Last fall I harvested a boatload of hickory nuts from our front woods. Instead of tossing the husks, I saved the husks / shells to use in grilling and smoking food. I had read that they impart a nice hickory smoked flavor and our family loves hickory smoked flavor!
Just recently we began to use these shells / husks in our outdoor grilling (we've been grilling with wood instead of charcoal and have been adding a small dose of the hickory husks each time).
We've done this with burgers, brats, hot dogs, bacon, pork tenderloins, and pork shoulder. It's all been wonderful! So.... If you like a smoky flavor in your meats and food in general, this trick is for you.