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Recipe: Beef Jerky Mac and Cheese
Winter is the perfect time to indulge in comforting and hearty dishes that warm both body and soul. Classic Mac and Cheese is that nostalgic comfort dish which many of us remember growing up with, and remains a universally loved comfort food to this day. For this recipe, we thought we would add a meaty twist to this classic fave (of course!) to create an elevated Beef Jerky Mac and Cheese. This dish is a rich and creamy classic, with the beef jerky adding a delicious depth of flavour. Continue reading to learn how to make this delicious creation at home. Gather your ingredients When it comes to creating an unforgettable Mac and Cheese, the quality of ingredients is super important. That goes from choosing high quality pasta to premium cheeses. They may cost a few dollars more, but in this case, you will taste the difference. Our recipe uses cheddar and mozzarella, but you can swap these out depending on your taste preferences. You could also opt for a sharp parmesan, a smoked gouda or a creamy havarti, each which will add their own unique flavour profile to the dish. Top tip: Combine multiple high quality cheeses to take this dish to the next level. When it comes to the beef jerky component, we won’t lie, we firmly believe that our beef jerky is the best and here's why. At The Jerky Co, we pride ourselves on using only the finest MSA-grade Australian beef. Our meticulous process begins with marinating and seasoning the beef, followed by careful air drying and sealing to ensure freshness. We believe that using premium quality cuts of topside beef is the key to crafting the most satisfying and highest quality beef jerky on the market. Choosing the right beef jerky flavour Selecting the right flavour of beef jerky is key to harmonising with the Mac and Cheese. We offer an array of flavours to suit every palate. For those who enjoy delicate smokey flavours, try our Smokey Jerky. If you prefer a fiery twist, our Chilli Jerky will add a delicious hit of heat to the dish. Of course, there's always the option to go for the classic Traditional Jerky for a timeless pairing. The choice is yours, and each variety brings a unique flavour to the dish. But if you want to know our current favourite - we think the indulgent Exotic Truffle Jerky goes perfectly with this recipe. Recipe - Mac and Cheese (Serves 2-3) Now, let's dive into it – the Mac and Cheese recipe that will have you reaching for seconds. Follow these simple steps to create this cheesy masterpiece: Step 1 Gather the following ingredients: 225g elbow macaroni 4 tablespoons unsalted butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 cups whole milk 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste Step 2 Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Step 3 In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to break up lumps, and until it forms a smooth paste. Step 4 Gradually and slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking over a medium heat until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer. Step 5 Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste. Tip: If you like a bit of heat, you can add in ½ teaspoon of dried chilli flakes at this step. Step 6 In a large pot, add the drained cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Remove from heat. This basic Mac and Cheese recipe serves as a canvas for the star of our dish – the beef jerky. But before we dive into the next step, feel free to explore variations such as gluten-free or vegan options to suit your dietary preferences. Incorporating beef jerky Now comes the exciting part – incorporating the beef jerky! Step 7 Select your desired amount of beef jerky, depending on your preference for texture and flavour intensity. For a more prominent jerky presence, you can opt for larger chunks or slices. If you prefer a more subtle hint of jerky, finely chop or grind it up. Step 8 Prepare the beef jerky by cutting it into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. This will ensure that every bite of your Mac and Cheese is perfectly balanced with tender jerky goodness. Step 9 Gently fold the beef jerky into the Mac and Cheese mixture, distributing it evenly throughout. The jerky will infuse the dish with its distinctive flavours and provide delicious bursts of savoury goodness. Distribute into bowls, and serve! By incorporating beef jerky into your Mac and Cheese, you're not only adding an extra hit of flavour to cut through the creamy sauce, but also boosting the protein content of your dish. You can also choose to crumble some extra beef jerky on top to finish off the dish. Serving suggestions and pairings To elevate the experience of indulging in this delicious creation, think about complimentary side dishes, condiments and beverages. Here are a few ideas: Pair your Mac and Cheese with a fresh green salad with a zesty dressing. The freshness of the salad goes perfectly with the richness of the Mac and Cheese. Serve the dish alongside a glass of red wine (we recommend a light fruity Pinot Noir!), or a crisp beer, such as an IPA or Pale Ale. Add a touch of complexity by drizzling a smokey barbecue sauce over the Mac and Cheese. The combination of savoury jerky, creamy cheese, and a hint of smokiness will pair deliciously together. You could also opt for chilli jam or a chutney to cut through the creaminess of the dish. Shop the highest quality beef jerky from The Jerky Co! Winter is the perfect time to experiment with comforting dishes that bring joy to your soul and your taste buds. This recipe takes a nostalgic, classic dish and elevates it to new heights, that will certainly leave your friends and family asking for seconds. We promise, this culinary creation is guaranteed to satisfy any cravings for a hearty winter dish. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stovetop, and let your creativity shine! Don't be afraid to experiment, customise, and make it your own. Shop our range of delicious beef jerky via our website now, or visit us at one of our 17 locations.
