BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Bradley Smokers => The Black Bradley Smoker (BTIS1) => Topic started by: Max on December 13, 2009, 08:19:10 AM

Title: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Max on December 13, 2009, 08:19:10 AM
Seasoned the OBS yesterday and today doing my first smoke. The menu for today is: baby back ribs, turkey drumsticks, jalapeño poppers, and homemade coleslaw.

Initial prep last night involved making the slaw, brining the turkey legs in a salt/sugar/thyme solution and dry rub on the ribs after removing the membrane. Pre-fridge pic:

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke01.JPG)

Woke up this morning patted the turkey legs dry:

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke02.JPG)

Everything sitting out to get up to room temp. Mixed up a little more dry rub (can't see the brown sugar in the pic):

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke03.JPG)

Made those legs a little happier:

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke04.JPG)

Had to split the ribs into two slabs to fit on the racks:

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke05.JPG)

Cored the jalapeños:

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke06.JPG)

Here's what is going in them: cream cheese, shredded cheddar, celantro, and green onion:

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke07.JPG)

After stuffing the peppers I recapped them and help with a toothpick:

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke08.JPG)

So far so good:

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke09.JPG)

Into the Bradley:

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke10.JPG)

I'm using mostly maple pucks but threw a couple of cherries in there too. It is taking a long time to get the OBS up to temp, but I expected that with the cold weather here in NY. Boiled the water before putting in the bowl which seemed to help. But I think it was taking the pic with the door open that did the most damage. Well, I'm glad I started early. Wish me luck. I can't wait to post the results!

Max
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: KevinG on December 13, 2009, 08:26:35 AM
How did you core those peppers like that. Do you have some type of drill bit that reams them out, or did you just dig around with a knife?
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: KyNola on December 13, 2009, 08:27:27 AM
Looking good Max.  If I might offer one suggestion.  Turkey legs on the bottom rack as you don't want the poultry juices dripping on your peppers.  Place the peppers on the top rack position, ribs in 2 & 3 and turkey legs on the bottom.  You can also wrap those peppers in bacon if you have any.

Great photos!

KyNola
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Old_Sarge on December 13, 2009, 08:30:44 AM
Great photos, and I'm glad you posted them because I totally forgot that I was going to make stuffed peppers, but there's still time!

I think you're going to have a fantastic meal on your hands (and cheeks and chin) in a few hours  ;D
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: ArnieM on December 13, 2009, 08:44:52 AM
Looks like you'll have enough for dinner Max  :)  I know what you mean about the cold.  It was 11*F here near Danbury when I got up this morning.
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: ArnieM on December 13, 2009, 08:47:07 AM
Quote from: KevinG on December 13, 2009, 08:26:35 AM
How did you core those peppers like that. Do you have some type of drill bit that reams them out, or did you just dig around with a knife?

I don'[t know how Max did it, nut there is are tools specifically for coring the Jals.  I got one 'thrown in' when I got my pepper rack.  Pic below.

(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx21/ArnieMauer/JRack.jpg)
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Hopefull Romantic on December 13, 2009, 08:48:18 AM
Quote from: KevinG on December 13, 2009, 08:26:35 AM
How did you core those peppers like that. Do you have some type of drill bit that reams them out, or did you just dig around with a knife?

Kevin, I use a special tool that core squash or eggplants when I do ABTs.

Great looking food there Max.

HR
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Hopefull Romantic on December 13, 2009, 08:49:34 AM
Kevin, Arnie just showed you what I was talking about.

HR
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Old_Sarge on December 13, 2009, 09:08:06 AM
Dang...I gotta get me one of those. I just slice the tops off and core 'em with my fingers under cold running water...
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: KevinG on December 13, 2009, 09:12:11 AM
Yup, I'm thinking I need to get me one of those tools too. Thanks for the Pic Arnie!
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Max on December 13, 2009, 09:13:13 AM
Thanks all for the input and encouragement.

Kevin - I cored the peppers with a narrow steak knife, carefully working my way around the "ribs" of the peppers, then stabbing the core and twisting to remove.

Ky - I thought about the position of the racks and the jalapeños catching the drips, after it was too late. I'll reposition as you recommend when I foil the ribs.

