6:00 am this morning I checked the smoker. I realized that I used alder instead of hickory chips, but to good effect. I unplugged the big chief and let them cool in the early morning breeze (temps at @ 27 degrees F). Had the wife pull the racks and put the links in a big ziploc. Brought a couple links in to work, they were summarily consumed by the crowd and unanimously pronounced edible (actually the exclamations indicate a much higher endorsement).

Looks like I have a winner here. Chewier than slim jims, and about twice as big in diameter. I might have overseasoned them just a tad; they are a bit saltier than I care for, but that didn't slow the crowd down any.

Looks like I will have to crank out a few more batches if I want enough to put up for myself. I may have to charge folks for the next batch. Get them hooked on the first load, then I can extort my cut from now on. No mercy, heh heh heh.

Still no word from Sue, I will only be able to hold onto these for a while.