How do you keep your snack sticks from being soggy? I’m wanting to make pepperoni sticks but everything else i made ends up soft and soggy

The sticks I made before,was made with 85%lean beef with the seasoning only stuffed in a 19mm casing. Then smoked at low temperature for first hour then slowly raised the temperature. Didn’t put them ina water bath?

Thanks for the info.I ordered the sure jell yesterday, and I will try the water bath next time.thanks for all the great information this helps a lot.Dwight

What is the best meat for making pepperoni, beef, pork or both? I’m making a 5# batch. Also how much surecure per pound of meat thanks