My First Jim

Never mind that I am 31 years old: I had my first Slim Jim today. I had often seen the commercials (I prefer the ones featuring Randy Savage to those with the Jim Carrey-ish mascot) and had of course seen them on every convenience store counter. I admit that part of the reason I had never tried one is out of embarrassment; they seemed like such a disgusting, sleazy food. After trying one, I can say they no longer only seem that way.

What a horrible, vile, greasy snack! The taste of death. While the ingredients are clearly listed, the method of manufacture is not, but I expect it involves slow-drying kielbasa in the sun at high humidity. I cannot imagine a more frightening flavor short of those concocted on Fear Factor.

At the same time, I can't wait for my next Slim Jim. The texture was unique, the flavor complex, and the sound strangely pleasing. I plan to work my way up to the larger version (I don't know that I need training, but it seems prudent). I even have plans to make a mini hot dog bun so I can put a Slim Jim inside, although I'm not sure what I will gain from doing that. Well, as someone new to this field, that's all of my ideas: if you have any Slim Jim recipes, please share.