As you might imagine, I don’t have a lot of new things in my kitchen this month. There is one big thing new though – John bought a Bradley Smoker. I’ve been perving one when I went to Steve Cylka’s website, The Black Peppercorn. He raved about his smoker. I’ve wanted one for ages but couldn’t justify the price. I had a big smile when I saw this.
When I saw the smoker, it was almost like a present for having a sore back. 🙂 I immediately put a pork butt (fully rubbed) in there and it was divine!
My son wrote a post for me a few years ago about smoking pork butts for pulled pork. He chastised me then for making bbq pork in a slow cooker because there’s no bark. I didn’t know what ‘bark’ was back then. It’s the crunchy outer layer that’s gone crunchy from the rub and mop sauce and tastes delightfully smoky.
I wouldn’t have entered my pork in a contest but for my first time, I was really pleased with it.
It’s Joan’s birthday today. She’s John’s mother and has advanced dementia but she loves cake so I made this carrot and apple cake with brown sugar cream cheese icing.
I was watching TV and I saw someone roast a whole pumpkin filled with partially cooked rice, sultanas, chopped dried apricots, spices, butter and honey. I had a pumpkin sitting on the counter and decided to give it a try. I had no recipe so I went by intuition. It was really good. If you slice it into wedges, it opens like a flower.
I’m sure there’s a name for this and a recipe so if you have one, let me know?
Finally, here’s a photo of Charlie when he was a puppy. He was great at cleaning windows.
If you’d like to be part of In My Kitchen, just write a post about what’s going on in your kitchen this month and publish before the 10th of the month – either leave a comment with your URL or email me at maureen at gmail.com.
Wow, you are amazing to have pulled together a post of any form, Maureen. Do take care dear friend. xx PS love the smoker!
As a post script, thanks so much for hosting Maureen. Here is the link to my post which is now live http://www.bizzylizzysgoodthings.com/blog/in-my-kitchen-autumn-march-2016
Hi Maureen – so jealous of that smoker. I’m sure you’ll have fun with it. Just posted my IMK for this month: https://americanfoodieabroad.wordpress.com/2016/03/01/in-a-soup-kitchen/
I LOVE pulled pork that has been smoked with wood and gets a bark! YUM!
I am behind that purchase 100%.
We have a little smoker BBQ we call Black R2D2… we’re not racists, it’s black in colour… maybe that’s racist :0
Oh well, it makes amazing smoked meats.
Thanks for sharing
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Hi Mareen. I hope you are doing okay. Your pumpkin dish looks amazing. I watched Food Safari and saw an Armenian family make a dish called Ghapama http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/ghapama It looks similar to what youve made. Yummy!!!
Here’s my IMK post: http://milk-and.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/in-my-kitchen-march-2016.html
Thanks so much for hosting.
That’s it! I couldn’t remember where I saw it! LOL I’ll go check the recipe to see how far off I was. I know the pumpkin variety I had on the bench wasn’t what they used. 🙂
Thank you SO much!!
Maureen, thank you for sharing this even though I know you are going through such a hard time. It is such a treat to see an insight into you r life. My thoughts are with you and your family. You have all my details – call me ANYTIME! I sleep with my iPhone! Give John a big hug from me too please. N x
Your smoked pork and stuffed pumpkin sound quite inspired. I’ve made stuffed pumpkin as a Thanksgiving side dish, using various fillings. I used stuffing that would normally go inside a turkey when we cooked the turkey on the outdoor grill so it wasn’t stuffed.
Thanks for including me in this month’s “In my Kitchen.”
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I love smoked fish and fancy a nice smoker too! I am sure it will pay for itself in time.
I’ve always been curious about smokers. That pumpkin looks amazing I might just have to try it too. Here is my post for the month, thanks so much for hosting xx http://www.boiledeggsandsoldiers.com/2016/02/in-my-kitchen-march-2016/
I’m besotted by that cake! My husband is diabetic, so I rarely have cakes in the house. But I can dream!
My contribution to IMK is at http://miskcooks.com/2016/03/01/in-my-kitchen-march-2016/
I decided to skip IMK this month, as I did not feel like adding to your commitments – but I see that you are hosting like the pro you are on everything you do…
I made pulled pork in the crockpot a few weeks ago, now I am ashamed to admit it, but I loved it – I don’t see a smoker in our future, so guess what? You will have to invite us over at some point. HA!
cute cute Charlie… he still looks like a puppy, I think.
