Applewood

My friend Ev Hartman had a love for the smell of applewood burning.  He’d save it for the holidays and I remember fondly the smell his home had during that time of year. When the family sold the house I made point to stack a load of applewood in the side yard for the new owners to discover. Sort of my small way of paying a piece of Ev’s endless knowledge forward.  This past week I spent a little time in Smith’s Orchard collecting big applewood branches for our smoking purposes this summer. Even fresh cut and green, such a unique and comforting sweetness. And nostalgic. I smile at the memories every time I cut and burn apple.  Perhaps that’s why our brisket tastes so damn good.  Funny, Ev’s daughter now works inside the pie shop at Smith’s and we’ve never discussed this.