The process of making jerky is a delightful dance of patience and anticipation. Here’s how you can create your own:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on top.
2. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat. This step always reminds me of my mum’s gentle but firm hand when kneading dough.
4. Transfer the seasoned meat onto a sheet of parchment paper. Cover with another sheet of parchment and roll out the meat to a thickness of about 1/4 inch using a rolling pin.
5. Carefully cut the rolled-out beef into strips using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. Each strip should be about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long.
6. Place the strips on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they do not touch. This allows the air to circulate and dry the jerky evenly.
7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 3-4 hours or until the jerky is dry and firm. The scent will fill your kitchen, much like the aroma of bubbling stews back in Devon.
8. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool completely before storing.