I have loved using my Mak smoker. Whether its ribs, whole fish, salmon, or any other meat - the smoker is proving to be both versatile and efficient. The one thing that tends to drive me a bit nuts, however, is the use of fruit juices. Various recipes talk about the benefits of "spritzing the meat with apple juice" to help add a delicious sweet layer, build the crust, and also contribute to that bronzed finish. The problem? We never have a jug of juice laying around because we just don't drink the stuff.

Enter... the juice box! For a nominal amount of money, you can buy a four or six pack of juices - each with a long expiration date that can last over a year. When you need some apple juice for, say spritzing your smoked ribs, you simply pull out a box, pop in the spray nozzle and mist away! I have found this simple hack to be the perfect balance between having what I need to cook, without having a big, honking bottle sitting in the fridge unused for weeks at a time.

What do you need?

1. The spritz top of a simple water spray bottle. Get one with a simple straw like bottom and not the wide bottom.
2. Your favorite 6-pack of juice! Sesame Street apple juice used for nostalgia... 

See what you think and give it a try!

r.