Meditations

Still smokin!


It’s time to slow things down a bit. I mean low and slow, it’s time to make that charcoal grill into a smoker. Why? Because you want whatever comes off your grill to be tender, juicy, with a flavor that will have you taste buds dancing. A smoker contains the heat and keeps the temperature low enough to slow cook meats (200f-250f). Your charcoal grill can be used as a smoker and Chef Rob is going to tell you how to do it. The first thing you need is patience….

You will also need:

Charcoal, Oven thermometer, Hardwood (such as Oak), Sweet wood branches or chips (applewood, cherrywood, peachwood, hickory, maple the list goes on. The sweet wood chips should be soaked in water first.

Start with a small pile of  charcoal, get it lit and white hot, spread the coals out evenly, then add a few pieces of hardwood, and get them burning.

Once the hardwood has caught a flame and burning down to embers, add some sweet wood, and put the grill on top, with your meat of choice, now close the lid. (Don’t add all the sweet wood, add every 45min-1hr)

It’s time to start smoking….

Controlling airflow is key, so you must make sure your smoker is well vented. Too much smoke will put out the fire. If you don’t have a vent, you will have to do it manually. Keep the lid closed, opening it a tiny bit ever so often to let some air in and some smoke out. Also, watch that temperature if it gets too hot you may want to let some heat out. Practice makes perfect so have fun.

It’s important to start off with smaller pieces of meat before moving on to the larger pieces. The Larger pieces take a bit more patience and practice. I’ve decided to start you off with a recipe for BBQ chicken, Let the smoking begin!

Chicken Marinade

  • ½ C apple juice
  • 6 t soy sauce
  • ¼C honey
  • 1T minced garlic
  • 1 T minced ginger
  • ¼ C dark rum
  • 3lbs chicken pieces

*Marinate overnight

Smokin BBQ Sauce

  • 2C ketchup
  • 2T Worcestershire sauce
  • 1C molasses
  • 3T ginger
  • 3T brown sugar
  • 1T garlic
  • 2t cayenne pepper
  • 2T lemon juice
  • 2t salt

Blend all ingredients in a saucepan; bring to simmer for about an hour, stir occasionally.

What are you favourite summertime BBQ secrets or recipes? Tell us!

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