Name: Cold-Smoked Chicken Legs in a Chinese Cure
Cook time: 1 hr
Total time: 14 hr (includes curing and smoking)
Yield: Makes about 3 pounds
Ingredients: 6 cups cold water; 4 whole star anise; 6 (1/8-inch-thick) slices fresh ginger; 1 (3- by 1/2-inch) strip fresh orange zest; 1 cup kosher salt; 2 1/2 tablespoons Insta Cure No. 1 (curing salt); 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 3 cups ice cubes; 5 whole chicken legs (with thighs attached; 3 lb); a 1- to 2-gallon plastic storage tub; a 22 1/2-inch kettle grill with a lid and a hinged top rack; a 12- by 8- by 2-inch disposable aluminum roasting pan; 6 cups hardwood sawdust (3/4 lb; not from treated wood); charcoal briquettes; a chimney starter; long metal tongs; an instant-read thermometer

Cooks' notes:

•Chicken can be cured, rinsed, and patted dry 1 day ahead of cold-smoking and chilled, wrapped in plastic wrap.
•Chicken can be cold-smoked (but not baked) 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before baking.
•Baked smoked chicken keeps, chilled, 1 week, or frozen 2 months.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.