Deer Pepperoni Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds venison, ground (lean, trimmed of all sinew and silver skin)
• 1 pound pork fat, ground (adds moisture and binds the meat)
• 2 teaspoons curing salt (necessary for preservation and color)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (balances flavors)
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat level)
• 1 tablespoon paprika, smoked for depth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, lightly toasted
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (imparts smoky flavor)
• ½ cup ice water (aids in meat blending)