You can buy a tofu kit but the old way is simple enough. All you need are an instant-read thermometer, some cheesecloth (though you can make do with a clean kitchen towel), and a tofu mold, which you can create out of any kind of container you’re able to punch a few holes into: a plastic storage container, the plastic tub from store-bought tofu, a loaf pan, or even a strainer. There are a number of potential tofu coagulants named in the ingredient list, but don’t worry too much if you don’t want to track down any of the weird ones; vinegar and lemon juice work fine.

One of my favorite snacks from VB6 is now an ongoing project, as I continue to play with jerky variations. It’s a portable, chewy snack that’s the next best thing—flavor, not healthwise!—to a Slim Jim. And it’s easy to make, too.