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Healthy Snacking Redefined: Discover The Jerky Co's Irresistible Fruit Jerky!
Dried fruit has gained immense popularity as a go-to healthy snacking option, offering a burst of natural sweetness and an array of nutritional benefits. In this blog, we will explore the wonders of dried fruit, with a special focus on air-dried fruit—the star of The Jerky Co's new range of Fruit Jerky; available in pineapple, red apple, pear, banana and mango. Nutritional Comparison Concentrated Goodness: Dried Fruit vs. Fresh Fruit One common question that arises when considering dried fruit is how it measures up against its fresh counterpart in terms of nutrition. Surprisingly, dried fruit packs a punch when it comes to vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Since the water content is removed during the drying process, the nutrients become concentrated. So, a small handful of dried fruit can provide a more significant nutritional boost compared to a larger portion of fresh fruit. Air-Drying Process Preserving Nature's Candy: The Air-Drying Technique We use the air-drying process to create our exquisite range of Fruit Jerky. Unlike traditional drying methods that involve heat or sun exposure, air-drying gently removes moisture while retaining the natural flavours, nutrients, and textures of the fruit. This ensures that each bite of air-dried fruit bursts with authentic taste and the goodness nature intended. Each of our Fruit Jerky flavours consist of nothing but single ingredient 100% Aussie fruit. No added sugar, no additives, no sulphur and completely gluten free! Maintaining Quality and Freshness: How Long Can You Store Dried Fruit? To enjoy the delectable flavours and benefits of air dried fruit, proper storage is crucial. Follow these guidelines to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life: Cool and Dry: Store dried fruit in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption and avoid spoilage. Airtight Containers: Transfer dried fruit into airtight containers or resealable bags to keep out air and humidity. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Shield dried fruit from direct sunlight to preserve its colour and prevent nutrient degradation. Check for Spoilage: Periodically inspect the dried fruit for signs of mould, unusual odours, or texture changes, which may indicate spoilage. Is Dried Fruit Good For You? Nature's Powerhouse: Vitamins and Minerals in Air Dried Fruit Dried mango, dried red apple, dried banana, dried pear, and dried pineapple each offer an impressive nutritional profile, brimming with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These concentrated nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being. Let's explore the key vitamins and minerals commonly found in these specific dried fruits: Vitamin C: Dried mango provides a significant dose of Vitamin C, supporting immune function and aiding in collagen production. Potassium: Dried banana is a rich source of potassium, a mineral crucial for maintaining proper heart function and regulating blood pressure. It also contains Vitamin K which works to metabolise carbohydrates and fats, turning them into energy. Iron: Dried red apple contains iron, an essential component of red blood cells that helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Antioxidants: Dried pineapple is rich in antioxidants, which help fight off harmful free radicals and protect the body against oxidative stress. Health Benefits A Nutritional Powerhouse for Well-Being Let's explore some of the specific advantages of our air dried fruit range that make it a fantastic addition to your daily snacking routine: Improved Digestion: Dried fruit is a good source of dietary fibre, aiding in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Increased Energy: The natural sugars present in dried fruit provide a quick and sustainable energy boost, making it an excellent choice for pre- or post-workout fuel. Immune Support: Our air dried mango is a great source of Vitamin C which plays a crucial role in supporting immune function, helping to ward off illnesses and keep your immune system strong. With these impressive health benefits, it's clear that incorporating dried fruit into your snacking routine can be a game-changer for your overall well-being. Versatility A Snacking Option for Every Occasion One of the fantastic aspects of dried fruit is its versatility. It can be enjoyed in various ways, making it suitable for any occasion: On-the-Go Snack: Dried fruit is the perfect grab-and-go snack. Its portability and long shelf life make it ideal for busy individuals who need a quick and nutritious snack option. Plus, there is no need to refrigerate it. Recipe Ingredient: Air dried fruit adds a delightful burst of sweetness and texture to a wide range of recipes. From baked goods to salads and even savoury dishes, dried fruit can elevate your culinary creations. Meal Topper: Sprinkle our air dried fruit over yogurt, cereal, or porridge to enhance your morning brekky. Introducing Our New Range of Fruit Jerky At The Jerky Co, we take pride in using high-quality ingredients to create our new range of Fruit Jerky. Aussie grown fruit is carefully selected and air-dried to retain their natural flavours, textures and nutritional value. With a variety of flavours to choose from, there's something to satisfy every taste preference and give you that sweet treat you've been craving. Dried fruit, especially healthy dried fruit like The Jerky Co's Fruit Jerky, is a fantastic choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a nutritious snacking alternative. Unlike other dried fruit brands which tend to pack their product with sugar and artificial preservatives, ours is 100% natural, and single ingredient, made only from Australian fruit. It makes for the perfect addition for kid's lunchboxes, as a recipe topper, or as a healthy snack for any time of day. Shop The Full Range Online Now! If you're looking for a top-notch dried fruit snacking experience, look no further than our new range of Fruit Jerky. Unsure which one to choose? Why not go for our Air Dried Fruit Salad, so you can sample each flavour within the one bag? So, whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a health-conscious individual, or simply seeking nutritious snacking alternatives, our air dried Fruit Jerky is a fantastic choice. Embrace the goodness of concentrated nutrients, enjoy the health benefits it offers, and experience the convenience and versatility of this delicious snack. Available in 250g, 500g and 1kg bags, you can shop the full range online now at Jerky Co. Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions, please consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Our air dried Fruit Jerky is designed to be consumed as per the recommended serving size and as part of a balanced diet.
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What Does Dry Aging Meat Do? The Science Behind Air Dried Beef and Its Safety
Have you ever seen beef carcasses hanging from hooks in a butcher's freezer and wondered what they're doing? Many people mistake this as simple meat storage, but in actual fact, there is a more interesting purpose behind this process. It is known as dry aging, where the meat is kept in a cool room at temperatures between -0.5 and +3 degrees celsius over long periods of time, up to 28 days. What does dry aging meat do? The idea behind this process is to allow the moisture to slowly be removed from the protein resulting in a stronger and more complex flavour profile. It also allows the meat's natural enzymes to break down connective tissue which gives it a more tender texture. Once the meat has completed the dry-aging process, it's then sold as cuts in butcher shops. It's not commonly found in larger supermarkets as it's not conducive to their high turnover rate. Aged steak is therefore now considered gourmet, is more expensive and is generally only found in specialty meat shops and some butchers. Dry-aged beef is still considered 'raw' and therefore still requires cooking, however, because of the moisture loss over the aging process, it doesn't require anywhere near as much heat as normal grocery store-bought steak. Wet-aged beef Wet-aged beef is a common type of aged meat that can be found in most supermarkets. The process involves sealing fresh steak cuts in cryovac bags and refrigerating them to maintain moisture during transportation along supply chains and into stores. In contrast to dry-aged beef, the goal of wet aging is to retain the meat's moisture content. Air dried meat Beef jerky and beef biltong are also products of dry aging. In both of their cases, the aging process is achieved by air drying, which is a kind of sped up version of dry-aging. Unlike dry-aging, however, the end product is almost completely free of moisture and is ready to eat straight out of the packet. Due to its harder and chewy texture, jerky and biltong are generally considered snacks rather than the centrepiece of a hot meal. By removing almost all of the moisture in the meat, pretty much all that's left is protein, making jerky or biltong a great snack for people looking to watch their carbohydrate intake. It's also great for athletes and bodybuilders who need to consume large daily amounts of protein for muscle regeneration. How is dry aged meat safe? Food safety is obviously very important, but it's a common misconception that when it comes to meat, the fresher it is, the safer it is. In some cases this is true, but in actual fact, aged meat is just as safe to eat if the aging process is completed under the correct conditions. Meat becomes contaminated when fungus, mould and bacteria begin to grow. These contaminants need water and oxygen, so by drying meat, we're effectively removing the water that allows these nasties to grow and cause it to spoil. While it takes up to a month to dry-age beef, the cold and dry refrigerated conditions in which the meat is kept helps to keep any contaminants from growing. The reduced moisture content of aged meat also gives it a longer shelf life once it reaches the display cabinet. Biltong is not dried in a refrigerator, but is kept safe a couple of ways. Firstly, it is marinated with vinegar, salt, pepper and other flavours. The vinegar lowers the pH of the meat, inhibiting the growth of anything nasty. Meanwhile the salt helps to lower the water profile. Secondly, the meat is usually dried in a box with a fan which encourages air flow. This air flow inhibits bacterial growth in still air. Jerky, on the other hand, goes through a very quick drying process with the help of a hot fan. The combination of heat and fans gets the meat nice and dry in less than a day which doesn't allow anything to grow before the meat is completely dry. Nutritional benefits As we touched on earlier, air dried beef is very high in protein. The reduced moisture content in dry-aged beef also results in a higher protein steak, but when it comes to bang for your buck, biltong and jerky will give you the biggest protein hit of any meat. This makes air dried meat ideal for people who have set nutritional goals. It's worth noting, however, that many store-bought beef jerky brands sell what is known as 'candy jerky'. This is a low quality product that is packed full of artificial flavours and sugar which makes it less enjoyable to eat, and is no healthier than a bag of potato chips. Best stick to brands like The Jerky Co for high quality jerky and biltong that is made from all natural ingredients. To read more: Real Jerky vs Candy Jerky - Why The Real Deal Is Superior The Jerky Co beef jerky and biltong Dried meat is what we do. We use premium, MSA grade beef to make the best jerky and biltong money can buy, so click the ‘shop now’ tab to take a peek at our massive range of flavours. Our mouth-watering air dried meat snacks are guaranteed to leave you craving for more!
