Here’s what I’ve learned about smoking food. You don’t need a big ol’ smoker (unless you’re smoking a turkey or rack of ribs or the like). You don’t even need a grill, although you can use even a gas grill for smoking. Got a stove? Got a cast-iron pan and some aluminum foil? Can you buy a box or bag of wood chips?

If so, then you, my friend, can take up smoking everything from vegetables, steak, pork chop or fish to — get this — chocolate chip cookies. I learned how from chef Andrew Bent and now you can do it, too. And with ease. Just check out my new story for The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Food section, which includes Bent’s recipes, and you’re ready for Labor Day and beyond!

Many thanks to the great Nel Cepeda for his beautiful photos!