During the pandemic, the lockdown forced many of us to stay home. What comes along with that directive are a countless number of meals that needed to be prepared. Karen has always loved to cook but we have several restaurants or meal items that we only get when going out to eat. The pandemic introduced us to learning to cook those items at home healthier than the more expensive alternative.
One thing that I have always wanted to try was to use a smoking box on the grill. I noticed all the different seasoned woods at the local hardware store and asked Karen if she was interested as smoke flavor is one of my favorites (I love baked beans that way!). Karen is not a big fan of the flavor but she was eager to give it a go.
Smoking meat with wood chips on the grill is an easy way to impart flavor without adding salt. We purchased a smoking box and a bag of hickory chips. I’m glad that the box came with directions because I have no idea what I am doing. Karen makes all of the food, but it is my responsibility to prepare and keep the grill in operating order. She basically said the smoking box is my new baby.
I set it up and we started cooking (literally)! Our first attempt was last night – Hickory Smoked Grilled Cajun Chicken Thighs! Karen was shocked at how sweet the wood smoke made the meat. I think we have a winner here!
So tonight, we decided to cook a very quick easy meal that is one of Sarah’s favorites – Grilled Pink Pork (ie Ham Steak). We bought it with the intention of sharing with Sarah for our Sunday dinner but she had to return to the city earlier than expected. In our attempts to keep our diets a little healthier, we prepared Blanched Green Beans with Walnuts and Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
Blanched Green Beans with Walnuts
Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes
What we have found is the majority of the dishes that we have eaten that were smoked must have had artificial smoke flavoring. The woodiness of the flavor is comparable to using charcoal to get that fresh fire taste.
We are interested in hearing your experience with using a smoking box on a propane grill. Any tips or tricks would be appreciated!
