In a message dated 2/3/2002 10:32:39 PM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:


> I am just about to try this and have bought my caulking, er, I mean
> jerky gun!
>

I've used the jerky gun, and I found it to be a pain in the neck--really
didn't save any time over shaping it by hand.  I use very lean ground beef
(no added fat) from a grass-fed cow we bought from a local farmer.  I add
spices, but no salt.  I've found that adding some balsamic vinegar helps a
lot with taste when you're not using salt, but Cordain would disapprove (not
because vinegar isn't paleo, but because he thinks it causes health
problems).  I dry it at 150 degrees.  I'm not sure how long it keeps because
I tend to eat it up.  I keep it in the refrigerator.  I think it ought to
last a month that way, but mine's gone long before that.