Product review: Perky Jerky offers delicious option for jerky lovers

If you--or someone you know--enjoys snacking on jerky, then Perky Jerky has an entire line of products that may be of interest to you. What makes Perky Jerky different from other brands of jerky on the market? Well, for starters, it doesn't contain the the nitrites, preservatives and added MSG* that other brands so often contain. One ingredient stands out and makes Perky Jerky a more unique snacking option above all others-guarana. Guarana contains caffeine, so as you snack on Perky Jerky, you can a little boost in your energy level.

Perky Jerky claims to be the best tasting jerky you'll get your hands on, and I am inclined to agree. I was recently sent a sample to try and was hesitant at first because jerky products tend to dry and tough to chew. I love jerky, but hate the way my jaw feels after eating it. Perky Jerky is different-it truly is tender and so much easier to eat than other brands. The meat used in Perky Jerky is marinated overnight and that difference really shines through in both the taste and texture of the final product. Perky Jerky offers 4 flavors (Original, Teriyaki, Hot and Bothered and Sweet and Spicy) of jerky available in both beef and turkey for a total of eight different snacking options, depending on your craving.

Perky Jerky describes their products as follows:

• Original Beef This is the Original Beef Perky Jerky – the one that started it all. This all natural jerky is made from tender cuts of beef. Marinated overnight it has a rich, delicious peppery flavor with a hint of soy sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. This is the most tender, ultra premium jerky out there, and the only one that will leave you begging for more. 
• Original Turkey Think turkey is bland and boring? Not this one. Original Turkey Perky Jerky is loaded with flavor. Tender cuts of turkey marinate overnight in an all natural blend of ingredients giving it a rich, delicious peppery flavor with a hint of soy sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. After the first bite, you’ll be hooked. 
• Teriyaki Beef Get ready because all natural Teriyaki Beef Perky Jerky will make your mouth happy. Tender cuts of beef marinate overnight in a delicious blend of pineapple, soy sauce and ginger. Your taste buds will say Arigatō. (Teriyaki Turkey has the same description). 
• Hot and Bothered Get that glass of milk ready because this is going to be a hot one! All natural, Hot & Bothered Beef Perky Jerky will kick you in the pants. Tender cuts of beef marinate overnight in a spicy mixture of peppers and garlic. Each bite will send you in a whirlwind of flavor. (Hot and Bothered Turkey has the same description). 
• Sweet and Spicy Need some naughty and nice in your life? All natural Sweet & Spicy Beef Perky Jerky will give you the best of both worlds. Tender cuts of beef marinate overnight in a sweet jalapeño mixture. The combination of flavors will dance on your taste buds. (Sweet and Spicy Turkey has the same description). 

The sample I received was the Teriyaki Beef and I enjoyed every last morsel of it. First of all, let me publicly state that I am very fussy when it comes to teriyaki flavored anything. So many food manufacturers get it wrong-it's either too sweet, too salty or just plain weird! Perky Jerky gets it right with the perfect blend of pineapple, soy sauce and ginger. It's a little sweet and a little savory with a nice spicy zing from the ginger. My taste buds weren't saying "Arigatō", instead, they were begging for more. After years of shying away from jerky snacks because I don't like having a tired jaw and sore teeth after eating it, I am thrilled to be able to eat jerky once again! If the other flavors of Perky Jerky are as good as the sample I received, I see myself eating a lot more of it in the future. These tender cuts of meat drenched in flavor have me hooked.

If you would like to learn more about Perky Jerky, visit their website, Facebook page or Twitter feed for more details. It can be purchased locally at Pilot Travel Centers, Meijer, Target and Home Depot or you can purchase directly from Perky Jerky through their online store.

S'mores nachos recipe from Mission

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Whether you are looking for a new way to enjoy nachos or a unique way to make s'mores, this recipe from Mission is a great summertime snack!

S'MORES NACHOS
Ingredients 

• 5 Mission® soft taco size flour tortillas 
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted 
• 12 whole cinnamon graham crackers, finely crushed 
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 
• 1 jar (about 10 ounces) chocolate sauce (about 1 1/4 cups), warmed 

Instructions 
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges. Pour the butter into a shallow bowl. Place the graham cracker crumbs onto a plate. Dip the tortilla wedges into the butter. Coat with the graham cracker crumbs. Place the tortilla wedges onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown, turning the tortilla wedges over once halfway through the bake time. Place the tortilla wedges onto a platter. Top with the marshmallows. Drizzle with the chocolate sauce.

