Welcome to The Pit Log

Fire up the smoker—we're officially live! After years of perfecting recipes in my backyard in Waterloo and sharing them with friends, it's time to put it all out there. I'm Schmity, and if you're here, you probably share the same obsession I do: getting that perfect bark, nailing the smoke ring, and turning ordinary cuts of meat into something unforgettable. My best education has come from trial and error over a hot grill, and this space is where I'll document all of it—the wins, the disasters, and everything I've learned along the way.

Growing up in Iowa, grilling wasn't just a hobby—it was a way of life. Summer weekends meant firing up the grill, experimenting with rubs, and watching smoke curl up into the sky while good music played in the background. Over the years, I've tested dozens of techniques, burned through countless bags of charcoal, and fine-tuned my approach to the point where friends started asking for my "secret" recipes. The truth? There's no secret. It's about patience, attention to detail, and being willing to fail until you get it right. That's what this blog is about—sharing those lessons so you can skip some of the mistakes I made and get straight to the good stuff.

So what can you expect from The Pit Log? Real talk about BBQ. I'll be posting new recipes I'm working on, breakdowns of techniques that actually work, and stories from the pit that'll make you want to light up your own smoker. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's been doing this for years, there's something here for you. No gatekeeping, no pretension—just solid advice from someone who's been in the trenches (or should I say, the smoke). Let's make some great food together. And if you've got questions or want to share your own BBQ wins, hit me up. This is a two-way street.