Love your In-My-Kitchen posts! That smoker!!! And that roasted pumpkin filled with rice is calling my name though. Love that you’re back to the blog, friend. XO
The Bradley smoker looks awesome. I’ve been debating getting one for awhile now.
I am behind the smoker purchase! A smoked pork butt definitely must have the bark. We here in the South take our smoked meats seriously. I don’t have a smoker, yet. We do have a new grill though that give a great flavor when we use the woodchips with it. Your stuff pumpkin looks fantastic as does the cake. Take care of yourself and feel better soon. Here’s my post http://feedingmy3sons.com/2016/03/01/in-my-kitchen-march-2016/#more-3006
I love carrot cakes, and carrot apple with the frosting sounds delish! That whole pumpkin is really something too, looks interesting and tasty. I’ll have to try!
Happy Birthday to Joan! Love both pictures of Charlie — he’s doing a great job of keeping an eye on the smoker in the first one. Would love to have a smoker like that. We sometimes “smoke” in the oven, which gives us a little bit of bark. Just a little, though. And the slow cooker method just doesn’t give you any bark at all, Although I’ve come to really like that method. Anyway, fun post — thanks.
You are so creative, Maureen!
Love the brown sugar cream cheese icing! I tried to get a bit on my finger to lick, but my computer would not cooperate. *sigh*
And I saved the best for last —- Loved the roasted pumpkin. WOW YUM!
Last but not least love the pic of Charlie as a puppy. Awwwwwww
So glad to see the smoker, Maureen. You do deserve it! Your inspired pumpkin flower does seem to overflow with goodness. (Your intuition is strong!) And your mother-in-law’s cake….oh my goodness, since I can’t have a slice of yours this second, I want to run out a buy a slice of carrot cake at a local bakery =)
P.s. Relieved to be assured that I’m not delinquent if I post my In The Kitchen by 02 March 2016 (USA time.)
I hope that your days aren’t as stressful as they have been. Please take your time and get back into blogging as you feel able to.
That smoker looks like a great present to give to yourself. I wish I could taste some of that smoked pork. 🙂
Charlie was such a cute, fuzzy guy.
I hope you are feeling better!
Happy Birthday to Johns Mother! Her Cake looks great!
What a gorgeous cake – and how kind of you to take the time to make it when you are so unwell.
Big hugs to you. x
Love what’s in your kitchen! I need a smoker, too! Geordie makes our windows just as clean, but if he saw that cake he might forget the windows! Happy Birthday to Joan! And that pumpkin is to die for!
Hi Maureen, oh the stuffed pumpkin looks amazing, beautiful carrot cake, so nice of you to make it for Joan…….Take care!
Hey Maureen, that whole post sounds (& looks) delightful.
Enjoy your smoker & good on you girl!! xx
Looks like Charlie was enjoying the smoker too 🙂 I bet everyone was salivating smelling the pulled pork smoking away. My IMK post is up https://www.plusatesix.com/2016/03/in-my-kitchen-march-2016/
Hi Maureen! What a lovely cake – I always make myself a carrot cake (my own recipe) for my birthday. We have two smokers, but not nearly as nice as yours! Bark is essential to good smoked meat! Really good bbq is hard to come by even here in TN. I’ve make baked squash filled with sausage and mushrooms and other good stuff, but I’ve never done a pumpkin…think I need to add that to my list of to-dos!,
A zillion years ago there was a fantastic bbq place on Kingston Pike with the smoker out the back. It’s probably not there any more but just thinking about it makes me salivate. I also remember the old Tic-Toc on Magnolia Avenue. I had my first bbq sandwich with cole slaw on top there. 🙂
Maureen, thank you for taking the time to host the In My Kitchen. My heart goes out to you and your family, and I am pleased that smoker has been able to bring a little joy into your life. My IMK post is
https://annelawson.wordpress.com/2016/03/02/in-my-kitchen-9/
Huge hugs.
Hi Maureen, not sure if its been already mentioned, but the pumpkin stuffed with rice is a very traditional Armenian dish we have call Ghapama, usually served during festive seasons. Its amazing!!
Someone did tell me that and gave me a link to the dish I saw on TV. My measurements were out a bit. It asks for a LOT of butter and honey, way more than I used. 🙂
I love the crispy bark on BBQ – and that cake looks amazing! Take care
Maureen so sorry, I was meant to let you know yesterday I did an IMK post! I will get back into the swing of things soon, I hope!
Have a happy day.
🙂 Mandy xo
All linked!
