Posts Tagged ‘fresh’

By Cameron McKirdy

Former Marine Tactical Gypsy has an exclusive Survival Bros blog and new elk jerky recipe for you.  He hunts in Oregon with seven other buddies, and no matter how much they kill, they split the meat evenly so nobody is left out.  This season his hunting party terminated five bulls, producing around 225 pounds of meat each.  He has used the animal for sausage, country fried steaks, and thick jerky strips.  His favorite cut is the back strap, which runs on each side of the spine.  It’s the most tender part, and is amazing in a stew of vegetables and spices.  Simmer that on a low boil for awhile, and you have a man meal sure to satisfy.  Tactical Gypsy also told me he likes to pan sear the meat first, to lock in the juice.

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To produce scrumptious elk jerky he cut slabs 1/4th of an inch thick, because they shrink.  His recipe calls for six or seven pounds of flesh, so he ends up with big nuggets to feast on.  Each hunk is approximately 4″ x 1″ wide.  The marinade calls for 4 1/2 cups of soy sauce, with plenty of Worcestershire depending on personal preference.  Mix in 1 pound of brown sugar, then a 8 oz. bottle of hickory liquid smoke flavoring.  Soak the elk in a bowl, or deep pan, and refrigerate for 12 hours..  After that, use a colander to run off the marinade.  Next, lay out the strips on the dehydrator trays evenly, with bigger pieces going on the bottom.  Sprinkle on coarse black pepper, turn the machine on high, and let her rip.  Check back every few hours, and rotate the racks as needed.  In 12 additional hours you’ll have a stash of jerky to devour, and give out to your friends.  Tactical Gypsy, if you are reading this, please save me a nug or two.  Survival Bros will have more blogs soon.  Check back often.  Likes, shares, and comments are appreciated.

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Produced by Cameron McKirdy

My bro known as “Tactical Gypsy” sent me these delicious pictures to blog about. He loves his elk. You can see all the spices and flavorings used to produce the glorious nuggets. Half of the loaves are spicy, half mild. Both varieties went well with pepper jack cheese, sharp cheddar, and even brie on crackers. Most of these will be stored in the freezer tonight, the others gifts.

Here’s the recipe:
8 LBS Elk burger
1/2 cup Morton’s Tender Quick. Mix well & let sit overnight in fridge.

Add… 1 1/2 TBSP Coarse pepper, 1 1/2 TBSP Garlic powder, 1 1/2 TBSP Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, 1 TBSP Mustard seed, 1 Tsp Cayenne pepper, 3 TBSP Liquid smoke…. MIX well!

Make 8 rolls/loaves. Put on broiler pan & bake 4Hrs @ 250* turning 1/4 turn every 1/2 Hr. Make sure internal heat gets to 150*.

Cool to room temp before wrapping and freezing.

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Survival Bros has been doing some hardcore juicing. I recently fired up the Jack Lalanne Power Juicer, and extracted raw, fresh juice from the fruit and vegetables pictured below. My new favorite drink is carrot juice, mixed with frozen mangos, and orange juice (top right). I whipped that up in my Ninja blender. I drank so much. I’m making raw juice popsicles soon. I will post a picture. Peace.
– Cameron McKirdy

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They are everywhere! There’s billions of berries bursting from the vines right now. Survival Bros challenges YOU to harvest some in your area this summer! What are you waiting for? It’s free food.

I rolled to the Mill Ponds in Seaside, OR with a hommie this morning. We packed in breakfast sandwiches, and found tons of ready-to-eat fruit on the trail. Even more will be ready later this week. I will be back to collect pounds of wild blackberries. They are so sweet! I want to rub them all over my face. I’m going to freeze some for my power smoothies. We collected handfuls today. What a blessing. %^].

– Cameron McKirdy

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Survival Bros juices! And we love it. If you haven’t had fresh, raw, fruit and veggie juice, then you’re are missing out. In this blog, SB shows you the power of juicing. If you want, make a drink, then read on. I’m sipping a cucumber, carrot, celery blend as I write.

I got the Jack Lalanne Power Juicer two years back. Since then, every time I need more energy, I look to juicing. Sure caffeine and other stimulants can give you a boost, but fresh juice is different. It gives me energy, and mental clarity. It’s electric, and alive. I feel better immediately after drinking a large glass. Sometimes I pound 72 ounces for a complete meal. Try mixing protein, wheat grass, or maca powder in for even more power! Play around with mixing supplements and juice.

If you’ve never juiced before, don’t be scared. You probably won’t have to hangout near the bathroom either, like some people think. Juicing is a natural, and easy way to detox, and even super hydrate. I typically juice before setting out on a long adventure. Coconut water is another excellent hydrator.

Freshly extracted juice is best consumed within 24 hours, but it’s OK if refrigerated up to three days in a sealed container. Hippies like us at Survival Bros also love that it hasn’t been pasteurized. Heat destroys bacteria, molds, and unwanted micro-organisms that MIGHT be hiding in the juice, but all those raw vitamins, minerals, and enzymes are likely lost too. Think for yourself. I’ve never heard of anybody getting hurt juicing.

Juice is healing. Go on a three day juice feast and tell me you don’t look and feel better. Juicing gives you vitality. The more you juice, the more you glow. Your skin will look better, and people will notice. No we aren’t selling juicers, but we do want you to be healthy. If you can’t afford a new juicer, then regularly visit a shop or health food store that serves fresh juice. You can also buy a manual, citrus juicer for under $10. Next to practicing yoga, juicing is probably the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. You won’t regret investing in a juicer. There are plenty of books on the topic too, so don’t be intimidated to start your practice. The documentary, “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead” by Joe Cross is worth watching also.

Another juice I really enjoy is simply: beets, lemon, ginger, and green apples! Let’s hear your juicing journey. Comment here or leave a recipe for others. Best wishes from the bunker.

– Cameron McKirdy
Survival Bros Founder

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