Smoked Peppercorns

Smoked peppercorns is something I’ve been wanting to make for quite some time. I was waiting until I used up the last of the bottle of smoked peppercorns I picked up at Jungle Jim’s outside of Cincinnati. The end result was definitely a lot better than and a lot cheaper than store-bought. This being my first time making these I also learned a lot along the way. I kept some of the peppercorns whole for grinding or cooking later, and some I ground fine for this week’s dishes.

Smoked Peppercorns

Grab A Splash Screen

The first thing I needed was some sort of rack to place them on when I put them on the smoker. Someone suggested using a grease splash screen. I found one at Wal-Mart, twisted the handle up, and bam! The perfect tool for smoking peppercorns! I also think this screen will work well when I give smoked salt a try soon!

Smoked Peppercorns

Smoky. Or Not.

How long you should smoke the peppercorns is up to you. Obviously the longer you smoke them the stronger the smoke flavor. You can go for quite some time, just make sure you keep the temperature around 90 F. You want a cold smoke for the peppercorns, similar to what you’d do for smoking cheese.

After the peppercorns are done (and you’ve also smoked some sea salt), open up your smoker vents, get the temps up a bit, and try smoking some grits!

Smoked Peppercorns
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Peppercorns

This being my first time making these I also learned a lot along the way. I kept some of the peppercorns whole for grinding or cooking later, and some I ground fine for this week’s dishes.
Course Seasoning
Cuisine American
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Set up your smoker for cold smoking, 80-90 F. I used 4 lit charcoal briquettes and a large piece of hickory wood. Keep some unlit charcoal on hand for when the charcoal starts to burn out, you may need to add more depending on how long you smoke the peppercorns. You can add unlit charcoal, just make sure you do it soon enough that it gets time to get well-lit from the already-burning coals.
  • Add the peppercorns to a food-safe screen and place onto the smoker.
  • Smoke at least 4 hours depending on how much smoke you want. You may want to remove a few peppercorns and grind them to taste for smokiness.
  • Remove and let cool before storing or grinding.
  • Store in an air-right container.

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Chex Mix

There are some things were self-control just doesn’t happen for me. This smoked Chex mix is one of them. Put a big bowl of it in front of me and it’ll be gone soon. I can’t help myself and no matter what I do to control myself, I fail. Specially the bagel chips. There’s something about the bagel chips in Chex mix, specially after they’ve been smoked. The smoke flavor is not overwhelming, but it’s there, and it’s different in a wonderful way. The smoke compliments traditional flavors perfectly. I make this often, and in big batches because it is the perfect snack to take to a family get-together. Everyone loves it.

Smoked Chex Mix

For Best Results, Use Less Smoke

The cereal in this smoked Chex definitely soaks up the smoke, so do not go crazy with the wood in your smoker. Use a very small chunk, smaller than would fit in your palm, and use only a lighter wood. No mesquite or hickory here, go for something like a fruit or nut wood instead. Remember, you want that hint of smoke, and nothing overpowering.

I used a variety of Chex cereals in my mix, but you can do whatever works for you1

For another great snack idea, try my smoked olives and smoked Cheetos.

Smoked Chex Mix
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Smoked Chex Mix

Put a big bowl of it in front of me and it’ll be gone soon. Specially the bagel chips. Specially after they’ve been smoked. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Chex mix, smoked
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12 cups
Calories 351kcal

Ingredients

Homemade seasoned salt (makes more than you’ll need for the Chex mix)

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 250 F. Add only one small piece of light wood, such as apple or peach. If you are using a smoker that has a water pan, such as the Weber Smokey Mountain, do not fill the pan with water.
  • Combine the cereals, pretzels, nuts and bagel chips in a large bowl.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir.
  • Combine the seasoned salt, garlic powder and onion powder and slowly whisk into the melted butter.
  • Drizzle the butter mixture over the cereal and gently toss to coat.
  • Place into a disposable 9″ x 13″ deep aluminum pan and place on the top rack of the smoker.
  • Smoke for 1 hour or until the mixture turns golden brown, stirring every 15 minutes.
  • Remove and let cool completely before serving, or store for up to 2 weeks.

