Okay, for Christmas last year, I got an electric smoker. It's an amazing little toy and it's made my garage a very popular place with all the neighborhood doggies.
I've been experimenting with Ol'Smokey, off and on, as time allows. So far, I've smoked pork butts, pork tenderloin, ribs - both spare and baby backs, beef roast, short ribs, chickens and a turkey. Most everything turned out incredibly well (considering I'm still a noob at this). My boys think I'm a rock star! (Okay, maybe not, but hey, I can dream, right?)
Well, this evening, the kids are out and I've got a few hours to myself. Heaven knows I should be catching up on my housework (backlogged since late 2006) or reading or something...but no.
Tonight I'm smoking nuts. Lots of them. Many, many nuts. Pistachios, almonds, cashews and peanuts. Some will be spicy, some will be sweet AND spicy, all will be delicious (I hope). They've been soaking up the smoky goodness for a little over an hour now, with less than an hour to go. So far, so good.
When the nuts are done and the smoker has cooled off some, I'm going to smoke some cheese. The other day I stocked up on some mozzarella and gouda, thinking if I smoked it soon, it would be ready for Christmas gift-giving. Generally speaking, the longer it sits after smoking, the better it tastes.
So, you could say that I'm REALLY planning ahead...I'm working on Christmas gifts already. I don't have many people on my gift list, but for those that are, I was thinking of a Basket of Smokey Goodness (BoSG) with a pack or 2 of smoked cheeses, some smoked nuts, crackers, a bottle of wine or sparkling juice and a wee box of chocolates.
Sorry for rambling on & on... my neighbors have gone on holidays and it's kind of quiet around here tonight. Thanks for listening!
Now, off to check my nuts!
Enjoying this chapter in my life. Learning that being alone does not mean being lonely. Discovering that where I've been is not as important as where I'm going.
Hey! Great idea! How do I get ahold of Pete??? I could include his balls in my Baskets of Smokey Goodness (BoSG)!
His balls and my nuts are going to be the talk of the town this year!!!
Hmmm???
Have you been smoking anything ... *else* by any chance???
Or eating kids meals at Burger King?
No, not at all...but I'm beginning to think that all this smoke IS starting to affect me.
Hey, who's got some of that boxed wine?
