I have two 2 lb belly pieces curing right now and I have started to second guess myself. Could someone tell me if I am still on the right track or did I just ruin my bellies?
I read on this forum, but cant find again, a procedure for dry curing bellies with QT. I am hoping my memory isn't faulty and I just hosed myself.
I used 1TBS of QT per pound of belly. I mixed the QT with 1TBS of dark brown sugar per pound and added garlic and onion powder to the mix. I then put the belly in a vacuum bag and put half of the mixture on each side of the belly, rubbing it in well. Just before I sealed the bag I put about 1/4 cup of maple syrup on each side and then vacuum sealed the bag. I turn and massage the bellies each day and I plan to take them out after 9 days.
After the nine days are up I plan to soak the bellies for an hour or two, do a fry test for saltiness and let them dry in the fridge for a day. At that point I plan to cold smoke them for 8 - 10 hours in hickory.
Have I got this right? They have been curing for 2 days now.
I read on this forum, but cant find again, a procedure for dry curing bellies with QT. I am hoping my memory isn't faulty and I just hosed myself.
I used 1TBS of QT per pound of belly. I mixed the QT with 1TBS of dark brown sugar per pound and added garlic and onion powder to the mix. I then put the belly in a vacuum bag and put half of the mixture on each side of the belly, rubbing it in well. Just before I sealed the bag I put about 1/4 cup of maple syrup on each side and then vacuum sealed the bag. I turn and massage the bellies each day and I plan to take them out after 9 days.
After the nine days are up I plan to soak the bellies for an hour or two, do a fry test for saltiness and let them dry in the fridge for a day. At that point I plan to cold smoke them for 8 - 10 hours in hickory.
Have I got this right? They have been curing for 2 days now.