THE CHIEF + HIS STORY

Luke Acker is Chief Fire Starter at FireWorks Barbecue.
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Luke's interest in barbecue began when he married Mickey- a born and raised Texan. Mickey spoke fondly of the barbecues she grew up with- meats smoked in the pit since the day before, old fashioned sides, fresh baked desserts and how everyone, young and old gathered together for a large, family style meal.
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Intrigued, Luke tried his hand at smoking meat on a charcoal grill; however, it was after he was given a small offset smoker that things really began to change. Cooking over a live, wood fire felt natural to Luke and he soon found himself tending fires and smoking meat throughout the night- what a 20 pound beef brisket requires!

The little smoker was quickly outgrown, so Luke built a 15 foot long traditional, offset smoker we named Betsy- after Davy Crockett's favourite rifle. With Betsy, Luke unraveled the delicate balance between wood, fire and smoke that defines traditional, Texas barbecue. We hosted cookouts regularly featuring Luke's smoked meats with Mickey's sides and desserts to willing family, friends and neighbours. Word about our tasty food spread and the journey to share our Texas Pit Smoked meats began.

photos: Betty Meredith and Meg Craig-Wiens