First timer sausage maker with a few questions

[john dice]

Been awhile since I have posted here but I still look all the time, anyways.

Recently I have got into duck hunting and with the season ending I have been saving lots of duck meat for sausage making. I am just looking for any helpful suggestions. Right now I plan on just buying a meat grinder and making patties for cooking, I am afraid of overwhelming myself attempting to do the casing part also.

I've found a few recipes around, I think I am going to do some spicy Italian style and another hunters recipe I found.

Another question is, if I don't case it could I wrap it up in say cheese cloth and cold smoke it for some flavor?

I plan to go to a local butcher and pick up some pork belly for the fat, then I can make some bacon also :)

Thanks

 

[john dice]

I just remembered also that I have a gift certificate to a sporting store in my area. I was planning on using my friends grinder since he has also done it before, I can just get one myself.

What is everyones opinion: Electric or good ol elbow grease power?

 

[dirtworldmike]

Electric  grinder for sure!!  Once you get started and confident,  you'll  find yourself doing more and more of it. So make it easier on yourself.

Also, Bite the bullet now and get a #5  stuffer too....

 

[boykjo]

You can buy an good electric for around $100.. so I would for go the armstrong grinder....... I dont recommend cold smoking without cure unless its below 40 degrees.....