QUOTE (Machiavelli @ Apr 26 2013, 04:09 AM)

Didnīt find another thread that seemed appropriate, so here a quick question to all the US-dumpshockers.
Have been on the westcoast some months ago and am now addicted to beef jerky. I prefer peppered and spicy, no sweet flavours (e.g. Teryaki, Barbecue, etc.). Jack Links and similar brands were way too expensive for our consumption (one pack a day), but we found X-tra large packages (IIRC ū pound or at least ― pound) of another brand that was only around 10 bucks (supermarkets and gas-stations). I cannot remember the brand and also google didnīt help to find something at a similar price. So please help. Addict needs his drug.^^
Ah, I think I know of what you speak. While I don't think it is a brand exclusive to the West coast, when I used to need my cheap bulk jerky fix, I turned to World Kitchens brand and their 3/4 pounder bags.
[img]http://merchants-grocery.com/wp-content/uploads/13920.jpg[/img]
Look familiar?
Nowadays, though, I tend to make my own for far cheaper. After the initial cost of a counter-top food dehydrator, it is much less expensive to buy cheap beef, season it yourself, and have a personal level of quality control. You can determine exactly how moist/chewy you allow the beef to remain (or even make it bone dry and tough, if that's what you like). You don't have to add any chemicals to preserve freshness, so the flavor isn't adversely effected. You can experiment with different seasonings to make flavors you can't find, or make it spicier than they will sell it in stores, if you like it hot. Not only that, but you can do it pork instead of beef for even cheaper. On top of all that, the dehydrator can be used to preserve herbs for later cooking, and to dry fruit/make fruit leather for a healthier snack alternative to jerky.
The only drawback is that the dehydrator does not impart a smokey flavor on its own; one has to either use bottled smoke flavoring (which works pretty well, actually), or throw the jerky briefly in a smoker. The upshot is you can use the dehydrator indoors, and it's easier to clean, and probably less likely to burn your house down when you aren't watching it.