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

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.