fritz
Meat Mopper
Chris...as Dude said your doing fine. Just remember to take the jerky off while It's still flexable, It will firm up as it cools, you don't want leather. Color has to do with sugar contant In your marinade....the more sugar the darker it will be, not a bad thing. Venisen, because of the low fat content, will not come out shiny (kinda dull color). I'm not really sure what you mean about the rough texture?...but if you like the end product?...no problem.
Fritz
Fritz