ABOUT THE WOOD. A characteristic of wood is to sometimes crack when heated, so steel rods and nuts have been inserted along the ends to prevent the plank from splitting. Keep the rods tight, especially before each use, by using a 7/16 inch socket wrench. With use and careful attention, any small cracks that develop along the ends will soon disappear.
SEASONING YOUR CHINOOK PLANK is especially important when the plank is new and dry. Before each use, pour 1 tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil into the hollowed oval of the plank and use a paper towel to rub the entire oval and top four corners. Do not season the underside of the plank. After 8 to 10 uses you will not need to apply any oil as the plank will have become well seasoned and rich in color.
PREHEATING AND POSITIONING
your Chinook Plank is important so that the plank will be hot enough to cook from below as well as above. The oven rack should be set into medium-to-upper position. Place the plank on the rack, set the oven to "bake" and allow it to preheat for at least 15 minutes. Preheating also helps sterilize the plank before use.
COOKING TEMPERATURES
referred to throughout this book are recommended. While the temperatures may be slightly increased, be careful not to allow the plank to get so hot that it begins to smoke. Raising temperatures may shorten the cooking time but might not necessarily enhance taste.
COOKING TIMES
will vary with the amount of food on the plank. Extra time will be needed if recipes are increased or additional items are added while baking. For example, preparing two recipes together may require you to begin planking one recipe before the other is added.
USE WARM RUNNING WATER,
a little dish washing liquid and a soft bristled brush to clean the plank within an hour or so after use (preheating the plank before use will help sterilize it). If however, the plank is left uncleaned for long, here's a simple way to draw out any oil which may hold traces of residual odors. While preheating, turn the plank upside down. Every half minute, remove the plank, turn it back over and wipe the surface off with a paper towel. Repeat the process a couple times.