If you’re looking for a lil’ sweet with your heat, this Root Beer Jerky recipe will keep your stomach from growling while you wait in your tree stand for that monster buck.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of evenly sliced meat/game (venison, turkey, elk, goose all make for great jerky)

• 12 oz of your favorite root beer

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons of hot cherry pepper spread, plus more to taste

• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic

• 1 inch squeeze of anchovy paste (We know, it sounds weird, but it adds serious flavor

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a freezer bag and marinate in the refrigerator overnight

2. Set your dehydrator to 165F degrees

3. Place your marinated slices evenly on your dehydrator tray

4. Cook for 4 hours or until the internal temperature of the meat is 160 degrees

5. Store the finished jerky in a zip lock bag for up to 10 days

BONUS Recipe Hack

Swap the meat for a 16 oz can of navy beans for the perfectly hearty side dish for your next meal.

Directions

1. Combine everything in a medium pot

2. Cook on medium heat until it starts to boil. Reduce the heat to low

3. Continue cooking on low for 40 mins, stirring occasionally

4. Pairs well with hot buttered corn bread