Winds in Tuscany

““See that fan kids? It simulates the winds in Tuscany.”

That’s how Lou introduced his backyard garage smoker set up to my kids who came with me to check on our pulled pork dinner in the making. As we entered Lou’s garage, smoke billowing about, my daughter couldn’t believe the intense whiff of cedar apple chips as they worked their magic on a pork shoulder (thanks Lou!) which had been rubbed with a sweet and spicy paprika and brown sugar concoction. The fabulous aroma, only accentuated by the efficient circulation of air from Lou’s fans, triggered some growling tummies.

“Is that tonight’s dinner?” my kids hopefully asked. I had to break the news gently that they’d have to wait until our weekend away in Vermont. But as they say, a little delayed gratification is good for building character. (Hopefully the same will apply to creating a bunch of foodies.)

So we waited and waited several weeks, three pounds of slow cooked pulled pork hidden away in my freezer. Out it came this past Friday, to feed two tired and hungry families eager to get in some good skiing before winter’s end. Better than any take out or restaurant meal after a long drive, Lou’s pulled pork served along with coleslaw and fries kicked our weekend off with a bang. Nine friends, with little to do but to heat and serve, sat around a table enjoying a bottle of fine red wine along with a hearty, comforting dinner, talking about the weekend to come.

I thought of my friend Lou, who generously smoked this succulent pork for my family and remembered doing my best to make it as communal an affair as smoking can be with my periodic visits to his garage throughout the day.