| Jerky is considered one of the first convenience foods | | | | Pure ground New Mexican hot red chile |
| in America. These nutritious dried meat strips sustained | | | | Salt |
| many a hungry cowboy and traveler on the plains of | | | | For the most tender jerky, cut the venison strips |
| the western part of United States. | | | | across the grain of the meat. If you prefer chewy |
| Dried chile flakes are the traditional seasoning for jerky. | | | | jerky that has to be torn or pulled (that's where the |
| They not only flavor the meat, but also help preserve | | | | name "jerky" comes from), then cut the strips along |
| it, which the Indians discovered many years ago. Chiles | | | | the grain. |
| contain an anti-oxident that prevents meat, and meat | | | | Generously sprinkle the meat strips with the ground |
| fat, from turning rancid as it is drying in the sun. The | | | | chile and salt. The more salt used, the quicker the |
| chiles also help in warding off insects and birds through | | | | venison jerky will dry. Place the season strips of meat |
| the drying process. | | | | on the rack of a broiling pan, or any type of rack that |
| Even today, along the Rio Grande River Valley of | | | | will allow the circulation of air around the meat and the |
| New Mexico, Pueblo Indians make venison jerky. The | | | | draining away of fat. |
| whole process matches the beginning of deer hunting | | | | Set the oven at 150 degrees F., and place the pan of |
| season with the harvesting of red chiles in this region. | | | | meat in. Prop open the oven door about 2 inches to let |
| Making jerky, and in this case venison jerky, is a very | | | | the juices evaporate. Dry in the oven for about 8 |
| simple process at home, using your oven to dry out | | | | hours, or until the jerky reaches your desired dryness. |
| the meat. Jerky can be enjoyed "as is" for a snack, or | | | | Store the jerky in a cool, dry place that allows for |
| it can be served in a sauce or gravy like any dried | | | | circulation. Because it is very difficult to get the meat |
| beef. | | | | completely dried, storing in an airtight container often |
| Venison Jerky Recipe | | | | causes it to mold. It can also be stored in the freezer |
| Venison round steak, trimmed of fat, and cut in strips | | | | for up to 3 months. |