RE: novice jerky chef
I use Dales also but I mix half Dales and half water with a little liquid smoke. Generally I marinate over night then put pepper corn on both sides of the meat . . . .no salt as the Dales is salty aplenty.
It must be good as I send it all over the states and overseas to servicemen. If I want a stash for myself I have to hide it. LOL.