In a world where the clock never stops ticking, Marlene van Nelson is the unstoppable force behind Trellis Legal, a small Lawrenceville law firm with many personalities and a heart for small businesses. Her background in agricultural science and her legal work within the farming community have strengthened her ties to ethical meat purveyors like Fallen Aspen Farms. Additionally, these connections have fueled her passion for smoking meats on “Tootsie,” her Weber Smokey Mountain smoker.
Smoked Maple and Scotch Old Fashioned Recipe
Marlene shares her insights and tips on Instagram under the handle @good.meats, and fortunately for me, she often shares her smoked creations at our gatherings. We both love a good theme, so after enjoying several smoked recipes, the idea for an entirely smoked and grilled menu emerged. The Up in the Smoke menu took shape, with each member of our friend group finding a unique way to contribute.
Our location was Hallowed Ground Homestead, Chris Kosin and Josh Koshar’s robust urban homestead across from the Allegheny Cemetery. Brimming with life, the garden contributed more than just a picturesque backdrop. Josh grew and picked the flowers and herbs for the table and cocktails. Meanwhile, the garden’s bounty also made its way to the table in the form of an heirloom tomato platter and an artful salad.
Behind trellises and vines, Chris repeatedly asked, “Do you want this from the garden?” (It was a food stylist’s dream!) Meanwhile, Andrew and Dylan mixed up the smoky mezcal welcome drinks, then kept the libations flowing. For my contribution, I baked a peach and blueberry cobbler with Scotch, which Marlene warmed on Tootsie to infuse it with that coveted smoky flavor.
Fittingly, the night ended with sipping Smoked Maple and Scotch Old Fashioned around the fire pit. The truest sign of a successful night is waking up the next morning and relishing the aroma of smoke still lingering on your clothes. Summer doesn’t get any better than that.
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Smoked Maple and Scotch Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Scotch
- 1 tsp smoked maple syrup
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Grilled peach halves
- Fresh herbs such as mint, sage, or rosemary
Instructions
- Mix the Scotch, smoked maple syrup, and bitters in an old-fashioned glass until the syrup is dissolved.
- Add a single large ice cube, then garnish with grilled peach halves and garden herbs.
Recipe, Styling and Story by Quelcy Kogel
Photography by Matt Dayak
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