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The 2023 Mother's Day Gift Guide
Treat Mum to a scrumptious gift this year! We have plenty of gift options to keep Mum happy. After all... she deserves the best!
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A Brief History of Beef Jerky: From Ancient North America to Australia's Favourite Snack
Beef jerky truly is a global food, enjoyed by people in just about every country on Earth, but do you know where it originates? If you're aware of the modern day meat dehydrating process, you may be surprised to learn how far back this delicious snack goes. Forget about refrigerators, marinades and electric dehydrators—beef jerky predates all the inventions that we've come to associate with modern cooking. When was jerky first created? Preserving meat is a practice that can be traced all the way back to the ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago, but beef jerky as we know it goes back to the 16th century in South America. It was a simple, salted and dried meat product and was first created by South American tribes that lived in the Andes. It was named ch'arki by the Quechua tribe of Peru, so you can see how it came to be known as ‘jerky’ in the English speaking world. It's believed that the cold environment at high altitudes made for excellent conditions to produce dried meat as the lack of microbes in the air protected the meat from becoming contaminated. This allowed the tribespeople to make bulk jerky that they could keep for long periods and rely on for fuel during the winter months. Meanwhile, tribes in North America had developed their own process for preserving salted meat. Game animals such as bison, elk, deer and moose were most commonly used to create something called pemmican. Similar to jerky, it consisted of thin strips of salted meat that were dried over a slow fire or in the hot sun. Unlike jerky, however, it would then be pounded into tiny pieces and then mixed with rendered fat and sometimes even berries to create a meat preserve. These cakes or bars could be eaten raw, but were often used as an ingredient in stews. Why dry meat? In our modern world we often take food for granted. We have an abundance of it, and we have fridges and freezers to put it in for storage until we decide to use it. We don't need to dehydrate meat, however, we may choose to because it makes for a delicious and healthy snack. But centuries ago, access to fresh food simply wasn't a guarantee for most people, especially among hunter/gatherer societies that didn't have the means to practice early forms of agriculture. As a result, it was essential to find ways to preserve food—particularly meat—so that it could be kept for when it was most needed. One of the world's most successful exports In the centuries since jerky was first created, it has gone on to become one of the most successfully exported foods of all time, with just about every culture in the world enjoying some form of sliced, dried meat. Understandably, Native Americans made jerky out of whatever big game they could hunt at any given time, but jerky as we know it today is predominantly made from beef and flavoured according to cultural popularity. Here in Australia, we love our smokey beef jerky, among many other popular westernised flavours. Meanwhile in North America where sweeter flavours are more popular, BBQ flavoured jerky is a big hit. Fortunately for you, at The Jerky Co we have a massive range of jerky flavours to suit every taste preference. How is modern beef jerky made? The principle is very much the same today as it was 500 years ago, only now we're a bit more conscious of food safety as well as efficiency. At The Jerky Co, we use local MSA grade beef to ensure the best quality jerky money can buy. Additionally, it contributes to the local economy in a sustainable manner, as opposed to importing inexpensive and ecologically harmful factory-produced meat. We then add our own mix of flavours before putting it through the drying process until it has the perfect jerky chew. It's then immediately packaged to ensure maximum freshness until it ends up in your snack bowl. Perfect for safekeeping We're often asked 'how long does beef jerky last?' We recommend that if you have any left over after you open the packet (which is unsurprisingly uncommon), then it's best to put it in a sealed container and refrigerate it for up to a week. Unlike many store bought jerky brands, we don't use any preservatives in our jerky, it's strictly beef and flavours. While it's probably good for a lot longer than a week, we recommend you don't leave it any longer than seven days. Australia's best beef jerky is just a click away For the most delicious Australian made beef jerky, simply click on the ‘shop now’ tab above to see our massive range of original flavours, and get delicious fresh jerky delivered straight to your door. Or, you can visit us in store at one of our 17 store locations throughout Western Australia. We guarantee you won't be able to resist coming back for more!
