But that hasn’t stopped us from getting dirt under our fingernails. Indeed, we derive huge satisfaction from these small forays into self-sufficiency. As you most likely do, too. So when I began designing the projects that would go into The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects (it’ll be released in spring of 2014), I was determined to include plenty of projects for those with semi-small goals, yards, and amounts of spare time. This flowerpot smoker is one such project.
The smoker is made from readily available materials, many of which you might have lying around. The smoking chamber is made from a pair of clay pots, and the heat source is a cheap electric hot plate (maybe you have one left over from college?). The rest is odds and ends. As with any project where you're using ordinary products in an extraordinary way, take extra care to build the smoker and use it carefully.
The 5-pound brisket I cooked on the smoker’s maiden voyage spent about 8 hours in the brining pan and 4 hours on the smoker. The results were fabulous. And of course having used “done-it-myself spice” — a spice you can't buy in any store — made it taste all the better.
If you can’t wait for The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects to come out, google the words “flowerpot smoker” or visit a site such as www.kitchenproject.com for more information.
Rough illustration © by Elayne Sears
for The Backyard Homestead’s Book of Building Projects, Spring 2014
for The Backyard Homestead’s Book of Building Projects, Spring 2014
Have a scrumptious, hands-on summer!
— Spike Carlsen
Spike Carlsen, author of Woodworking FAQ, has been immersed in the world of woodworking for over 30 years. He ran his own construction and remodeling company, was executive editor at Family Handyman, and has written hundreds of articles for numerous publications. He currently writes “The Great American Woodworker” for American Woodworker. His book, A Splintered History of Wood, won several awards and was selected by NPR as one of their “Best Books for Holiday Giving.” |
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