SMOKEHOUSE JERKY

Instructions

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   kiln dried medium salt molasses (Brer Rabbit light or Grandma's) black and/or red pepper The Meat: Generally, the lean scraps from most venison (elk, deer, caribou, antelope and moose) work very good.

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   Bear is greasy (sorry Bear), as is pork.

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   Buffalo is similar to beef and makes good jerky.

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   The best cut of beef that will yield the most usable lean meat is the top round.

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   If you like turkey, use large bone in breasts and remove the bone.

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   I haven't done reptiles, but what the hey, if that's your bag give it a shot.

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   The meat should be reasonably aged, at least kept cool for a week or so after it's dressed out and skinned.

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   It is important to trim as much fat off as possible, even if you have to cut it out or scrape it off.

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   The fat will not take salt very well when the meat brines, it will become rancid and grow mold quickly.

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    Cut the meat with the grain, into strips as big around as your thumb (3/4-1" square) and as long as possible.

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    The Brine: This is a self brining method and works in two stages, dehydration and rehydration.

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    The ingredients needed are: A kiln dried medium salt.

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    Most feed stores have 50# bags for about $3.00 which will make about eight thousand pounds of jerky.

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    Medium salt is about the size of salt that comes on a pretzel.

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    I use Brer Rabbit light or Grandma's.

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    Brer Rabbit comes in pint bottles and have a small top that you can pour a nice 'string' from.

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    Grandma's comes in a large mouth bottle and it's best if you transfer it to some sort of a squeeze top ketchup or pancake syrup bottle (1 pint = about 20# of meat).

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    Black Pepper, medium grind or coarse - your choice.

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    If you like it hot, use red pepper flakes instead, if you don't like pepper leave it out.

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    This brine process goes easier and more quickly if you have a few extra happy hands joining in - the kids, the wife and myself usually make it a project and when it's done everyone gets to pat each other on the back.

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    Since we're all together and helping each other, some interesting conversations usually surface.

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    Anyway, you will need a flat bottom non-corrosive container and lid, a Tupperware storage bin, a plastic bus tray or a stainless steam table pan will work well.

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    The size depends on