LMAO (I just really wanted to say that!) 
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!
