→ 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon with more than 100 ratings
“Profusely illustrated throughout, Smoke, Wood, Fire is a complete course of DIY instruction that will enable even the most novice of cooks to turn out professional quality smoked meats and the meals that feature them. Simply stated, Smoke, Wood, Fire is an invaluable and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, family, and community library culinary cookbook collections.”
— Midwest Book Review
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If you’re ready to elevate your smoking of meat and fish, my second book, Smoke, Wood, Fire, will move you from experimentation to confident, consistent results. This advanced guide covers modern and traditional smoking methods—from cold smoking to techniques for producing ideal smoke in cold weather.
Inside you’ll find detailed guidance on using a wide range of smokers and cookers, plus practical advice on tools and accessories for backyard smoking. Explore the differences among woods, lump charcoals and pellets, learn how to season different smoker types, and even discover how to use stovetop smokers effectively.
The book breaks down essential equipment choices—dehydrators, spice grinders, thermometers, knives and tongs—and explains how to get the most from each. You’ll get expert tips on injectors, water pans, sprayers, foil pans and cleaning routines. Temperature control, timing and technique are explained step by step to help you achieve consistent outcomes every time.
Practical meat-handling advice is included as well: wrapping, resting, safe handling, and storage practices, along with troubleshooting tips to prevent common pitfalls. Whether you’re smoking brisket, pork shoulder, fish or poultry, the book emphasizes safe, repeatable methods that deliver great flavor and texture.
Of course, the book features recipes. You’ll find creative and reliable preparations—from drying your own peppers for custom rubs to a photographed, step-by-step method for making American-style streaky bacon using a century-old brine recipe. Recipes are designed to teach technique as well as provide delicious results you can reproduce at home.
Smoke, Wood, Fire teaches you how to smoke like a pro right in your own backyard—clear instruction, practical tools, tested techniques and recipes that bring smoky flavor to every meal.
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