WATERMELON JERKY GIVES ME LIFE.
Yes, yes, you know this already if you follow along on Snapchat.
Technically I think I’ve done everything you can possibly do to annoy someone with watermelon jerky…I mean using it as a bookmark, giving it to Michael for dinner, feeding it to the chihuahuas, laying it on Michael’s face when he’s sleeping…………hell, I even added it to his Cheerios the other day.
I just can’t help myself.
Basically I LOVE watermelon jerky. Michael? Not so much.
Which is why it’s so incredibly fun to screw with him every second.
My next plan is to make 20 pounds of it, wrap it up, & give him it for our wedding gift. #GOALS.
First off, the credit entirely goes to Sakara Life. The girl bosses sent me this snack & immediately I was HOOKED. Like hooked where I needed to snack on it every night.
There’s something about the texture of their jerky that just FITS WITH ME. It’s like my vibe. I don’t know.
It’s not too sweet, not too heavy, kinda chewy…& just really RIGHT.
Have you guys ever had a food that just GETS YOU?
( Oddly, this also happens to me with spicy margaritas…).
Anyway, since I’m a watermelon jerky ADDICT, I figured why not make it myself?
Sure, it’s not going to be as perfect as the Sakara Life jerky but a girl can try, right.
Before I share the recipe, so you don’t think I’m a total psycho, let me explain the whole concept. Here’s how the girls explain their jerky: “the watermelon snack is made with just one ingredient: organic watermelon. We kept it super simple, and this stuff is pure—no added sugar, no wacky chemicals, no artificial anything. Despite its simplicity, the watermelon pieces are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, & potassium that, like all of Sakara Life’s vegan-friendly products, promote beauty from the inside out. While there are now plenty of vegan jerky snacks that attempt to replicate the taste and texture of chicken and beef in cruelty-free ways, this fruity dried snack presents an entirely new alternative to traditional savory jerky snacks.”
UM PLEASE.
So I headed to the store to grab one ingredient: a giant-ass watermelon, organic of course.
Also, since The Skinny Confidential is alllllll about adding a flair-i-ty flair, I had to add a little zinger.
I grabbed fresh limes & cayenne powder.
I haven’t told you guys BUT I got a dehydrator which I just LOVE. Usually they’re like 5 million dollars, but the one I found is $49.95, & it works FAB. I’ve been dehydrating up a storm. Old bananas? No problem, slice them & throw them in the dehydrator! Blueberries, veggies, pumpkin, coconut meat, you name it.
Why use a dehydrator? Here’s why according to this source:
♡ Save space:
Yes, the machine itself takes up room, but it shrinks food significantly, allowing you to fit a lot of preserves into a small area. This is ideal for camping, large families, & anyone with little room and a big appetite.
♡ Make bad food obvious:
Unlike with canning, which can harbor invisible bacteria, when dried food is compromised you can easily see the mold.
♡ Create versatile results:
Not only can you dehydrate fruits, vegetables, herbs, & more, you can eat them dried or rehydrate them for anything from cobblers to pizza sauce.
♡ Are cost effective:
Dehydrators are not outrageously expensive and allow you to save the harvest when it’s least expensive.
♡ Create healthy food:
Dehydrated fruits and vegetables require no added sugar or salt or preservatives. Plus you get all the fibre of the whole fruit and all the minerals.
{ A full FAQ is here }.
Ok, let’s get down to the recipe.
SPICY DIY WATERMELON JERKY:
+ a big-ass watermelon, organic
+ organic cayenne powder
+ as much lime as you want!
+ directions: add to a dehydrator. cut watermelon into 1 inch slices. Discard ends & remove rinds. After removing the rind cut slices down to about 1/4 inch thick. Lightly add cayenne powder ( I like A LOT but it’s spicy so you need just a tad ) & then place watermelon slices on dehydrator. Once it’s in dehydrator squeeze a little lime on top. Dry at 135 degrees F for 18 ( YES, 18 ) hours.
{ recipe via }
Ok now go make some ( or buy some! ) & tag your pictures on Instagram with #theskinnyconfidential so I can check that artwork out, k?
ALSO BE SURE TO ANNOY THE SHIT OUT OF YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER.
ADD IT TO HIS BOXER DRAWER!
ADD IT TO HIS BIRTHDAY GIFT!
ADD IT TO HIS WALLET!
Get creative, the options are endless really.
Next up? Need to try watermelon RADISH. UMMMMMMMMmmmm.
Off to watch House of Cards & drink some peppermint tea! See you tomorrow kitty kats ( as The Nanz would say ), lauryn x
{ photos }
SHOP THE POST…LOTS OF FUN STUFF:
This is such a cool idea! <3
BlondieInTheCity.com
Thanks Hayley! Are you going to try it? I swear it’s sooo worth it! Literally delicious!
