Mild to Wild Pepper and Herb: Is Smoked Meat Bad for You?

Martin SmazenkoSmoking MeatsLeave a Comment

Smoked Meat

Smoking meat has become a beloved tradition for even amateur pit masters, but like every popular trend, there is always controversy. For smoked meat, that controversy is cancer. There are a number of studies that stand behind that some smoked and grilled meats have cancer-causing carcinogens, but is it true?

Red Savina Habanero: One of the Hottest Peppers in Town

Martin SmazenkoHot Peppers1 Comment

Red Savina Habanero

So, you say you like things spicy, at least your food, that is. Well, how about trying one of these fiery babies? Eat a Red Savina Habanero, one of the hottest peppers in town. Need something to tingle your taste buds and open your sinuses? These guys will do the trick. Until the discovery of the Ghost and Scorpion peppers, … Read More

Smoking Meat by Popping Pellets? Great Barbecue Without the Stress

Martin SmazenkoSmoking MeatsLeave a Comment

Smoking Meat

Smoking meat by popping pellets? How to make great barbecue without the stress. Watch a barbecue competition in person or on television and you’ll usually see pit masters tossing logs into really big smoking rigs. It’s what most people think of when they think of great tasting meats, whether its ribs, brisket or pulled pork. But for most backyard barbecuers, that investment in … Read More

Mild to Wild: What’s Next After Growing Your Own Peppers?

Martin SmazenkoHot PeppersLeave a Comment

Growing

You’ve had an abundant season of growing peppers. Hot peppers, sweet peppers, and everything in between. And now the harvesting season of your peppers is here. Your baskets are full, your jars and freezer bags are ready and you have an entire weekend to spend preserving your little garden gems. There are many methods of preserving peppers. Let’s explore some of the more … Read More

Mild to Wild: A Brief Guide to Smoking Meat

Martin SmazenkoSmoking MeatsLeave a Comment

Smoking Meat

The most wonderful smoked meat is meat that is flavorful, tender and juicy. While smoking meat, even at a low temperature (200-225 degrees) it is possible to overcook the meat. This can result in tough, dry and rubbery meat. My best suggestion is to prepare the meat correctly. Never smoke frozen meat. It is best to start with room temperature meat. It … Read More

Cooking with Hot Sauce for the Holidays: Mild to Wild

Martin SmazenkoSauce IdeasLeave a Comment

Hot Sauce

If you’re a hot sauce lover, you probably have lots of different ways to use it in your everyday cooking, but how about cooking with hot sauce for the holidays? You might be surprised where hot sauce can appear with a little imagination! Make your own pepper sauce and then use it to glaze your turkey for a special treat; … Read More