Homemade seasoned salt

  • Combine all ingredients. Store in an air-tight container.

Notes

For a slightly spicier version, add a few teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce to the melted butter and Worcestershire sauce mixture. Don’t go crazy with it or the mix will take longer to get crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 5547mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 733IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 11mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Glazed Salami

I picked up a few fancy salami the other day while at Jungle Jim’s market outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. I didn’t get them by accident. Someone on an online BBQ group had recommended cutting them Hasselback-style, smoking them and glazing with an apricot glaze. The thought had my mouth watering, so I proceeded to make awesome smoked glazed salami. A little sweet, a little smokiness, and flavor-packed cured meat. Perfect.

Smoked Glazed Salami

Pass The Crackers

These sliced smoked glazed salami treats are perfect on crackers with cheese. Or even on sandwiches. Or by themselves. If you like a little spiciness, you can substitute jalapeno jelly for the apricot preserves. The heat really works well with the flavor of the salami.

Also try my salami chips with white bean dip.

Smoked Glazed Salami
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Glazed Salami

These sliced salami treats are perfect on crackers with cheese. Or even on sandwiches. Or by themselves. If you like a little spiciness, you can substitute jalapeno jelly for the apricot preserves. The heat really works well with the flavor of the salami.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword salami, smoked
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 386kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut thin slits in the salamis, but do not cut all the way thru. Tip: I lay two wood spoons alongside the salami. Then, when I cut down thru the salami the round spoon handles keep me from cutting too far.
  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 225 F. Use a light wood such as apple or peach.
  • Smoke the salami for 1 hour.
  • Combine the apricot preserves and Dijon and brush half over the tops of the salami.
  • Smoke another 30 minutes then brush with the remaining glaze and smoke another 30 minutes.
  • Remove from the smoker.
  • Serve as is, with a knife for slicing, as a great topping for crackers. I also sliced the salami and served it on sandwiches.

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 2087mg | Potassium: 352mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Scotch Eggs

Smoked Scotch eggs have been on my bucket list for a while. I finally had a little room on my Weber smoker so I jumped at the opportunity. As easy as they are to make, Scotch eggs are really amazing. It’s like breakfast in a bite. Perfectly hard-boiled eggs, smoked breakfast sausage, and a bit of BBQ sauce for dipping. They look great and they taste great. Awesome appetizers for your next cookout.

Smoked Scotch Eggs

Want Some Heat? You Got It.

If you want a bit of kick to your smoked Scotch eggs add a bit of cayenne pepper or your favorite spicy rub to the bread crumbs. Not a lot, just enough to bring a little spiciness.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I smoked these eggs using apple wood chunks.

Also try my Dragon eggs and ‘normal’ smoked eggs. My pig shots are great too!

Smoked Scotch Eggs
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Scotch Eggs

Smoked Scotch eggs have been on my bucket list for a while. I finally had a little room on my smoker so I jumped at the opportunity. As easy as they are to make, Scotch eggs are really amazing. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword eggs, sausage, smoked
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 12 eggs
Calories 451kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 225 F.
  • Hard-boil 12 of the eggs and remove the shells.
  • Combine the sausage and minced onion. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into 12 equally-sized balls and flatten.
  • Place an egg in the middle of each flattened sausage patty and wrap the meat around the egg. The egg should be completely covered by the sausage.
  • Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
  • Beat the remaining 2 eggs in another shallow bowl.
  • Place breadcrumbs into another shallow bowl.
  • Roll sausage-covered eggs in the flour. Shake off excess.
  • Roll sausage-covered eggs in the egg. Shake off excess.
  • Roll sausage-covered eggs in the breadcrumbs. Shake off excess.
  • Smoke for 2 1/2 hours
  • Slice eggs lengthwise and serve with warmed BBQ sauce for dunking.

Nutrition

Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 752mg | Potassium: 336mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 334IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.