AUSTIN ARTWORKS CENTER

“You can crank these things up high enough to sear a steak on,” Kunze confirmed. “It does take away from the smoking, but like I said, you can still use it as a heat source to do what you need to do.”

However, those who get into the practice of smoking need to be prepared for a wait. Meals can take anywhere between eight to nine hours and both have made practices of cooking more than they need at that moment in order to save some and freeze it for later.

But smokers these days will often make things easier for the cook in that technology lends a hand in the process. Steinbrink’s smoker can connect through wifi so that he can monitor the device from a distance if need be.

“How convenient is it to have your ribs going or a pork butt going and you’re out at Runnings and you are at the point where you see it and you want to bump the temp up?” Steinbrink asked.

The entire process of smoking, and most importantly the food after it is all said and done, has been a worthwhile endeavor for both Kunze and Steinbrink. It’s been a way to not only enjoy good food, but keep in contact as well.

“We text each other and show each other pictures of smoking,” Kunze said. “We have a blast with it, especially now with the virus. It’s something to do. You can still distance with each other and have a good time. It’s kind of a family event.”

For Steinbrink, it’s just been another added enjoyment for somebody who likes cooking outdoors.

“It’s been fun. Honestly, almost as much as I enjoy cooking. I enjoy cooking for people,” Steinbrink said. “I get a joy out of that. Even if I was cooking and I didn’t eat, I get almost as much joy out of that as if I ate what I cook.”

Cody Steinbrink shows off the first smoker he ever used before moving up to his current rig.

Featured Artist

My love of photography began as a child. My father had a darkroom in the basement. He developed all his photos of the trains that passed through Austin, photo Christmas cards, and photos for the Austin Police Department. He was also the projectionist at the Paramount. The color and light of the movies always fascinated me. I am an Austin native. My husband, Steve, and I have three

Dorothy Krob grown daughters and five grandchildren.

Artwork currently priced at $3.75 for After 27 years of cards, $2.50-$4.50 teaching, I now devote my for magnets time to seasonal and regional photography. We are fortunate to travel frequently in our retirement, so many of my cards have snapshots from places far and near. All of the photos on the cards are taken with my Canon Rebel. I also contract to take photos for websites. Florals in spring and in summer, fall leaf color, winter frosted trees, and ocean sunrise and sunset scenes are my favorite subjects. I also have a line of cards depicting Austin churches, schools, and businesses. Especially popular are the graduation cards for Austin High School and Pacelli. All the cards are blank inside, giving the buyer room to write a sincere message. The location where the photo was taken, is written on the back of each card.