On a whim, I bought this gadget called a "jerky factory" or
something of the sort.  The package promises to allow one to make
"jerky snacks from lean ground beef."

It turned out to be something like a caulk gun: a tube that you
can fit nozzles onto, with a ratcheted plunger that pushes the
meat out.  Also there are some packets of seasonings and "curing"
powder.

The curing powder is salt and sodium nitrite.  The seasonings are
combinations of spices and various chemicals.  I threw all the
packets away and added my own salt and spices to some extra-lean
ground beef.  Then, as per instructions, I squeezed out about 20
rods of seasoned and salted meat onto the racks of my dehydrator.
Supposedly, all I have to do now is dry them until they are
"leathery" and then they're ready to eat.

They're downstairs drying right now, but I have to say that I'm a
bit squirmy about eating them, what with the possibility of E.
Coli and all.  I don't really know if the sodium nitrite would
have made a big difference in this respect.  So, I guess I'm
wondering if anyone can reassure me that these things won't kill
me?

Todd Moody
[log in to unmask]

PS  My son saw the NeanderThin book the other day, brought it
over to me and pointed at the picture on the cover, asking, "Is
this you, Daddy?"  I have to admit, I could pass for that guy.