBS. at a time, but I want it to be without a mess and have an easy-to-clean grinding chamber. Does anyone have or know of a grinder that fits my wants & needs??? Thanks.
We also have an MES smoker which we love! Down the road I hope to make some kielbasa just like my Babcia used to buy at the Polish butcher's shop in Toronto. I'm open to a good recipe.
