[kim shook]

Mr. Kim is finally putting his Christmas smoker together with the intention of smoking a pork butt today. Last night was rub and sauce searches and tastings. He seems to be having fun. I'm hoping that he'll document it here and on my blog. My question is the paraffin blocks that are called for with the charcoal. What purpose do they serve. He's been out twice this morning for various things that were missing in the packaging and has decided to just go with lighter fluid instead of the blocks. But we were wondering.

[Dana]

I don't know anything about parrifin blocks - may Ron will weigh in after his competition today. I know I don't like lighter fluid. We use a chimney starter. It's very easy, quick, and you don't get that lighter fluid taste.

[Corgi Man]

I believe it's "paraffin starter blocks." They are recommended for fire ignition since they don't impart the smells and tastes of chemical or petroleum starting fluids to the food you're smoking.

[Dana]

Those sound much better than lighter fluid. I'll look for them.