I’m literally drooling right now. I have a dehydrator stored away somewhere…and I am definitely digging it out ASAP to make this watermelon jerky. Amazing!
Eeek! Let me know what you think when you try it Alexis! I’m obsessed I hope you like it too. Which dehydrator do you have? What brand! Do you like it?
Hahaha!!! I am very new to the idea of watermelon jerky, but this sounds really good!! I’ve been wanting to get a dehydrator to make fun snacks….i’m just so impatient. 18 hrs?! I’ll give it a whirl and report back!
xxoo
Kris
Yes PLEASE report back! I can’t wait to see what you think. Honestly it’s become my new favorite snack. It’s also my new favorite pass time ( forcing SUSAN to eat it ).
omg thank you for this post because I have been on such a hunt for a dehydrator (want to start making my own teas & alcohol infusions!!) & I was looking for a good one that wouldn’t break the bank! Not going to lie, I’ve been dying to try the watermelon jerky since I’ve seen your snaps… and I’m 1000000% sure my bf would have the same reaction as Michael so annoy I must! The jerky in the wallet is gold. So doing it! PS – your snaps last night for the dick pasta cracked me tf up! xx
Hi Shannon, that’s so cool you’re going to make your own tea? Wait, you have to send me details on this! What kind of tea are you making?? Email me? I must know! AskLauryn@TheSkinnyConfidential.com
Enjoy the jerky! And forcing your man to eat it! LOL!!
Ooooh this sounds good! I’ll have to do this soon.
It’s so good Michelle, I promise it’s 100000% worth your time! LMK if you try it :))
Hmm, i’ve never thought about a dehydrator but it sounds like a stellar idea! I’m such a fan of watermelon and dried fruit so this seems right up my alley. I’d 10/10 try this!!
xx, Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
Hi Pia! I think you’d really like it! Let me know your thoughts if you try it :))
im craving this right now!!! looks so YUM
will go to buy a dehydrator and try this!!!
Thanx for the post, xo
YAY! Let me know what you think Alma <3
I can’t believe how cheap that dehydrator is..YES PLEASE! I’ve been dying to try watermelon jerky from all your snaps- what a perfect, easy, healthy snack to have around the house!
Random, but you would LOVE this seasoning called Tajin! It’s basically just ground chilis and dehydrated lime but it’s SOOOO GOOD on all fruits!
Hi Diana, thank you for the suggestion. Tajin sounds SO delicious. Where do you usually get it? Trader Joe’s? LMK!!
Hi Lauryn,
Trader Joe’s doesn’t carry it! Vons or Ralphs does though or just do Amazon to make life easy!
I used to make dehydrated fruit with my grandma all of the time. It was so much fun! Our tiny kitchen just doesn’t have room for one but maybe in our next place!
Hi Kari, can you store it in a closet and bust it out when you need it? HA! They are seriously so useful. Thanks for reading :))
I’ve never seen or heard of Watermelon jerky hahaha…. but that’s why I love your blog!
XoXo,
Tamara – http://www.loveofmode.com
Hi Tamara, EEEK I’m so glad I can share watermelon jerky with you. You seriously MUST try it. Thanks for reading <3
Yum! This looks amazing, I definitely need to try it!
You’ll love it, Esther! I promise. <3
Oh looks amazing!!! Which dehydrator did you get? 4 tray or 5 tray? Wondering which one fits that big ass watermelon in it?! ?
Either works! I have the four tray I believe : ) x
I literally have been wondering for the LONGEST time what the heck watermelon jerky was that you’re always putting on Michael when he’s sleeping hahah cracks me up, but seriously looks so good…I need a dehydrator now.
XX,
Ashlin
http://www.onesweetheart.com
LOL. It’s my favorite hobby lately!
What a great blog. I will be following from now on. I love watermelons, and preparing them this way would be a great idea for me when I’m working, I’m a children’s face painter in Bath and Bristol and having quick nutritious snacks like this is great. Thanks X
Hi lady, yes this jerky would be perfect for your job! The great thing about it is it’s easy to store, doesn’t need to be refrigerated so you can always bring it with you in your purse, car, desk, whatever!
I don’t think I would go for watermelon jerky since the hugest benefit of watermelon is all the hydration! Never say never I suppose.
Shiiiiiiiit. I LOVE Sakara’s WM jerky….and your version sounds amazing. Ugh. Pack and sell, pls.
My boyfriend was just telling me I not only need to make this for us, but a batch for him to bring into the office due to the guys mocking the idea of watermelon jerky. I’m up for the challenge!
what dehydrator are you using – would love to pick up an inexpensive one that i already know someone uses with success
look >>> http://giammotoanthan.com/
Brilliant! Gotta try this!