I'm getting a little worried about the temp as it has been over 2 hours and I'm only at 220 degrees, that's with the temp set to MAX. Might be a late dinner tonight. It's freezing rain outside and I'm going to have to open the door twice between now and eating time for the ribs.

Max
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on December 13, 2009, 09:17:02 AM
Welcome to the forum Max. Just want to add that if the filling starts to leak out on those ABT's you can stand them up on a rack. If they are smaller and slip through the holes, just insert a toothpick to prevent them from falling through.

(http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv290/HawkeyeSmokes/Hot%20ABTs%20Aug%2024%202009/HotABTs003.jpg)

It all looks great and gook luck with it.
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: KevinG on December 13, 2009, 09:19:42 AM
Good idea there HS!
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: ArnieM on December 13, 2009, 09:36:27 AM
Max - If you happen to have a brick handy, cover it in foil and put it in a 450 oven for half an hour or so.  Then CAREFULLY slide it in to the right of the water bowl.  It should give a small kick to the heat and help with temp retention when you have to open the door.

I don't think my OBS has ever gotten over 235-240 even in the warm weather.
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: KyNola on December 13, 2009, 09:48:17 AM
Max,
220 is a good temp, especially for those ribs!  You're doing great my friend.

Those turkey legs looked really good with that rub on them too.

KyNola
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Max on December 13, 2009, 10:12:20 AM
Ok, just hit 225. I'm going to try and keep it there. A little later I'll open her up, foil the ribs, rotate the racks, and refill the bowl with some boiling water. But I think I'll stop feeding the smoke at that point. I don't have a brick to put in, oh well. If the jalepenos look done, I'll take them out for an early snack but my guess is they won't be ready.

Now working on making BBQ sauce on the range top and mixing a box of cornbread.

Max
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: squirtthecat on December 13, 2009, 10:26:47 AM

If you can scrounge a cast iron pan (9x9 or so), you can put that in the bottom of your BS to help retain heat..  That's what I use in mine.
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: hal4uk on December 13, 2009, 10:29:10 AM
That all looks great, Max!

And I agree with KyNola...
(220 is my target temp for ribs...)

----
Wonder how a cast iron skillet full of lava rocks would do?
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: squirtthecat on December 13, 2009, 10:37:59 AM

I've actually got a Le Creuset enamel over cast iron lasagna pan that would cover the bottom of my Bradley - with some torch work on the handles..   It's a heavy beast.  The Mrs would kill me, though.  (even though it's never been used!)


Max, this is what I came up with.   That is a 7x7" foil pan insert from Walmart.  It holds about 50% more water than the Bradley pan.

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CbvAIVzmFFM/Smz4mhO60MI/AAAAAAAA5BQ/oitT6tIKASM/s800/0726091750-00.jpg)
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Tenpoint5 on December 13, 2009, 10:42:13 AM
Looks great Max. Just remember to move them legs down under the Japs. That last picture almost looks like an advertisement for a Bradley. With the inside looking so clean and shiny!! Wont stay that way long I'm thinking
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Max on December 13, 2009, 11:05:58 AM
Thanks guys. Here's the latest:

Pulled out the ribs, here's what they looked like before splashing with apple juice, wrapping in foil, and returning to the smoker.

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke11.JPG)

The turkey legs I just moved to the bottom rack, here's what they looked like. (I'm a little concerned about them drying out.)

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke12.JPG)

The jalepenos... well they tasted good. But I think having them on the bottom rack was a mistake, they seem overcooked to me. But the cheese did not leak out and the flavor was there. Maybe a bit too hot even after removing all the seeds and ribs. Must have got a hot batch.

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke13.JPG)

Max
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: KyNola on December 13, 2009, 11:30:47 AM
All looking great Max.  Great first time using it.

Those ribs are going to be killer.  Start looking for the meat to start pulling back from the end of the bones.  That's when you know you've got them where you want them.

Great job Max!!

KyNola
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: hal4uk on December 13, 2009, 12:02:30 PM
Those ribs are coming along very nicely!

Like KyNola said, when the ribs get there, they'll be pulling back from the bone - like 1/4-1/2 inch.

