There just something about seasoned meats that have been dried to a chewy sweetened treat. I am talking about jerky of course. I love the stuff. When I first started Atkins I always had some on hand. It was a great snack that was low in carb and a great way to help get through the day when the tummy is rumbling. Problem is, the stuff ant cheap. Meat is expensive in the first place, but when you let it sit out all day and dry out it apparently raises the price and value of the stuff.
Several weeks ago I made the impromptu purchase to get a food dehydrator. $35 dollars seemed like a small investment for the savings I would acquire in the long run. I have had friends that have had them and had great luck, and plus I was raised watching Ron Popeil show me how easy they are to use. I went for it.
Several weeks ago I made the impromptu purchase to get a food dehydrator. $35 dollars seemed like a small investment for the savings I would acquire in the long run. I have had friends that have had them and had great luck, and plus I was raised watching Ron Popeil show me how easy they are to use. I went for it.
So far I've made a couple things. Zucchini chips have been a hit in the house, along with apple chips, dried mango, and of course beef jerky. The zucchini chips are put in the machine and covered in a light cajan salt so they come out salty and spicy. Mango and apples we just let dry on their own for a couple hours, but the jerky is really where I have shined. I usually go buy some beef that on sale, cut it up into small pieces, and marinate it over night. I have done hickory and teriyaki and both have been great.Then you just lay it in the machine, close it up, flip the switch, and in eight hours you have jerky. It's kind of tough when you cut the meat yourself to know how long to let the machine run, because if the machine is full it may take longer, and if the pieces are thick they will require a little more time. Just use your watchful eye. Its the easiest thing to do in the world. I make big batches and then just freeze the extra and pull it out as I need it.
My only issues with the machine is that it is kind of loud and it gives off some heat. Plus, our apartment smells like jerky for a day when I make the stuff. That's a little trade off for yummy cheap snacks though. heres the link to the machine I got...
Nesco Food Dyhydrator
My only issues with the machine is that it is kind of loud and it gives off some heat. Plus, our apartment smells like jerky for a day when I make the stuff. That's a little trade off for yummy cheap snacks though. heres the link to the machine I got...
Nesco Food Dyhydrator