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Sustainability in Beef Production: Is Australian Beef the Answer?
It seems the topic of sustainability has encroached upon just about every aspect of public life in recent years, and for good reason. The free and open flow of information on the internet has given consumers a great deal of power to make more informed choices in what they buy, and so industries can no longer ignore the demand for responsible manufacturing and production practices. People care about where the things they buy come from, and in no other industry is this more important than in the food industry. Livestock agriculture adds another element to the mix—animal welfare. It's not enough to only deal with issues of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, land use and its environmental impacts, consumers want to know that the animals that become their food are treated well and have a good life before they end up on our plates. This puts a lot of pressure on the livestock industry to conform to a range of industry practices and regulations to ensure that producers are acting in both a sustainable and ethical manner. Those that do, however, are awarded accreditation with industry bodies such as MSA Australian beef grades. What are the benefits to buying local produce? There are many benefits to spending your money on local produce. For starters, it's always good to support the local economy, but more importantly, it helps to reduce the carbon footprint that is created from getting your food from paddock to plate. Transporting food across global supply chains requires a lot of energy use that can otherwise be avoided by shopping locally instead. That's just one of the reasons why The Jerky Co only uses locally sourced MSA beef to make the best Australian beef jerky. Keeping it local also helps to ensure a higher level of animal welfare. There are parts of the world that still engage in egregious farming practices, where producers simply don't care about the welfare of their animals and therefore don't treat them with the care that they deserve. We've all seen the tragic videos of animals being severely mistreated which led to temporary bans on live exports. We're not saying that's standard practice among all overseas livestock industries, but there is zero accountability among those who do engage in that kind of behaviour. When we buy local beef for our air dried meat products, we're helping to maintain ethical and sustainable beef production where cattle enjoy fresh and open pastures rather than being cooped up and fed a grain diet. Is beef production sustainable? There have been many questions asked about the sustainability of livestock production, particularly in the beef industry as cattle production is a significant contributor of GHG emissions—particularly methane production. However, Australian scientists have found a way to address this situation and significantly reduce these emissions. It was recently discovered that a particular strain of native Australian seaweed greatly reduces methane production in the digestive system of cows when it is added to their feed. This new and exciting feed production method is currently being rolled out globally in an effort to potentially reduce methane emissions from cows by up to 80%. While some people may wish to see an end to beef cattle production, the reality of the situation is that over a billion people on this planet rely on meat production for their livelihoods. And with a constantly expanding global population, food production will continue to rely more and more heavily on beef as a source of protein. The answer, therefore, isn't to roll back beef consumption and production, but instead to ensure beef sustainability through science and technology. The improvement of beef-production systems has played a huge role in lifting millions, if not billions of people out of poverty by making cheap, nourishing meat available to as many people as possible. This has played a key role in advancing human health and wellbeing around the globe, so while there are challenges to overcome in terms of its environmental impact, it's important that we continue to make beef available to as many people as possible. We're extremely fortunate to have an abundance of readily available beef here in Australia, so it's incumbent on us to support sustainable food systems. When you buy any of our products such beef jerky, beef biltong or droewors, you can be assured that your money is going towards supporting local and sustainable beef producers. Not only is this good for the livestock sector, but it's good for you too, as you're eating a higher quality food product than one that doesn't source sustainable ingredients. Enjoy sustainably sourced, local MSA-grade air dried meat So, is the meat industry sustainable in Australia? Absolutely yes, it is, but it's up to all of us to keep it sustainable by supporting responsible businesses. To check out our range of delicious and sustainable MSA grade dried meats, buy beef jerky online by clicking the 'shop now' tab. Enjoy!
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Ideas For Your Next Grazing Table (Feat. Beef Jerky & Biltong!)
