Making memories

We just finished reading about Lewis and Clark. Their exploration of the west has always been of interest to me. I guess when you grow up within miles of the trail it helps hold your interest as a child. I used to stare out the car and daydream about what it would have been like going down the river before houses, roads, and factories along the way. The thought of going over Lolo pass on foot or horseback is just plain scary.

Trying to instill the interest and love of this story to my children is a little harder. My son seems to only be interested if there are battles involved and K needs to be able to picture it in her head or she zones out. Maybe a trip up to Idaho this summer will help. ;)

To keep them a little more interested this week, we made jerky. I have a dehydrator that has been sitting in the cupboard for a long time, so we pulled it out, washed it up and put it to work. Of course I explained to them that this is not how jerky was made back in the time of Lewis and Clark but it will taste just as good (or better).

I am really trying to make it more fun and provide hands on learning. I think this week I accomplished that goal. Tasted good too!

Just as a side note...

There are a ton of recipes on the internet but if you want to keep it simple here are some ideas.

I just have the butcher slice a round roast (tell them it is for jerky), then I marinade it in liquid smoke (very little) soy sauce, red pepper (didn't use this time because of the kids but it tastes better), Worcestershire sauce, Teriyaki sauce and some water. NO, I didn't measure. You can also add other things like garlic, onion powder, pepper, etc. Marinade overnight and then pop in the dehydrator for about 24 hours. Of course venison jerky is the best but I happen to live in the city now, so that won't happen unless my brothers or dad take pity on me.