Recipe Note: for a version with toasted marshmallows, use an oven-safe platter. Place the baked tortilla wedges onto the platter. Top with the marshmallows. Bake at 350°F. until the marshmallows are lightly browned. Drizzle with the chocolate sauce.

Italian kettle corn recipe from Wishbone

If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary to snack on, try this unique recipe from Wishbone.

ITALIAN KETTLE CORN

• 1 envelope Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing and Seasoning Mix 
• 1/4 cup olive oil 
• 10 cups air popped popcorn 

Directions 
Combine Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing and Seasoning Mix with olive oil in large bowl. Add popcorn; toss to coat.

If this recipe sounds good to you, visit the WishBone website and join their mailing list to receive more yummy recipes and offers.

Candied almonds recipe

(Photo credit: smiteme)

These sweet, spicy nuts are most popular during the fall and winter months, but they make a yummy snack year round. Plus they are a sneaky way to get your kids to eat a somewhat healthier snack.

CANDIED ALMONDS

• 1/2 cup water 
• 1 cup sugar 
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 
• dash nutmeg
• dash ground cloves
• 2 cups whole almonds

Directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Combine all ingredients except the nuts in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a full boil. Add almonds and cook until the liquid cooks down to a syrupy consistency and the nuts are coated. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and separate the nuts from each other using a fork or spoon. Allow to cool completely before eating or storing.

Baked pita chips recipe

English: Pita Bread (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These baked chips are healthier than anything deep fried you might serve. Serve them with a thick dip, such as a cheesy beer dip or hot artichoke dip for a substantial snack.


BAKED PITA CHIPS

• 12 pita pockets
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Split each pita in half and cut each half into 8 pieces. Mix oil and seasonings in a small bowl and brush on pita pieces. Bake for 6-8 minutes, until lightly browned and crisp.

Cinnamon chips and fruit salsa recipe

Fruit Platter (Photo credit: Matthew Kenwrick)

If you are looking for something new and healthy to snack on, this fruity salsa should liven things up!

CINNAMON CHIPS WITH FRUIT SALSA
Ingredients

• 10 frozen strawberries
• 2 kiwi, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 medium mango, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 bananas, peeled and diced
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 pint blueberries
• 3 (12 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 cup cinnamon sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour strawberries in a blender and blend until liquified. Add remaining fruit to a bowl and pour strawberry mixture on top. Stir to coat and place in the refrigerator. Spray tortillas with cooking spray and cut into wedges. Place on a baking sheet and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely before serving with fruit salsa.

Strawberry pecan bread recipe

I was recently asked if there was such a thing as a strawberry sweet bread, my reply was "Yes, but a good recipe is hard to come by". Adding fresh fruit to bread recipes can be problematic, especially fruits as juicy as strawberries. I have researched and tested and tweaked until I came up with a recipe that I feel is just right. I would have provided pictures, but it didn't last long enough with my hungry tribe.

STRAWBERRY PECAN BREAD
Ingredients

• 3 cups strawberries
  
• 3 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
  
•  1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
  
• 3/4 cup oil
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Generously butter and flour two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans. Slice strawberries and sprinkle with sugar. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugars, cinnamon, salt & baking soda. Add vanilla, oil, eggs, berries and pecans. Stir until just moistened. Divide between pans and bake 45-50 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes, then turn out of pans to cool completely.

Cook's Notes-frozen berries work well in this recipe, too. Add chocolate chips for a delicious flavor twist.

Photo Credit MVI

Oatmeal raisin cookie recipe

High Fiber Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here ya go Sandy! I hope this recipe helps you out on your cookie search =)

OATMEAL COOKIES
Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cream shortening and sugars in a large mixing bowl. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt and gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in walnuts and raisins, if desired. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets, allowing plenty of room for cookies to spread while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Peanut butter oatmeal cookie recipe

Oatmeal cookies with peanut butter and butterscotch chips. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I used to work in a local bakery that specialized in oatmeal cookies that weighed in at a quarter pound each. The peanut butter ones were my favorite. While not the same recipe, this comes darn close!

PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL COOKIES
Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups shortening
• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• 2 cups wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream shortening and peanut butter together in a large bowl. Add brown sugar, eggs and vanilla. Mix until well combined. Combine remaining ingredients than add to peanut butter mixture. Mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Flatten slightly and bake 10-12 minutes, until golden.