I figured I'd stock up on some BBQ to vac pack for the next week or so, so I fired up the WSM, and really filled er up. Cleaning my seldom used lower rack took about 10 minutes to clean away the thick coating of char and sludge that built up on it over time.
Essentially, I went with about 18-20 pounds of pork shoulder on the lower rack. I had two small St. Louis ( pre-cut) spares on hand in the freezer, and I added to it one rack of baby backs. Since I knew the ribs were going to be done a lot sooner than the PP, I had about 20 or so ABT's waiting to take the place of the rib rack when they were done. Nice cook overall, definitely my best ribs to date. Much moister and more tender than my usual results. All without sauce, and this time no foil. Done in a bit over 4.5 hours holding at 250 with only one temp spike in the first hour, trying to get it above 200, shot it up to 400 for about 10 minutes
I almost always do my ABT's in the oven, but this time around, I smoked them, and will definitely do it this way in the future. The softness, and subtle smokiness they picked up was unbeatable, compared to the oven.
I used a combination of apple wood and a few small chunks of hickory, cooked over Lazarri mesquite lump. Never realized till now that they are based right here in the bay area.
So now I'm on a mission to stock up on some better quality hardwood charcoal. I've been on Nakedwhiz a lot before, and definitely appreciate their sage input. Trying to source some of their better evaluated products is like pulling hens teeth.
Now I'm curious to try Kingsford's Charwood, it seemed like they were rather impressed with it. I'm wondering if anyone here has had any experience with it, positive or negative?
I also think it's time to buy a 55 gallon plastic trash can to hold my charcoal in. I live a half mile from the beach,and the fog and moisture in the air really is slowing down my start times a bit. I often go out to start a cook, and the paper bag the charcoal is in is soft and pliable from all the moisture.
Found an Ace hardware that is getting some of the Charwood in tomorrow, so that will be my next purchase. Overall it seems like it's way better than all the other products that Kingsford sells.
Last question, doe's anyone have any input on Lazarri's Oak hardwood charcoal? I've been using the mesquite all along, but I cant seem to find anything on Nakedwhiz about the oak stuff. Wondering if it will burn longer or have less ash then the mesquite. Not too terribly concerned about high temp abilities for the WSM. Not sure what the concensus is regarding whether oak or mesquite burns hotter.
Too bad there isn't any good quality extruded coconut charcoal available nearby anymore. The stuff from the Philippines apparently was amazing stuff, now replaced with poorer quality molded product that is less dense.
Essentially, I went with about 18-20 pounds of pork shoulder on the lower rack. I had two small St. Louis ( pre-cut) spares on hand in the freezer, and I added to it one rack of baby backs. Since I knew the ribs were going to be done a lot sooner than the PP, I had about 20 or so ABT's waiting to take the place of the rib rack when they were done. Nice cook overall, definitely my best ribs to date. Much moister and more tender than my usual results. All without sauce, and this time no foil. Done in a bit over 4.5 hours holding at 250 with only one temp spike in the first hour, trying to get it above 200, shot it up to 400 for about 10 minutes
I almost always do my ABT's in the oven, but this time around, I smoked them, and will definitely do it this way in the future. The softness, and subtle smokiness they picked up was unbeatable, compared to the oven.
I used a combination of apple wood and a few small chunks of hickory, cooked over Lazarri mesquite lump. Never realized till now that they are based right here in the bay area.
So now I'm on a mission to stock up on some better quality hardwood charcoal. I've been on Nakedwhiz a lot before, and definitely appreciate their sage input. Trying to source some of their better evaluated products is like pulling hens teeth.
Now I'm curious to try Kingsford's Charwood, it seemed like they were rather impressed with it. I'm wondering if anyone here has had any experience with it, positive or negative?
I also think it's time to buy a 55 gallon plastic trash can to hold my charcoal in. I live a half mile from the beach,and the fog and moisture in the air really is slowing down my start times a bit. I often go out to start a cook, and the paper bag the charcoal is in is soft and pliable from all the moisture.
Found an Ace hardware that is getting some of the Charwood in tomorrow, so that will be my next purchase. Overall it seems like it's way better than all the other products that Kingsford sells.
Last question, doe's anyone have any input on Lazarri's Oak hardwood charcoal? I've been using the mesquite all along, but I cant seem to find anything on Nakedwhiz about the oak stuff. Wondering if it will burn longer or have less ash then the mesquite. Not too terribly concerned about high temp abilities for the WSM. Not sure what the concensus is regarding whether oak or mesquite burns hotter.
Too bad there isn't any good quality extruded coconut charcoal available nearby anymore. The stuff from the Philippines apparently was amazing stuff, now replaced with poorer quality molded product that is less dense.