10-27-2014, 04:57 PM
Ron gave some great advice but don't think you need to run out and buy all that stuff this year. I'm sure many have acquired the stuff like I have over the years. One only needs a knife and some butcher wrap to start. YOU CAN"T MESS IT UP!!!! Roast, steak, stir fry, and stew meat. Make real jerky out of the stuff that would normally get ground. I love making jerky out of the hocks. The tougher and more peppery the jerky is the better IMHO. Bones and scrap can be baked, boiled or smoked for dog treats. Next year pick up a hand grinder at a second hand store so you can start grinding burger. It's a little messy and usually requires 2 passes but they work fine. Add a cheap hand stuffer or jerky gun and now you can start playing with pepperoni and sausages. It's fun doing it yourself and very rewarding.
When you find the money to step up to a electric grinder someday do not skimp on it or you will be sorry. Also remember that things made 50 years ago were made to run forever and can be better than new. My 80 year old Enterprise stuffer will last for another 80 years no problem and coast me $40. They can sell for hundreds and hundreds of dollars but watching CL payed off. Now I'm looking for a 50 year old Butcher Boy meat saw so I can do bone in steaks. You can buy a new BB for a few hundred dollars but they are no where near the quality of the old ones. One day I will find the deal I want but until then I will make do. Just like I made do the first time with a knife and butcher paper 33 years ago.
Rod
[signature]
When you find the money to step up to a electric grinder someday do not skimp on it or you will be sorry. Also remember that things made 50 years ago were made to run forever and can be better than new. My 80 year old Enterprise stuffer will last for another 80 years no problem and coast me $40. They can sell for hundreds and hundreds of dollars but watching CL payed off. Now I'm looking for a 50 year old Butcher Boy meat saw so I can do bone in steaks. You can buy a new BB for a few hundred dollars but they are no where near the quality of the old ones. One day I will find the deal I want but until then I will make do. Just like I made do the first time with a knife and butcher paper 33 years ago.
Rod
[signature]