Page 9 - Leisure Living Magazine Autumn 2016

Smoked Food Made Easy
By Mike Mainhart, Outdoor and Feature Writer
Turn a backyard cookout into a culi- nary masterpiece. Have you ever thought of smoking food? In just the past few years, smoking has become easier than throwing a roast in the crock pot.
Shopping for the right smoker can be a bit overwhelming. Most retailers will have at least a dozen or so units to choose from. With a little knowledge, selecting the proper smoker for your needs can be easy.
Smokers come in
three fuel types, elec-
tric, propane or wood/
charcoal. Each of these fuel type smokers are available in different sizes, options and functions.
By far, electric units are the easiest to use, especially for beginners. Advancements in tech- nology in some electric units have made smoking as simple as set-it and forget-it.
All smokers, regardless of fuel type require some type of wood for the smoke and flavor. Most smokers utilize wood chips. Some smokers can make smoke from pellets while other more advanced electric smokers use compressed wood chip biscuits that automatically load with a timer.
Generally, electric smokers are sealed units and require less smoke while cooking. This results in a milder smoke flavor with the food remaining very moist.
One of my favorite smokers is a completely programmable electric smoker made by Land- mann. Simply set the temperature and cook time, load with wood chips, close the door and the unit shuts off when the time has expired.
Virtually any type of food can be smoked, from ribs dripping with barbecue sauce to health- ier choices like turkey, chicken, pork or wild game. One of my favorite healthier smoked
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foods is chicken sau- sage stuffed with feta cheese and spinach. You can even add a twist to your favorite veggie dish or corn- on-the-cob by smok- ing.
Fish is another great choice for smok- ing, especially fish that tend to have a strong flavor such as trout, salmon or catfish. Lake Erie is famous for it’s steelhead fish- ery and they’re not only a healthy choice, they’re delicious when smoked.
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Mike Mainhart explains selection of smoker units.
Winery Group Tour
Sponsored by Lake-View Living
Included: 2-Night stay at Lake-View Living
2-Dinners with appetizers
2-Breakfasts
5-Wine Flights at all of the Wineries Round Trip Tickets aboard the Miller Ferry
& Trolley Ride to all the Events
All this for $280.00 pp. double occupancy, $330.00 for single. Traveling afar-inquire about 3rd night stay!
Group of 20 maximum.
Call with smaller groups we will accommodate. Tours: Monday-Tuesday & Wednesday-Friday, now thru October 31st.
http://lakeeriewinetours.com or ritalakeview1@yahoo.com
Call for Reservations: 419-734-6410
Autumn 2016 LeisureLiving | 9