Bacon Appreciation Thread

[nvanprooyen]

First time ever. I've been reading up on some BBQ forums and I think I have a pretty good idea of what to do. Biggest thing is just going to be learning my smoker and keeping the temp steady.

That's what it's all about.

Keep the temp low, try and avoid temp spikes and make sure it's smokiest in the beginning. Once the meat starts to get done on the outside, it won't absorb smoke as well. I'd recommend starting with a Boston Butt (pork shoulder). It's fairly forgiving.

Find a good rub recipe, coat that shit with mustard (helps the rub stick), apply the rub, wrap it in plastic wrap and let that ***** sit in the fridge over night. Don't try to do the pulled pork variety on attempt 1, that takes longer and is a little more tricky to cook on the first go. Sliced is awesome anyways.

Try and keep the temp pegged at 200-225 degrees or so. Probably take 10-12 hrs or so for an averaged sized butt. Get a good meat thermometer to check the internal temp when it's close to being done. Don't do it too early as poking the meat releases some of the juices. The USDA released new guidelines on what is "done" for pork recently (old rules don't apply anymore): USDA Changes Guidelines for Cooking Pork . Count on about a 5 degree shift or so of "carry over" cooking as you let it rest.

That's my smoking brain dump. Hopefully I didn't **** anything up, already had about 5 beers Let us know how it turns out. And enjoy the glorious smoked goodness you created with friends and family!

 

[R_Mac_1]

I was going to do a Boston Butt, actually. The Fareway here has them for like 1.79/lb. I've already got some rubs (ordered a sampler pack from Oakridge BBQ, which had nice reviews and it was super cheap for the sampler pack).

I already have a digital meat thermometer. I'm just waiting on a couple therms to mount on my grill lid (at grate level) to monitor temps at both sides of the smoke box. With these cheap offset smokers I know the temps can vary from side to side so I want to monitor them. I have done a couple mods to mine so hopefully they will help.

I'm using a Char Griller smokin pro in case you're curious.