There’s nothing like pulled pork from a smoker. I have a smoker on my wish list … I’m starting to think my patience is due to be rewarded (finger tapping on desk). Really, that and cake? A tasty duo. Happy March!
I bet your pulled pork was amazingly good Maureen! 😀 I can see why you did it in a slow cooker though but yes bark is amazing too! 😀 How are you? I’ve been thinking about you.
So weird I am sure I left my IMK blog link here yesterday and its not showing.
http://allotment2kitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/little-welsh-nibbles-in-my-kitchen.html
I also left a comment about the flower pumpkin which I think is awesome.
I’m really sorry, there are no comments awaiting approval as most go straight on the blog if they’ve left previous comments. I’m very sorry. I have added your blog post to the list. Thanks!
Now that’s a meal! I’m sure even if Joan is having some issues she loved this dinner and will remember it. I’m not sure which sounds better because they all look tasty.
I’ve never heard of this smoker, I wonder if it’s just in Australia?
I certainly hope life is calming down for you and from this day forward you have sunny skies ahead!
No, it’s an American smoker. Steve Cylka from The Black Peppercorn co-wrote their cookbook. It was cool to look at the book and know who wrote it.
Here’s the NinjaBaker.com #InMyKitchen post : http://ninjabaker.com/node/827
(5 Secrets to Serenity & Girl Power #InMyKitchen)
P.s. Also, in my kitchen inspired by you Ms. Maureen is a huge hunk of lovely carrot cake….Maybe not as lovely as yours but certainly a close second =)
What a great post, thanks heaps! I’m sure your cake was exquisite!
I am curious about your smoker – sadly we don’t have room for one but I love smoked foods and would love to be able to smoke some myself. Luckily I would be able to try the pumpkin and it looks just so delicious, as does your cake. Hope your back is improving.
Have written up my IMK post at http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/in-my-kitchen-in-march-2016-and-travel.html
Please when you have time could you email me about your back. I’m interested in following up on my back problems. The smoker was a great gift to yourself and birthday blessings for Joan ?
Love the smoker…you deserve it! My husband would be quite excited to have one as well…so would I, as a matter of fact 🙂 The smoked pumpkin looks delicious and healthy and I can just imagine that pulled pork would be divine!
Here is the link to my IMK post, thanks so much for hosting!
http://tableofcolors.com/2016/03/03/vegan-chocolate-pudding-cups/
That smoker is insanely cool! Wow, I know you’ll have lots of fun with that in the days to come. So glad to see your post. Thinking of you fondly. 🙂
Hi Maureen:)
I just had to pop by to tell you how much I have enjoyed visiting those who have posted for your In My Kitchen event. It really is fun to see and hear the goings on in everyone’s kitchen. (it reminds me of chatting over your neighbor’s fence, lol)
It seems I may have come at a bad time though, are you not feeling well?
Love the smoker!!! I’m sure you will put it to good use:) As for that stuffed pumpkin, I’ve always wanted to try it but have never just did it! Kudos to you!
It is however, that brown sugar cream cheese icing that will be in my dreams this evening, oooo la la…
Feel better Maureen, and thanks for sharing and hosting this event. One day I hope to “play.”
That sure looks like a fancy smoker, enjoy using it and look forward to your creations. The apple and carrot cake looks delicious. Hope you feel better soon and thank you for hosting. This is my IMK post for March http://foodandtools.com/2016/03/06/in-my-kitchen-march-2016/ 🙂 🙂
What a fantastic idea with the pumpkin! I love the sound and look of that. Your birthday cake looks delicious too and I hope Joan could enjoy it. I’m also glad you could get the smoker as a present to yourself, given all the health challenges you’ve been navigating lately. Enjoy using it 🙂
I’ve just done my March IMK post, at http://www.bitesizedthoughts.com/2016/03/in-my-kitchen-march-2016.html
Hope you are doing well Maureen. Wow, that smoker is a great purchase and I am sure will be lots of fun this summer. That cake looks absolutely delicious!
I love the idea of that pumpkin! It looks so pretty served up like that too. That birthday cake looks delicious – I hope that my family bake me such delicious looking birthday treats when I get older. The smoker is such a great present – my husband would very much agree with you – I’m sure you’ll get lots of delicious use from it over winter too!
I’ve just done my March IMK post here: http://www.withafork.com/2016/03/whats-in-my-kitchen-march-2016.html
Wow – that smoker is impressive! Here is my link up for this month: http://goodfoodweek.com.au/2016/03/life-whats-in-my-kitchen-10/
Such great pictures, my husband is on his 4th smoker I believe, they don’t last long in our climate and he uses it tons!! I hope you get lots of wonderful use from it creating great recipes. My favorite of Ken’s is his smoked chicken but his jalapeno poppers are to die for too!!
