Keeping your smoker in top shape makes a world of difference when the cold months roll in. A little bit of maintenance before winter can help you avoid frustrating breakdowns, weird flavors, and wasted fuel. Caring for your smoker isn’t just about pride of ownership; it’s also about making sure your briskets, ribs, and sausages … Read more
Brined Pulled Pork: Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy Enough for Any Cookout The world of slow-cooked pork offers so many delicious routes to explore, but brined pulled pork always stands out for me. After trying a bunch of different pulled pork methods over the years, I landed on brining as my default way of getting meat … Read more
Smoked Chicken Wings with Frank’s Red Hot: The Ultimate Flavor Combo Smoky, spicy, and totally addictive, smoked chicken wings tossed in Frank’s Red Hot make any occasion feel like a bona fide party. I’ve served these wings at game days, backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and every informal hangout you can imagine. They don’t last long! … Read more
My Guide to Smoked Beef Short Ribs: Pure BBQ Bliss on a Plate There’s just something magical about smoked beef short ribs. These ribs have quickly become my favorite thing to throw on the smoker, especially if I’m hoping to wow friends and family. With that deep, smoky flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and juicy bite, it’s … Read more
Pork Butt Burnt Ends: Melty, Sticky, and Super Satisfying BBQ Bites Burnt ends aren’t just for brisket fans. Pork butt burnt ends take that popular BBQ treat and put a fun, porky spin on it. What you get is a tray of juicy, sweet, smoky cubes with caramelized edges and supertender centers. Around here, pork … Read more
Smoking fish gives it a unique flavor that you just can’t get any other way. Whether you’re all about salmon, trout, or something less common, the equipment you use can make a huge difference—not just in taste but also in how easy or tricky the whole process is. One question I come across a lot: … Read more
Baking on a pellet grill has really taken off among backyard cooks and BBQ fans alike. The smoky flavor you get and the simple temperature control make this method pretty handy, even for folks who usually stick with kitchen ovens. Pellet grills are not just for brisket and ribs; they’re fantastic for bread, pizza, cookies, … Read more
Cooking dessert on your smoker is becoming a next-level cool way to amp up your backyard cookouts. It’s not just about savory barbecue anymore. Now, you can bring a unique blend of smoke and sweetness together for some seriously tasty treats. If you’re used to only making ribs or brisket, getting into desserts might feel … Read more
If you’re into barbecue or just getting started with smoking meats, you may have come across something called the 40-140-4 rule. This guideline is super useful for keeping food safe and helping you cook tasty, juicy smoked meat. Here, I’ll break down exactly what the 40-140-4 rule means, why it matters, and how to use … Read more
Smoked Pierogies: A Flavorful Twist on a Comfort Food Favorite Pierogies have earned their spot as one of the most beloved comfort foods, featuring pillowy dumpling dough and delicious fillings. Adding a touch of smoky flavor takes them up a notch. Smoked pierogies combine everything you love about classic pierogies and add an extra element … Read more