Apple Wood Smoked Asparagus

During the warm Spring and Summer months, tons of fresh veggies are available at our local farmer's markets. Always looking for new ways to use them, especially during those holiday cookouts, I discovered this simple way of preparing asparagus that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The flavor of the asparagus, spices, and the apple wood smoke are a delicious combination. The texture is perfect and they make for a fantastic summer side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches thick asparagus
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• 1 Tbsp Spice Rub (I used CaJohn's Jolokia)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Helpful Gear:

• Sharp knife (pictured is a Henckels Santoku)
• Pellet grill/smoker (pictured is a Camp Chef Pellet Grill)
• Apple wood Pellets

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Wash the asparagus well, pat dry, and cut off the bottom inch of the stalks. Toss in olive oil and season with spice rub, salt and pepper.

Place asparagus directly on the grate of the smoker, which should be preheated according to your manufacturer's instructions and set to high smoke. Allow to cook for at least one hour. If need be, the asparagus can be left on longer (smoking them longer won't adversely affect the flavor or texture). Those pictured were actually smoked for over two hours in order to time them with the Smoked Pork Shoulder Roast and Smoked Flat Beef Brisket pictured in the background. Be sure to check out those Instructables as well!

Remove from smoker.

Serve and enjoy!