Smoked Meat

I can't tell you how much I enjoy barbeque, in all its forms. If it comes off of coals or a grill, I'll eat it. Of course, I think no one in town can do barbeque as consistently and as good as Whole Hog, but I like to try my hand at it once in a while.

There are many circles of barbeque: coal purists, Memphis/KC/Carolinas style, slow-cook, pit-cook and of course the variation in meat: ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken. Dry rub or wet. It's all delicious and rustic and complex. Yes, I am a barbeque enthusiast.

Smoked Chicken (recipe below)

 My setup is one born of laziness. I've spent nights with my father slow smoking a brisket, adding charcoal to the bin or more wood chips, laboring in love for something succulent. But I realize now that there is an easier way to accomplish the end result, with just as good a result. Here are a couple of my (not so secret) secrets to get you slow smoking.

  1. Get an Electric Smoker. It utilizes wood chips for the smoke without the hassle of charcoal. The biggest benefit: a built in thermostat to regulate the temp.
  2. Get an electronic thermometer. Plug it into your chicken/brisket/butt, set your alarm temp, and walk away. These two things alone will open the world of smoking to you.
Chicken Injector recipe
  • 1/2 Can of beer
  • 1 stick of butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp celery seed
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp siracha
Glaze the outside of the bird with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika for that nice, tan look. Smoke at 250F for about 3 1/2 hours using hickory/apple chips.