Have you ever considered cooking or baking with beef jerky? Beef jerky is a versatile ingredient. Not only is it packed full of flavor, it has just enough of a salty taste to complement sweet treats, as well as hearty meals. It's available in several different flavors, including teriyaki and spicy, and it's actually a pretty healthy option. So, take some time to discover how you can use beef jerky to add flavor to some of your family's favorite foods.

Is Beef Jerky Healthy?

Many people consider beef jerky an unhealthy meat that's loaded with preservatives. However, that isn't always the case. You can purchase natural beef jerky online through a company like Gio's Jerky, that doesn't contain preservatives and is made using lean, grass-fed beef. Also, one ounce of beef jerky contains 9.4 grams of protein, which your body uses to build tissues and enzymes that help your body function properly, and it doesn't raise your body's insulin levels. So, the bottom line is: not all beef jerky is unhealthy. You just need to read the nutritional information on the package before you make a purchase.

Substitute Beef Jerky for Bacon Bits

The salty flavor of original-flavored beef jerky makes it an excellent substitute for bacon bits. Simply chop the beef jerky into fine bits, and use it to top some of your favorite foods, including:

• Baked potatoes
• Salad
• Omelets
• Macaroni and cheese
• Potato salad
• Macaroni salad

Sweet Treats

You might be surprised to find that sweet and salty make a great combination. In fact, bacon and chocolate chip cookies are a great example of how well salty and sweet ingredients complement each other. To make chocolate chip and beef jerky cookies:

1. Chop 12 ounces beef jerky into fine pieces.
2. Combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder in a bowl.
3. Beat in 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Then, add the beef jerky, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
4. Beat in two large eggs, one at a time.
5. Add 8 ounces of chocolate chips to the batter.
6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, and drop the cookie batter onto the baking sheet by the tablespoon. Make sure each tablespoon of batter is approximately 3-inches apart.
8. Place the baking sheet in the oven, and bake the cookies until they are golden brown, which typically takes between nine and 11 minutes.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, place the cookies on a cooling rack, and allow them to cool for two minutes.
10. Store your cookies in a dry, airtight container for up to five days.

Beef jerky also complements other sweet foods, including:

• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Cupcakes

Using beef jerky to cook and bake some of your family's favorite meals is simple. Beef jerky is such a versatile ingredient that you're only limited by your imagination.