A Bradley Smoker! Be still my beating heart 🙂 My dad has one, and I would kill for one but the husband has gone a different route and bought a Komado instead. He is still trying to work out how to smoke in it. Although I will admit the pulled pork is amazing. I’ll be interested to see what you do with it.
My IMK link is now up: http://thecookspyjamas.com/in-my-kitchen-march-2016/
oh that cake looks divine maureen. and that pumpkin is a treasure. have fun with your smoker. i am not keen on pork tho – something to do with it being the meat that is most like human flesh. maybe that is why everyone, even vegos like bacon! what a cute picture of charlie. what a sweetie he was and still is i’m sure.:) here is my link – http://sherryspickings.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/in-my-kitchen-march-2016.html
Oh my non meat eating husband will like that pumpkin idea! Here’s my post, if you could please include me in the list! https://napolirestaurantalert.wordpress.com/2016/03/07/in-my-kitchen-march-2016/
I definitely think you deserved the present to yourself, Maureen. Treat yourself kindly. Here’s the link to my post – it’d be great if you could include me on your list: http://www.foodwinetravel.com.au/food/in-my-kitchen/kitchen-march-2016/
Wow! I love the smoker. And the cake looks so tempting.
Btw, here is my post, Maureen: https://thenotsocreativecook.wordpress.com/2016/03/08/in-my-kitchen-march-2016/
Best wishes,
Jhuls
Hi Maureen, I too have wanted a smoker for ages but I have too many toys already.
At last I have done my post. All the very best for the month and I hope your health improves.
http://passionfruitgarden.com/2016/03/08/in-my-kitchen-march-2016/
Ha, love the photo of Charlie! The ricey pumpkin looks lovely too. And oooh, new kitchen mega-gadget!!! I’ve just published my March In My Kitchen, thanks again for hosting 😀
http://www.veganopoulous.com/2016/03/09/in-my-kitchen-march-2016/
Ho Maureen, love your kitchen companion mine always enjoys watching me cook. Hopefully I made the deadline with my post. Thanks for sharing. Serena
http://anythingbuttoast.com/in-my-kitche/2016/3/9/in-my-kitchen-7
Hi Maureen, hope you’re feeling a little better and your back is slowly on the mend. Please be kind & gentle to yourself 🙂 I remember watching Food Safari Fire and seeing the pumpkin rice dish – how amazing is your pumpkin! Here’s the recipe for you http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/ghapama If I show my husband that smoker I’m sure he’ll want one – maybe one day when we get our own place 🙂 Happy #IMK xx
http://missfoodfairy.com/2016/03/10/in-my-kitchen-march-2015/
Dear Maureen,
I hope it’s not too late to join in the ‘In the Kitchen’ for March – link as per below. Very excited on my first posting as I learnt about it from Sally’s My Custard Pie.
I love on your intuition to try new things just from watching TV. The pumpkin looks really yummy. Something I will try in my kitchen – great for after long run kind of meal.
Love the stuffed pumpkin idea, might have to try that myself.
We’ve been experimenting with green tea in the kitchen this month:
I’m a little late with In My Kitchen this month 🙁
Your smoker looks amazing! I would love to smoke some eggplant in it! Yum!
http://thoughtsofamoni.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/in-my-kitchen-march-2016.html
Love these posts, Charlie is so cute. That pumpkin looks delicious and so does that cake!
I completely missed the IMK this month?. Blogging has gotten away from me lately, I am just not motivated. Maybe once spring actually springs it will get me going. So for this month I will spend visiting kitchens.
Hmm. Maybe I’ll have to get in on the ‘In My Kitchen’ next month. Meanwhile, I hope you are making progress on your various issues– it takes a lot of investigation and work, doesn’t it? I’ve done the baked whole squash thing before, it looked beautiful until I tried to cut it, when it fell ingloriously apart. You seem to have had better luck with serving it!
Love the idea of my own smoker – I bet the pork was delicious….first time I haven’t posted as I feel like its a bit of the same with nothing new really in my kitchen although there is lots of activity with making passatta and pickling beetroots and chillis 🙂 take care, Jan x
I’m glad you have a new cooking toy. The smoked pork sounds very good! I have a smoker and haven’t tried pork in it yet. Your cake looked like it was a hit! Stuffed squashes get very popular here during the fall. Yum!