As an avid outdoorsman, I appreciate the opportunity given to us to harvest game . Unfortunately, many people get to go hunting, but don’t know what to do with their game once harvested. The first thing I recommend to you is look at my site for proper care of game . Also,  if you want to process your own sausage check out Allied Kenco (713)691-2935 at 26 Lyerly St. just off of Airline and N. 45  in Houston for all of the sausage blends, grinding and stuffing machines, barbecue  grilling supplies and every kind of knife you could imagine.  Then, if you don’t have the time or the knowledge of how to process your meat,  having a reliable and trustworthy processor is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately there are a few  processors out there that don’t respect the fact that you took the time to clean and pack your deer or other game in ice, and chilled it thoroughly until you reached their door. They only care about the pure quantity of poundage they can run through their doors and back out.

Because of this , I have decided to start reporting on some favored processors I have dealt with over the last 10 to 15 years. This doesn’t mean they are the best in the world, but, I can assure you that they do one Heck of a great job with the meat you bring them. I will list a few , and I hope that this will spur you to mention some in your neck of the woods that you have worked with and have been the kind of place you would  send your  friends to.

1. JR’s Texas Best Smokehouse in Wharton, Texas 164 County Rd. 467 US Hwy. 59, Wharton, 77488

979-531-0888- This is a great place that serves up some awesome smoked jerky in several varieties from beef and turkey to elk and buffalo and they all  tastes great. They treat your deer, or hog like it was their own,  what you bring in , you get back. They have some really tasty preserves, condiments,

sausages, kolaches , and great barbecue  to make the stop worthwhile.

2. Burton Sausage- 11700 Hwy 290 West Brenham, Tx. 77833 979-289-3421- This is a great smokehouse  and butcher shop that still takes care of its customers  the right way. They do a great job of butchering livestock, my father in law has used them for many years and we have never been disappointed. Their sausages are hand made per batch, and I will tell you right now that their Dried Venison sausage is fantastic. They use an old school method and dry the sausage for several hours each day until it has reached a crisp to the bite, and truly flavorful taste.

3. Tallent’s Sausage - 3736 St. Hwy 19 Riverside, Tx. 77367 (936)-594-1168  This is a country grocery and a busy meat market that produces some great sausages and still caters to their customers. The German Style venison sausage is great, and their Andouille is just like coming out of Louisiana.

4. B & W Meat Market- 4801 N. Shepherd Houston, Tx. 77018 (713) 697-2844  This is a huge market that carries a great variety of cuts from fresh Ox Tails to Filet Mignon. If you love sausage this place has too many varieties to mention, and they are all good! The people are friendly and the place is located just outside the loop in Northwest Houston. I buy all of my pork and trimmings here for making my own sausage.They prepare some good smoked sausage recipes with your venison.

5. Cernoch’s Custom Caterer’s - 3303 Klosterhoff Rd, Rosenberg, Tx. 77471- 281-341-9571 Ed Cernoch is an old school  processor with over 30 years experience that still processes  each  game order individually. They will even  wrap each link separately upon request. They are down close to some of  the best goose hunting areas around , and make the best and only Smoked goose/ pork sausage I have ever had. If you are taking in a hog, be sure and ask about the honey, pepper and smoked variety. That sounds great!

These are just a few of the many great processors available around  southeast Texas. Please write in and tell us about your favorite processor  in your neck of the woods.

Thanks,

Bryan Slaven

The Texas Gourmet