I have to admit, I don’t love the flavour of anything smoked. It’s just not my thing, I didn’t grow up eating it and I never got turned on to it to that deep smoky flavour that everyone seems to love.
What I have come to realize is that most of the “smoked” foods I had been exposed to over the years was unnaturally derived and often from a liquid source, which doesn’t even make any sense. Or it came in the form of deli meats or hot dogs which I never ate anyways. The whole thought of it just turned me off.
However since I started eating animal protein again – there are a few items at the farmers market like organic turkey sausages that have made their way in my diet. They are not strongly smoked, but still have that essence. It took me a few tries but now I am starting to enjoy the mild flavour – especially when it’s naturally derived.
I got my hands on the Smoking Gun from Breville and now that I have control over how strong things are – I am even more intrigued. This unique device is literally a hand held gun that you can use to smoke your own foods without any heat. The way it is done is through lightly burning natural wood chips that are infused with flavour. My favourite is the mesquite, as someone that has been using mesquite for years in powdered form, I was drawn to this one immediately. If you are not acquainted with mesquite is has a sweet, caramel, deep woodsy taste to it. In smoothies and desserts it’s delicious. I wanted to pair this delicious flavour with something that that I knew would compliment quite well.
As I contemplated what I wanted to smoke first, coconut came to mind. I realized that there is not one coconut bacon product that I like. They are all too strong and leave a sickly after taste. It was settled, I had to try out my own version, so why not use none other than a plain coconut chip that I could toast and infuse with the tender robust flour of mesquite.
HOW TO MAKE MESQUITE SMOKED COCONUT CHIPS
To make this delicious recipe, all you need is 1/2 cup of your favourite plain (unsalted, unsweetened) coconut chips. Then place them into the Breville smart oven air on toast for two to three minutes, until slightly golden brown. Then place the coconut chips into a bowl with a plate on top.
Place a pinch of mesquite wood chips in the smoking gun wood burn chamber and fire it up. Then place the pipe into the bowl under the plate and smoke for 1-3 minutes depending on how intense you like the flavour. I’m a mild girl – so I only do it for about 1 minute.
Once complete, I like to add a pinch of sea salt and a dash cinnamon.
Take it to the next level by putting them over sliced apples and coconut butter. Like the tastiest apple pie you’ve ever had!
FATHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY + RECIPE DEMO DETAILS
In order to have the chance to win yourself or your father a smoking gun (value over $129.99). Just watch for details on my instagram, make sure you are following @marniwasserman!
In addition, the winner will be announced on my Facebook live video on Friday June 16 at 5 pm where I will be making coconut chips live and showing you just how cool this smoking gun is in person. Be sure that you like or follow my page so you can join in or watch it on replay.
I am super excited to share this contest and this recipe with you just in time for Father’s Day!
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SMOKE?
If you are a lover of smoked foods, then you will be thrilled to know that you can literally smoke anything and everything from drinks and cocktails, organic popcorn, organic cheeses, organic meat, fresh fruit or any pre-made dish. Using the Breville Smoking Gun makes this whole process just so easy and you can even use different flavoured wood chips including applewood, hickory or cherrywood. All of which will give your food it’s own unique flavour and aroma.