The ABTs look to me like maybe they cooked a little too fast (?)
Or too long?  But if you cooked them too long, I think the heat flavor would have totally dissipated.
One of these "ABT afficionados" will be along shortly... ;-)
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Tenpoint5 on December 13, 2009, 12:24:18 PM
Since you brined the turk legs they should be fine. That Japs look black in the pics like they got too much heat on them too fast. A quick wrap with Bacon will take care of that. Ribs are looking good after stage one. I usually do ribs at 225 But that shouldn't make a lot of difference. Like the guys said the ribs will tell you when they are done. When you get to the third step and the hour is up look at the ribs if they haven't pulled back on the bone 1/4 - 1/2 inch from the tips let them go another 1/2 hour then check again.
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Max on December 13, 2009, 01:21:37 PM
The turkey legs came out great. They were fully cooked and moist. I pulled/shredded the meat apart and put into a container with my BBQ sauce and some apple juice. Gonna eat the ribs tonight and have pulled turkey sandwiches tomorrow.

The jalapenos were almost black. I think this was caused by them being on the bottom rack, catching the drippings and being close to the heating element. I'll know for next time.

The ribs are still in, one slab looks like it's already pulled back, the other not so much. But if they are as good as the turkey legs I'll be happy.

Max
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Tenpoint5 on December 13, 2009, 01:41:25 PM
To quote my buddy Kynola "Reel him in Boy's, He's hooked!!"
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Max on December 13, 2009, 04:17:24 PM
Everything is done and was delicious.

Turkey legs came out moist and flavorful.

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke14.JPG)

I pulled them apart to use for sandwiches tomorrow. Sorry I didn't wipe the bowl before taking the pic.

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke14a.JPG)

Ribs came out great. Not fall off the bone, I actually got lucky, they had a little pull to them and the meat came off nice and clean.

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke15.JPG)

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke16.JPG)

Homemade BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and some Jiffy cornbread.

(http://www.abstractsurroundings.com/1stsmoke/smoke17.JPG)

Can't wait until the next smoke.

Max
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: FLBentRider on December 13, 2009, 04:24:22 PM
Very Nice First smoke Max!
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on December 13, 2009, 04:51:02 PM
Congrats to a great looking 1st smoke Max! So what can we look forward to seeing next?
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: KevinG on December 13, 2009, 05:33:03 PM
Looks great Max!
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Tenpoint5 on December 13, 2009, 05:50:14 PM
Just don't let everybody in the world especially your family know how easy it is to do in the Smoker. You didn't get lucky with the ribs you slaved over the smoker all day long to get them to do that. Where is our buddy Caney and his Bradley pledge.
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: KyNola on December 13, 2009, 05:53:15 PM
Max Max Max, great job!

As 10.5 said before I could, reel 'em in boys, we've hooked another one! :D

Seriously good looking food Max.

One thing, you have to promise that you will NEVER tell anyone how stupid easy this is.  CaneyScud will be along shortly to give you the official secrecy swearing in ceremony.

KyNola
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: Max on December 14, 2009, 06:25:32 AM
Please, any meal that isn't ready to eat until almost 24 hours after you've started preparing for it, is not easy. But it's worth it!
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: classicrockgriller on December 14, 2009, 11:36:35 PM
Max, NICE JOB! The good news is it all gets easier from here.
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: drano on December 15, 2009, 03:38:43 PM
Max,

Well, with that outstanding spread, obviously this is your second OBS--you've been lurking here for a few years, perfecting your technique.  Now you make your "first post" thread, showing a meal that makes us all drool. 
OK, enough fun jabbing. 
That turned out AWESOME!  Glad to see such success on your first smoke. 
OK, now get some more smokes thru that thing to take the shine off the inside!
drano
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: starship on December 23, 2009, 12:01:07 AM
Quote from: drano on December 15, 2009, 03:38:43 PM
Max,

Well, with that outstanding spread, obviously this is your second OBS--you've been lurking here for a few years, perfecting your technique. 

I wondered about that aslo, was our smokers EVER that clean?  Very good looking food there!
Title: Re: 1st Smoke with my new OBS *pics*
Post by: classicrockgriller on December 23, 2009, 12:22:46 AM
Quote from: starship on December 23, 2009, 12:01:07 AM
Quote from: drano on December 15, 2009, 03:38:43 PM
Max,

Well, with that outstanding spread, obviously this is your second OBS--you've been lurking here for a few years, perfecting your technique. 

I wondered about that aslo, was our smokers EVER that clean?  Very good looking food there!

I knew he had been tricking Us. J/K GreatJob.