I have to share my simple, easy, simple (did I say simple?) way to smoke pork ribs and a chicken. I do this on a gas grill. YES! A gas grill. A small gas grill. Nothing fancy.

I understand the virtues of charcoal grilling/smoking, but I am a pragmatic man. The use of a gas grill is way simpler and quicker for us who have little time to devote to grilling. We can save the gas vs charcoal discussion for another time.

Here is what I do. I take the pork ribs and chicken and spritz with grapeseed oil then cover with the rub of your choice. I use a Gates BBQ product from our local HyVee grocery. Heat the grill to 300 degrees using only 1 side of the heating elements. I then use a cast iron smoking box and fill with soaked hickory chips or pellets (your choice). I have used both chips and pellets and there is a negligle difference. I put the smoking box over the heat side. On the indirect side, I place some foil on the grill (cooking side) to catch any grease so that I don't create any flare ups. Using a rib rack I place the ribs and chicken on the rack and let cook for 3 hours. You hardly have to check on them. You want to watch for your chips to continue smoking. If they run out, add more.

Note: you can lower the heat and cook longer if you like. Use a meat thermometer to check your inside meat temp.

It makes great pork ribs. Also remember that I am doing this with an inexpensive grill. I don't have a high end stainless gas grill. My point is this... anyone can do this. You can substitute alum foil in place of the smoker box. This project does not require much investment of money or time.

Enjoy!