I've been cooking since I was a kid. Watching my dad turn a beautiful steak into a carbon encrusted piece of jerky always inspired me to cook better outside. My wife got me one of those Char-Broil vertical smokers for father's day this year, so I've been putting it to use. I smoked a deer neck last week, and it turned out awesome. Went online to find some while chicken recipes and found this gem of a site. Couldn't be happier! I brined 4 chickens last night in a concoction of water, salt, Apple juice, Apple cider vinegar and Jack Daniels. Gonna smoke them with Lump charcoal and Apple wood. I'll let you know how it turns out and BTW. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!