Recent content by DarrenC

In my mind, a big part of the 'magic' of Carolina BBQ is the showmanship involved in the carving - pulling larger pieces by hand and then elaborate chopping, usually with two big cleavers on a huge butcher block. I can't imagine going this automated route with a product I had just invested all...

Probe thermometer through the vent suffices just fine, and you actually get the temp on the food side of the lid when cooking indirect.

What about just touching up the rust spots, drilling a couple of holes and bolting on some kind of all-steel drawer pull?

I've found they peel better after resting in a brown paper bag.

For the most part I find a hot fire, a wire brush and the ash sweeper do a fine job of keeping things clean and sanitary. Years ago during a particularly heavy competition season I got paranoid about how grungy my WSMs were looking and had the bright idea to take them to the car wash and...

I can't say I've ever tried it, but i imagine you could get pretty close making your own by shredding potatoes with a box grater, adding a little seasonings and maybe some breadcrumbs or cracker meal for binder...

Hang in there!! You've got a pile of thermal mass jammed in that little cooker. As long as you've taken the necessary precautions to avoid running out of beer, just enjoy the wait. It will be worth it!

Oh yeah Baby!

You can never go wrong with ribs!

Although they're not the same, croquettes are also tasty little treats. If you want to do them in the grill try a skillet, pizza stone or even a sheet pan.

Give it a go! Try setting the point on top of the half-flat.

This I have to get better at. I find it very hard to shut off my competitor's worldview, so when we have family or close friends for dinner I catch myself completely missing out on the company and conversation because I'm mentally running a checklist of things I could/should have done better. I...

I love this. I've often said it's not about the cooking, it's about cooking for people. Without BBQ and the associated community my introversion and social anxiety would have me living in a very small world indeed. EDITED TO ADD: I don't know the nature of your back troubles, but at 6'4" the...

All things being equal, the simplest solution is usually the right one. You'll never go wrong with a decent set of gloves. You're going to need them as soon as you get the lid open anyway...

Bob - I've noticed you mention Mr. Soo frequently. His mentorship must have had quite an effect on you. Mr. Minion did the same for me a generation ago and I've never forgotten it. Why no interest in cooking for sport? You certainly seem to have the chops for it.