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

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts

There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

31 Cashew Recipes That Go Beyond the Snack Bowl

Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.

How to Thaw Fish Fast

The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.

Béchamel Sauce

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

I Tried a Daily Wellness Drink for Better Digestion and Energy—Here's How It Went

A mix of turmeric, ginger, and milk thistle in Dose for Your Liver purports to support your liver health—but what does the research say?