We use smoked salts on everything that begs for a nuance of mysterious flavor. The gourmet hardwood-smoked sea salts are little brown bombshells of flavor. Our simplified cheater is quick to make and lasts indefinitely. Add an herb or a spice to complement a special dish or drink, like Hazy Marys (page 33) rimmed in smoked salt with celery seed.

　　

Ingredients

2 tablespoons kosher or coarse sea salt

　　1 teaspoon bottled smoke

　　

Step 1

COMBINE the salt and bottled smoke in a small dish or a jar. Cover. The smoked salt will keep indefinitely.

　　

Variations

Step 2

Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika—sweet or bittersweet.

　　

Step 3

Add 1 teaspoon celery seed.

　　

Step 4

Add 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper and 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest.

　　

Step 5

Add 1 teaspoon curry powder.

　　

Step 6

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

　　Cheater BBQ