You've heard of the grazing board but have you heard of the grazing table? If you've got a big get-together coming up and you want to impress your guests, forget about those pre-made serving platters and try turbo charging this humble snack serving idea into your party's pièce de résistance! So what is a grazing table? Well, you can probably take a guess at this one. A grazing table is essentially an elevated cheeseboard on a larger scale. Instead of using individual cheese boards, it uses an entire table top to serve an array of cheeses and snacks. A grazing table can feed a large amount of people, and provides a great opportunity for people to gather and share food together. A well executed grazing table is truly the grazing platter to end all grazing platters. It seems awfully messy, why would I want to do this? Firstly, because they look amazing. If you're putting on a big party or you're even organising a baby shower or wedding reception, it's great to create a bit of theatre with the food that you're serving. Having the host walk around with a nice charcuterie board is all well and good, but if you really want the food to be the centrepiece, this is the way to do it. By using a whole table top as your grazing table, you're effectively giving yourself a nice big canvas to create a stunning culinary centrepiece. Although some cleaning is required after the event, using a grazing table is less cumbersome than dealing with multiple dishes and utensils that may not fit in the dishwasher or are difficult to wash by hand. What are some grazing table ideas for my next party? They're basically just oversized cheese boards, so really you can put anything you want on them. A typical grazing board will usually have the following components: Cheeses such as cheddar, brie, mozzarella, swiss etc Crackers and pretzels Dips Meats, including cured meats and other deli meats Fresh fruits of your choice, e.g. grapes, cherries and strawberries Dried fruits such as apricots and figs Veggies; cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, carrot sticks etc Sweet treats such as chocolate, sweet coated nuts etc Of course, this wouldn't be a Jerky Co blog without suggesting some of our delicious air dried meats now, would it? Simple grazing tables with mostly store bought ingredients are fine, but if you want to really impress your guests then it's definitely worth exploring some gourmet options. Why throw on some rolled up ham slices when you could instead put on a handful of our fatty beef biltong? Or better yet, our exotic truffle biltong? Instead of slices of deli-bought roast beef, you could try adding some of our delicious Great Southern Outback Spiced beef jerky. We have a tonne of jerky and biltong options that will work with any of your other ingredients. If your platter is loaded with savoury ingredients such as olives, vegetables and strong cheeses, then perhaps some Sweet BBQ beef jerky will help to break it up a little bit. On the flipside, say you've got a lot of fruit and other sweet ingredients on your grazing table, our smokey or chilli flavoured jerky options would work well to balance the flavours out. Can I DIY a grazing table? Yes, that's the beauty of grazing tables. While there are specialised companies that offer grazing table setup services, you can also easily create one yourself for full customisation. This allows you to be creative and add your own unique touch in terms of both flavours and presentation. You can even opt for an all-desserts table. Ensure you have on hand the right sized table for your event and the number of guests. You can lay down flat serving boards across the entire table top as a base for the food. All that is left to do is purchase your ingredients, and display them nicely on the table shortly before your guests arrive. Other DIY grazing table tips and tricks: Plan ahead: Make sure to plan the grazing table layout, including the type and amount of food you will serve. Consider dietary restrictions and food allergies of your guests. Variety is key: Offer a variety of sweet and savory options, including cheese, meats, crackers, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dips. Visual appeal: Create a visually appealing display by using different heights and textures. Use wooden boards, baskets, and serving platters to add depth and interest to the table. Balance flavors: Balance flavors by pairing strong cheeses with sweet or mild fruits, and salty crackers with creamy dips. Label ingredients: Label the food items and ingredients clearly to help guests with allergies and dietary restrictions. Keep it fresh: Make sure to keep perishable items like fruits and cheese chilled until ready to serve. Space it out: Space out the food items to make it easier for guests to reach and try everything. Have utensils ready: Make sure to have utensils such as knives, serving spoons, and toothpicks readily available. Consider the time of day: Offer different types of food based on the time of day. For example, lighter options for lunch and more substantial options for dinner. How many people can a grazing table cater for? A grazing table can accommodate any number of guests, as it can be customised to fit your needs. The advantage of a grazing table is that all the food is displayed on one large table, making it easier to estimate the amount of food needed and reducing waste. By having a well-sized table to accommodate for your number of guests, you can avoid having excessive leftovers that will eventually go to waste. Elevate your grazing table with beef jerky and biltong! If you've got a function coming up and you think a grazing table might be the way to go, head over to the online store and have a look at our wide variety of beef jerky and biltong products. You'll find every flavour you need to fulfill all your grazing table ideas for a night of nibbles your guests won't soon forget.
