Get Smokin

We heard an interview with Patricia Wells and she raved about a smoker that she used on the stove top so we decided to get one. If you love big flavor in your food, but don't have the storage space of a professional chef, give this a try. We chose the Gourmet Edition Mini Smoker, from Camerons Products, and we have been amazed. In just a short time, we can smoke meat, seafood, even cheese (although we haven't tried the cheese yet). This compact little gadget comes with two containers of flavored wood chips (nine are available on their website), and is a breeze to use. Just put some wood chips in the bottom (we use aluminum foil on the bottom for easier cleanup), put down the drip pan, then the grate. You then simply put your food on the grate, put it on the stove top, wait for the first wisp of smoke, then close it up and wait.

We made some chicken breasts yesterday with the hickory chips and the meat came out so tender that we could cut it with a fork. Somehow, the smoker manages to smoke the food without making the kitchen smell smoky but you get that great smoky quality in your food. If you spray the components with a non-stick spray beforehand, cleanup is a breeze.

Well, we're off to smoke some tofu.