A simple question

[smoker22]

I just purchased a Masterbuilt 30" smoker. It has not been delivered yet but I am studying recipes.  I also purchased "Dadgum That's Good Too" by John Mclemore.  I am confused by some of the instructions. It seems that "smoking" and "cooking" are sometimes used interchangeably and "smoking" does not necessarily mean burning wood chips. For instance, in Dadgum Too there is a recipe for smoked smoked corn beef.  The instructions say to put meat in a pan, cover the pan and smoke for 4.5 to 5 hours. Does "smoke" mean "cook" in the smoker or does it actually mean to smoke the corned beef for that length of time?  "Smoking" with the meat in a covered pan doesn't seem to make sense. When the instructions say "smoke" for a period of time does it always mean to add wood chips for that actual length of time?

 

[s2k9k]

I've never read that book but it just sounds like a little mixed up terminology, probably not intentional.
In my opinion, smoking means have smoke rolling, hot or cold; and cooking is a very general term that can be used in many different ways. You can cook in a microwave.
You are correct that if you totally cover the food then there really isn't any point in having smoke rolling because it can't get to it.