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The Best High Protein Keto Snacks
The silly season is coming to an end, and we all know what that means—it's time to try to convince ourselves and our friends that this year we're definitely sticking to our new year's resolutions. These new year resolutions inevitably take the form of 'read more, drink less and lose weight'. And while there's not much we can do to help with the first two, we can definitely help you out with that third goal. With new year's resolutions fresh on people's minds, it's a great time to start exploring different diet options, and one that has been enjoying some popularity in recent years is the keto diet. Now, we're not dieticians, so we're not advocating for any particular diet. That is something for you to explore, preferably with the help of an expert, but if that is the path you're going down, you're going to want to know about high protein keto snacks. What is keto? It's an extremely low-carb diet that aims to force the body into a state of ketosis. This is a metabolic state in which the body is deprived of carbohydrates, forcing it to draw on your fat reserves for energy. It's therefore seen by some to be a very effective way to lose weight.* *Results vary, and we do not recommend undertaking this diet without guidance from a qualified doctor or dietician. How is ketosis achieved? It's achieved by eliminating carbs from your diet, such as breads, grains and sugars. It also involves keeping a very close eye on other foods such as milk, broccoli and other vegetables as they also contain small amounts of carbs. Instead, high protein foods form the basis of the diet, including foods that are rich in healthy fats. Ultimately it's a pretty restrictive diet because after eliminating all foods with carbs, you're really only left with meat, eggs, cheese, nuts and vegetables. People therefore need to get creative with recipes and snacks to keep their food interesting. So let's take a look at some delicious high protein low carb keto snacks that you can use to keep your diet fresh and interesting. Veggie sticks with nut butter Using veggies like carrots, celery and capsicum as sticks for dipping has always been a staple at parties, but most dips aren't keto-friendly snacks. However, replacing regular dips with peanut butter, cashew butter, or almond butter will make this snack suitable for a keto diet. Nut butters are a good source of healthy fats, making them a great keto snack. Just be sure to check the label of the nut butter that it contains 100% nuts with no added sugar. Keto sushi rolls As you can probably imagine, these are just like regular sushi rolls but without the rice. Fish is a great source of protein and healthy fats, so simply fill your seaweed sheets with fresh veggies and smoked salmon or another protein of your choice and you have a delicious keto snack. Just be careful with marinades and dipping sauces as some of them do contain sugars. Beef jerky Is beef jerky keto compatible? You betcha! Provided it's good quality, real beef jerky made from MSA grade topside beef, then it is absolutely compatible with the keto diet. Many store bought beef jerky brands do not make keto suitable products though. Check out our blog on beef jerky vs candy jerky to learn the difference. Candy jerkies are often full of sugar and other additives so it's essential you avoid them and instead stick to the proper stuff. How much protein is in beef jerky? There are almost 7 grams of protein in every 10 grams of beef jerky, so it's one of the best high protein low carb snacks available. In fact, whatever diet you may be on, beef jerky is the perfect snack when you're trying to achieve weight loss or boost your protein intake. Hard-boiled eggs It's a humble snack, but it gets the job done. There's really no nonsense when it comes to hard-boiled eggs. Protein-rich and full of healthy fats, eggs are a healthy addition to anyone’s diet. Sprinkled with a little sea salt, or perhaps dipped in your favourite hot sauce, it's as pure a snack as you can have. Greek yoghurt with fruit, nuts and pumpkin seeds You do have to be a little careful with this one if you're on a keto diet. Fruits are generally high in sugars, however there are a handful which are considered keto-friendly. These include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Add a sprinkle of nuts and seeds and this makes for a delicious breakfast or snack, as well as boosting your protein and calcium intake. Shop our Keto-friendly beef jerky online now! Whether you’re going full blown keto, or are just on the hunt for some healthy, filling snacks, we hope this article has helped you. As long as you opt for low carb ingredients, there are plenty of ways you can put together high protein snacks that are compatible with a keto diet. Here at The Jerky Co, we pride ourselves on making high quality beef jerky and biltong products that won't conflict with your dietary requirements, so jump on our online store and grab yourself a delicious snack that won't ruin your new year's resolution!
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Our Top Picks For Christmas Gifts in 2022!
