SMOKIN TEX (SMO-KIT)

I was cleaning out the garage for a sale when I happened upon the SMO-KIT. It was made by 'Smokin Tex' Co. I bought it on E-Bay a couple of years back and parked it in the garage. Nobody wanted it at the garage sale, so I thought I would give it a drive. It is a portable smoker that is fueled by a disposable propane bottle. I originally bought it for tailgate parties. Ms. Goofy claims I have too many toys and maybe she might be right-"NOT". Well I backed it out of the garage and stuck a couple of Berkshire Pork Chops in that baby. I smoked them for 20 minutes and finished them off in the oven in my version of Chilebrown-a-Roni.

Chilebrowne-a-Roni

1. 1 cup rice
2. 1 cup Orzo (rice shaped pasta)
3. 2 clove garlic chopped
4. 1/2 onion chopped
5. 1/2 pound mushrooms sliced
6. 3 strips bacon chopped
7. 2 1/2 cups stock or water
8. salt & pepper
9. 2 pork chops

Fry the bacon until almost crisp and reserve. Saute the garlic and onion for 4 minutes. Turn up the heat and add rice and orzo. Stir frequently until fragrant (4-5 min). Add stock, mushrooms, bacon, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to simmer. Place your smoke pork chops in center and arrange asparagus. Place in 400 over for approx 40 minutes. Let sit covered for 10 minutes before serving.

The Berkshire Pork is something special. With a kiss of smoke it was GENIUS. Asparagus and rice just kicked it up a notch. The (Smo-Kit) Smokin Tex did the job. I am glad nobody bought it. I am going to bring it to a tailgate party and kick some dishes up to a new level.

Today's Asparagus was from Zukerman's farm. Chris was back and he Rocks! We were glad to see him. He has been absent for a little while because of a health detour. Chris and I will be watching the Asparagus eating contest at the Asparagus Festival. Hope to see you there.