When I first learned of cold smoking, I was intrigued. My buddy has a big smoker and does brisket, turkey etc, so I wanted to bring something different to the table. Tired of paying inflated prices for fake spray on flavored cheese at the store, I wanted to see if I could do it.
I made my first box in 2012. As an experiment, I made it out of a cardboard box, and used a cheap smoke disc. It worked, not well and tasted like crap, but I realized the potential. It inspired enough me to get creative and immediately begin building a box.
My second box was made of wood. The hinged door with latches and panels attached to a full frame allowed me to avoid any chemical sealants. Also the box is kept out of the elements to avoid the use of chemical wood protectants.
After a few tweaks to exhaust and upgrading from a metal coffee can to a custom firewood chamber I was up and running. Over the next couple years, trial and error helped guide me to proper curing and storing, "cooking" times, and temperature control. I live in Oklahoma, so I am limited to late October till late March at best.
I shared my results with friends and family and they would then share with others. Occasionally, folks would say I should sell it. I never planned on selling, I just enjoyed sharing my successes with them. Well, finally I succumbed to pressure. My buddy's girlfriend works in a large office, and shared it with her co-workers. It was a hit! And they wanted more... a lot more. For the next couple years I continued to smoke cheese for myself, friends and family, and made extra for her to sell at work. I would run out quick, I'd have to do another batch and wait for cure again. It was time for another box, a bigger box.
My third box can hold five times the capacity, and is constructed the same way and of the same materials of the second, and seems easier to control temperature. All while still using the same fire chamber. I've also ventured into successfully selling local on Facebook.
So whatcha think? I wouldn't call myself an expert, but well seasoned that's for sure. I'll answer questions or offer tips of my experience if ya want.
Thanks for visiting!
(Gotta love that last pic, money shot!!)
I made my first box in 2012. As an experiment, I made it out of a cardboard box, and used a cheap smoke disc. It worked, not well and tasted like crap, but I realized the potential. It inspired enough me to get creative and immediately begin building a box.
My second box was made of wood. The hinged door with latches and panels attached to a full frame allowed me to avoid any chemical sealants. Also the box is kept out of the elements to avoid the use of chemical wood protectants.
After a few tweaks to exhaust and upgrading from a metal coffee can to a custom firewood chamber I was up and running. Over the next couple years, trial and error helped guide me to proper curing and storing, "cooking" times, and temperature control. I live in Oklahoma, so I am limited to late October till late March at best.
I shared my results with friends and family and they would then share with others. Occasionally, folks would say I should sell it. I never planned on selling, I just enjoyed sharing my successes with them. Well, finally I succumbed to pressure. My buddy's girlfriend works in a large office, and shared it with her co-workers. It was a hit! And they wanted more... a lot more. For the next couple years I continued to smoke cheese for myself, friends and family, and made extra for her to sell at work. I would run out quick, I'd have to do another batch and wait for cure again. It was time for another box, a bigger box.
My third box can hold five times the capacity, and is constructed the same way and of the same materials of the second, and seems easier to control temperature. All while still using the same fire chamber. I've also ventured into successfully selling local on Facebook.
So whatcha think? I wouldn't call myself an expert, but well seasoned that's for sure. I'll answer questions or offer tips of my experience if ya want.
Thanks for visiting!
(Gotta love that last pic, money shot!!)