Can you believe it's Christmas already?! It certainly feels to us like 2022 has been a particularly short year—might have something to do with the last two years! But hey, the silly season is upon us so why not avoid the last minute mad rush and get all your Christmas shopping out of the way now? Everybody loves Christmas food gifts, and luckily we're all stocked up and ready to get our delicious jerky into your loved ones' stomachs! We reckon we've got something for everybody here at The Jerky Co, so let's take a look at some 2022 Christmas gift ideas to please the meat eater in your life. The Gym Junkie - Traditional Jerky For the gym junkie, there is only one thing that matters, and that is protein. The gym junkie is way too focused on his or her macros to pay any attention to flavour or style. Delicate flavours are of no interest when it's all about the gains. So, with 60g of protein per 100g bag, our Traditional Jerky is the perfect gift idea for your active friend or family member. The Craft Beer Snob - Smokey Jerky The craft beer snob can be quite difficult when it comes to food because he or she clearly has extremely sophisticated taste, however, it's important not to overwhelm the palette when there are Belgian Trappists and barrel-aged German Saisons that require the drinker's full attention. It's therefore a delicate balance between stroking their ego with some interesting flavours but without upsetting the palette. This is what makes Smokey Jerky the perfect choice for the craft beer snob. There aren't any palette killing flavours, however, the smokey flavour will give them the perfect opportunity to impress everybody with their knowledge of hickory and mesquite smoke. The Adventurer - Sweet BBQ Jerky Trail Mix If there's one thing an outdoorsy person loves as much as a sunset selfie from the top of a rocky outcrop, it's a good trail mix. And it just so happens that in our previous Beef Trail Mix Recipe blog we took a look at some trail mix recipes that use our various flavours of beef jerky. We reckon the Sweet BBQ trail mix will be a huge hit with your trail hiking family member or friend, and plus, who doesn't love a thoughtful DIY gift?! The Foodie - Exotic Truffle Fatty Biltong The foodie wants everybody to know that there are no half measures when it comes to putting on an exquisite culinary experience for friends. For those who like the finer things in life, our Exotic Truffle Fatty Beef Biltong is a great gift for the foodie you know. Because what foodie doesn't like truffle? The Chilli Hero - Red Hot Reaper Beef Jerky There's one in every family. That one person who just has to drench everything in hot sauce and then sit there stoically pretending not to have overdone it. Give them the ultimate chilli challenge this Christmas day with our Red Hot Reaper Beef Jerky. With a fiery hit of reaper chilli, this one is not for the faint hearted. The BBQ Boss - King of the Q Bundle The BBQ boss has to make sure that all bases are covered when it comes to putting on a meaty feast. The epic King of The Q Bundle includes loads of beef jerky varieties, as well as our delicious Poppa Porky’s pork crackle, and two types of dry rub for the perfect BBQ main course! The Grey Nomad - Great Southern Outback Spiced Jerky Once the holiday season is over, the caravan dwellers will be itching to hit the road again. The grey nomad loves the Australian outback experience, and a big part of that is the bush tucker, so why not incorporate that in your Christmas present ideas? Great Southern Outback Spiced Beef Jerky is our latest creation and perfectly captures the flavours of our great southern land. The Risk Taker - Who Dares Wins Beef Jerky One in five pieces in each pack of ‘Who Dares Wins’ is loaded with a fiery Reaper Chilli punch in our Russian Roulette Jerky challenge. It's Xmas night, you've all had a few drinks, the board games and card games are out and it's time for a laugh. The loser of each round takes a piece of Jerky from the Who Dares Wins packet and hilarity ensues! Just make sure there is plenty of iced water on hand! The 'Cover All Bases' Gift Giver - Meat Lover's Bubbles and Beef Bundle Sometimes it's just too hard to know what to get somebody, so with our Meat Lover's Bubbles and Beef Bundle, you get a bit of everything—a selection of beef jerky varieties, a bottle of bubbles, and everybody's favourite...a couple of pairs of socks. But they're not just any old pair, The Jerky Co socks make for a delightfully unique gift. Shop Our Range Of Gifts This Christmas Online Now! Our online store is stocked up and ready to sort out all your beef jerky Christmas gifts. Or, you can pop into any of our 17 locations across WA. Whether you're after a few small stocking stuffers or more substantial gift bundles like our Hunter & Gatherer Bundle, we've got all the best gift ideas covered this festive season. From all of us here at The Jerky Co, we wish you all the happiest of Christmases. Fill your bellies with delicious food (and jerky!), enjoy the company of your loved ones, and make sure to unwind with a glass of bubbles or a nice cold beer. See you in 2023!
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Beef Jerky - Traditional
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Beef Biltong - Exotic Truffle Fatty
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Beef Biltong - Chilli Fatty
