I Learned How To Smoke For My Dad......

I know what you're thinking!  I'm not talking about that - I'm talking about smoking meats.  Ok, so it doesn't really go with the title of the blog, but..............my Daddio came over to celebrate Father's Day and he loves ribs!

One of the coolest things I've purchased this summer is my new smoker!  I got it at Home Depot for $40.00.  It is so easy to use - I've been smoking meat ever since!

Today, I decided to smoke some ribs and brisket for my dad.  To do this, I first put a rub on the meat (brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder).  You can make your rubs with any spice.  If you want it hotter, add some cayenne!  If you want it sweet, add some brown sugar!  Play around with any combination of spices and rub it in the meat!

Once I put the spices on the meat, I had to water down some wood.  I bought hickory wood for the smoke.  I've also tried cherry wood and apple wood.  It has all been great!  While the wood is soaking, I started a charcoal fire in the bottom of the smoker.

Once the charcoal fire has started, I insert a water pan.  Then I have two grill tops for the meat.  Some people experiment and put lemons, oranges, and spices in the water pan.  I haven't tried that yet but it sounds like a great idea!

When the lid is on the smoker, it will tell you if the inside is too hot, at ideal temperature, or not hot enough.  When the temperature starts to go down, I simply opened up the door on the smoker and inserted new charcoal and/or wood.  It is sooooo simple! 

The only downfall to smoking meat (if there is one) is that it takes a long time.  I had 3 slabs of ribs and a large brisket in the smoker for 7 hours.  I could have taken it out earlier than that, but my sister was running late (very unlike her - sarcastic tone in my voice).

When we carved the brisket, there was a large "smoke ring."  This is a pinker area on the outside of the meat,  When you smoke meat, pink is a good thing - just make sure that you use a meat thermometer to make sure it is done.

Anyway, the dinner was great!  Smoked ribs, brisket, baked beans, corn on the cob, and deviled eggs.  And of course, we had fresh cherry and blueberry cobbler for dessert!  The meal was great but spending time with my family was the best of all!  God has truly blessed me!