While I was cautioned (by blurbs on the net) that hickory wood is too strong a smoke for chicken, that's what I had, so that's what I used! After the fact, I would say that I have to agree, and have since procured some Applewood chunks for next time I'm using a more "delicate" meat.
According to my two willing taste testers, and of course myself (my own worst critic!) the meal turned out wonderfully! Yes the flavor was rather strong, but I'm now prepared for another round of chicken!
I'm very happy with my smoker. I simply swapped the propane tank from grill to smoker, added water and the soaked wood chips, and lit the fire, about 30 minutes before I would have the leg quarters ready to cook. I sprinkled them liberally with a mix of salt (not much, due to my kidney issues....) pepper, and paprika. Onto the cooking grids, they went. Smoking time was about 3 hours total for approx. 8 lbs of chicken. I had hoped to put on a small pork roast also, but alas I was so pooped from getting this far, that I said "later." I needed only once to check the wood/water, adding no extra, despite the fact that the wood had all burned. I'd also read that most of the smoke flavor is achieved within the first hour... I did check the temp more often, and frequently had to adjust first down, then up, down, etc. Maybe someday I will find a "happy medium" setting, but each time, it was either too hot, or way cool... Experimentation, and experience should help me out.... Right? Well, I'd like to think so... So, IF our weather ever cools down, I'm ready to smoke a ham, and when I get a good deal on a turkey... and of course that pork roast, but I'm finding that there's so much room in the smoker, I'd really like to "load it up" each time, and deal with the cooked meat after the fact.
I'm also told that I can smoke veggies, salt, and all sorts of other things... (thanks, Laurrie P!) I might even try some fish sometime! Wonder what smoked cod would taste like?
So, friends, there you have the story of my first attempt at using a smoker! Till next time, be well!
Sounds yummy, Steve.
ReplyDeleteSheila, been a busy bee... bought a new printer, new computer, revamping my "office corner" despite having a sewing job for a friend.... Between the sewing stuff, furniture in an uproar, and one of our large dogs (80 lbs or so,) on the floor... my "crazycook space" is a shambles! Also to answer a question, health is holding ok... seeing multiple doc's on a quarterly basis, but then, I've been doing that for some years for "other" issues. Be well, friend! More news to come!
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