However, I couldn't resist doing something while I was home today, so I headed into the kitchen to try my hand at making beef jerky!
Jerky Drying Pan & Rack...you could probably create your own using any oven safe rack and a drip pan. |
So, here it is....our first attempt at homemade jerky:
The spice kit directions said to use extra lean meat. So, I bought extra lean (96/4) ground beef and (93/7) ground turkey. I was originally going to make a batch of turkey jerky and a batch of beef jerky, but then decided I might get a better flavor by combining the two meats.
Use extra lean meats! |
We used Grandma LeMure's brand jerky mix. |
Mixing the spices into the meats! |
Then, I pressed each meatball between some plastic wrap and flattened them with my roller. The directions said to make them "thinner than 1/4 inch."
After rolling them out, each one was placed on the drying rack. The kit said to place them in a 160 degree oven for approximately 4 hours. I couldn't get my oven any lower than 170 degrees (and didn't feel like looking for the instruction manual to see if it went lower), so I went with it at 170.
After "drying" for 4 hours, it looked pretty good. I think I made this first batch a little thin, so I did not roll out the second batch quite as much. It is in the oven now. We shall see if the thicker is better.
My son gave our homemade jerky his seal of approval and a thumbs up! I think it tastes pretty good too.
For those of you who are following Weight Watchers Points Plus (like me), two pieces (I made 48 meatballs with 2 lbs of meat) is equivalent to only 1 point....not a bad protein snack, huh?
Great way to spend time in the kitchen. I tasted some and was delicious
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at the Kiss & Tell party over at I Gotta Create!
ReplyDeleteI love homemade jerky! I've never made any in the oven, we've made some in our dehydrator. I think the oven jerky would have better flavor! I will have to try it....after I buy a jerky rack ;o)
ReplyDeleteWow - I am so impressed. I love beef jerky. By the way, I have a great cookbook giveaway going on right now if you would like to enter? http://eatcakefordinner.blogspot.com/2012/01/rush-hour-recipes-review-and-cookbook.html
ReplyDeletei love the Jerky Gun I make mine in the dehydrater
ReplyDeleteWe love jerky! I think I will give this a try. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI need to try to make beef jerky. I've made deer jerky before and and it's really easy. Winter is such a good time to make it too!
ReplyDeleteSimilar to Beth's comment, I've made venison jerky many times in the oven. I actually prefer it to beef jerky. With that said, these days I don't seem to find enough time to make it from scratch, so I end up purchasing it.
ReplyDelete