Broke the ice today

[Marc Massaro]

on my new to me WSM I picked up earlier this week off CL. Did a couple racks of ribs they were marked St Louis style. Here are the pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/6...t-72157627147631837/

Used regular Kingsord, with three small pieces of hickory (bagged from W-mart)
Gave myself high marks for flavor- blend of smoky, porky and rub was just right for me.
Texture I think was OK, not great...all were tender throughout (I cut the racks each in two). Of the 4 pieces, they were all a bit different...one thought was perfect, one I sauced and then hit over the coals direct was a close second, the other two were pretty good, not great.
Primary goal was not to make dry meat.
Did a tweaked version of a Lexington sauce I found here in the recipe section, dialed back the W-shire and Cayenne, and sauced the one with some sweet baby rays from the bottle.

It was rain on and off, so before even starting, I moved into the garage and cooked close to the door, opened doors and windows in the garage and moved air around.

Anyone cook in the rain successfully? Much nicer to be dry, just wondered how it would have gone.
Temp was pretty stable approaching 250, and I loaded way too much charcoal.

Was pretty fun- thanks Randy O for your coaching!

 

[Mike Hartwell]

Nice pic of a portugese onion roll...looks good.
Rain is harder on the cook, than on the cooker.
Once started, the WSM doesn't care much about rain, however the accompanying wind can be troublesome.
Here are some helpful hints.

 

[Charles Howse]

Had to press "Next" to get to the rib pix, but they look really good.
Nice way to break 'er in, eh?

 

[Mark R (LR)]

Your fire extinguisher run cracked me up. I made one of those runs before using a heat gun to remove a backsplash. That Portugese onion roll looked good too.

 

[M. Chesney]

Marc-

Rain does affect the ability to stabilize the temps. When it rains I use a large patio umbrella and a stand. I find this the best way to keep the temps where they need to be and keeps the WSM completely dry.

 

[Marc Massaro]

Mark R, I figured if something happened and I had the extinguisher at least I'd have a chance at not having to report a total loss to the forum

Umbrella and stand is a great idea, got my kettle going today in a steady rain with a golf umbrella, took in a little more smoke than I'd like to. Next buy is a standalone patio umbrella.

 

[Dave O (Alaska)]

did a pork butt this weekend and it rained off and on all day. I did notice that when the rain started the temp would drop and I would have to make small damper changes to compensate.
You shouldn't have much problem, just enjoy the process!

Dave

 

[James Harvey]

Have to agree regarding that sandwich. I'm prepping a beautiful brisket for tonight's overnighter but that made me want to go shopping.